Northern Navajo Royalty - More than Beauty

Poised Navajo grace.

Navajo glamour at its finest.

That’s what many may think it takes to become a Navajo princess or queen. But, becoming a Miss Northern Navajo (MNN) or Miss Northern Navajo Teen (MNNT) is much more than that.

Yes, winners always look elegant in their beautifully-adorned traditional Navajo attire and dazzling turquoise and silver jewelry, but their true beauty comes from within. Speaking with confidence, contestants must be knowledgeable about a range of traditional Navajo values and teachings to modern-day issues.

As ambassadors of the northern agency of the Navajo Nation, it is vital that they know the traditional history of the Navajo people. The title holders share their cultural knowledge with the younger generation, which will help preserve the unique heritage of the Navajo people for future generations to come.

Many past title holders have launched very successful careers in the health field to starting their own business to becoming political leaders and the like.

Moreover, past contestants rave about how honored they were to enter even if they did not win.

They were honored to be part of the “Oldest and Most Traditional Navajo Nation Fair - the Northern Navajo Fair,” which has been held for more than a century.

The 113th Northern Navajo Fair will be held on October 1-4, 2026 here in Shiprock, New Mexico.

However, some events such as the YeiiBicheii Ceremony and the Miss Northern Navajo (MNN) and Miss Northern Navajo Teen (MNNT) Pageant begin earlier than that.

On Tuesday, September 29th, beginning at 9 a.m., there will be a Navajo food competition west of the Phil Thomas Performing Arts Center. This event will include MNN and MNNT.

There will be business interviews on Tuesday, September 29th, but this portion of the pageant will be closed to the public.

Beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30th, the MNN and MNNT pageants will have a contemporary skills and talent competition at the Phil Thomas Performing Arts Center.

On Thursday, October 1st beginning at 11 a.m., both pageants will have a traditional skills and talent competition at the Phil Thomas Performing Arts Center.

The coronation for Miss Northern Navajo and Miss Northern Navajo Teen will be on Friday, October 2nd at the Phil Thomas Performing Arts Center.

The age category for Miss Northern Navajo is 18-24 years old and the age category for Miss Northern Navajo Teen is 14-17 years old.

The contestants vying for the coveted Miss Northern Navajo are: Leshaunie Hadley of Shiprock, New Mexico; Reniah Manygoats of Two Grey Hills, New Mexico and Keenan Jim of Hogback, New Mexico.

Contestants running for Miss Northern Navajo Teen are: Kiara Jim of Shiprock, New Mexico; Kimora Dee of Red Mesa, Utah and Nevaeh Tsipai of Two Grey Hills, New Mexico.

Pageant Event Coordinator Lynnelle Washburn-Henry stated, “My goal as the pageant coordinator has always been to provide an exciting event for our youth and communities. Something that they can each feel pride in competing, watching and learning from. As well as providing a space for them to openly teach and learn about the Dine’ language and culture.”

This elaborate Navajo cultural showcase is definitely a must for Northern Navajo Fair-goers who want to capture the traditional and enriching spirit of the Navajo people.

Be there early because seating is limited.

Remember to pray and have a safe and enjoyable time at the 113th Northern Navajo Fair Pageant!