Northland Pioneer College (NPC) held the first annual Miss Native American Pageant at the college’s Performing Arts Center at the Snowflake/Taylor campus on May 17, 2025. Three contestants competed for the crown of Miss NPC Native American Queen, earning scholarships of $1,000 per semester for the first-place title and $500 per semester for the runner-up for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. The event was orchestrated by NPC’s Eagle Club and led by the club’s president, NPC student Jillian Henry of Whiteriver. The Eagle Club is a student-led group celebrating cultural awareness and community at NPC.

Royalty from throughout Arizona attended and participated in the event, including Daelyn Nez, Miss Native American University of Arizona, who is also an NPC alumnus. Nez said, “When I was contacted about the event, I was excited to get involved. As pageant holders, we have a unique opportunity to represent our community, and being an NPC alumnus, I wanted to come to support the girls in their journey of starting this program at NPC.” Nez was joined by this year’s White Mountain Apache Queen, Charity Johnson, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe’s princess, Oceaonna Little Star Armstrong. Lorena Cosen, the inaugural Miss San Carlos Apache Tribe, also joined in support of the event and pageant contestants.

Three contestants competed, showcasing their heritage through traditional dress, talent, and public speaking. They shared the rich history and traditional significance of their garments and dance performances, relaying powerful stories of strength and grace. The judges were made up of a panel of faculty and staff from NPC.

Trina Damon, of Hon-Dah and a student at NPC’s Whiteriver Center, was crowned the first-ever Miss NPC Native American Queen. “I was shocked,” she said. “I love doing this and can’t wait to represent the college as the first NPC Native American Queen.” Fellow Whiteriver contestant, Taysa Lee, took runner-up and was named NPC’s Miss Native American Princess. Third place went to Celora Coochyamptewa of Hopi.

“We would like to thank everyone who participated in this event and who supported these contestants,” said Shandiin Deputee, NPC faculty in college and career preparation, and the lead staff advisor for NPC’s Eagle Club. “We are looking forward to what these young ladies do to represent their communities and NPC and couldn’t be prouder.”