Applied studies major Jaymeé Moore wins the crown of Miss Indian NAU 2009. Jennifer Hilderbrand / The Lumberjack

Six contestants of Native American descent competed for a $1,600 scholarship and the crown of Miss Indian NAU on Nov. 20 in the Cline Library Assembly Hall.

In honor of Native American Heritage month, Native American Student Services hosted the Miss Indian NAU 2009 pageant. Jaymee Moore, an applied indigenous studies major, walked away with the title.

“I would like to thank my family, all these young ladies [fellow contestants], my clubs, and my Applied Indigenous Studies department for being like my family,” Moore said.

The contestants included Moore, Shinae Reid, Doris Benally, LeFanya Bedoni, Rosanna
Jumbo and Leandra Thomas. The event consisted of three categories: contemporary dress, in which the contestants would also explain why they wished to be Miss Indian NAU; a traditional dress and talent portion; and an impromptu question.

The contestants first competed in the contemporary dress category and each had the opportunity to describe her outfit. Reid, an English and secondary education major, said she picked her sequined top because it reminded her of her grandfather, who had once told her she would shine like the sun.

“I want to be Miss NAU, because not only would winning mean stepping outside of the box, it would give me a chance to really do something for my native and local community,” Reid said.

Thomas, a Navajo language and elementary education major, said she wished to hold the position because it would enable her to become a voice heard among native people, families and communities.

“I want to be a role model, to show the younger generation how to become respectable young women,” Thomas said.

Moore said if she were to be chosen as Miss Indian NAU, she would focus on leadership, higher education and cultural understanding.

“These days, especially for our people, education is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity,” Moore said.

During the traditional dress and talent portion, every contestant demonstrated cultural attire and a talent that pertained to it. Singing, corn grinding, explaining the history of the tribes and dancing were the other events.

Thomas sang an original song about her grandparents.

“It is because of them we’re even here today,” Thomas said.

Following this segment was the final category: the impromptu question. Each contestant was asked how she envisioned students using the future Native American Cultural Center.
Bedoni, a community health profession major, said the center would provide a good place to find resources for schoolwork and scholarship information, do homework and meet new people.

Jumbo, a first-year construction management graduate student, said not only would the center make as a good meeting space for clubs, it would be a source of inspiration for students.

“Students could walk up and see this building, and they would feel more motivated,” Jumbo said.

Moore said the cultural center would also be a great place for guest speakers and social gatherings but not necessarily just for Native American students.

“It could also be a great place to go for non-indigenous students who are curious and want to learn,” Moore said.

After the impromptu question, the judges deliberated before bringing all of the contestants onstage to announce the winner. Miss Congeniality was awarded first to Bedoni, followed by the First Attendant, Thomas, who won a $1000 scholarship.