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Niagara Rockbridge crowned Miss Navajo Nation 2021-2022

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Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, First Lady Phefelia Nez, and Second Lady Dottie Lizer joined Miss Navajo Nation 2019-2021 Shaandiin Parrish, as she crowned the 2021- 2022 Miss Navajo Nation, Niagara Rockbridge of Tselani/Cottonwood and Pinon communities, during a live virtual coronation ceremony at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, Ariz. on Sept. 11.

Niagara Rockbridge is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House), born for Hashk’ hadzohi (Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line), her maternal grandparents are Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan), and her paternal grandparents are Tó’áhani (Near the Water Clan). Her parents are Deborah and Gary Rockbridge.

“On behalf of the Navajo Nation, we congratulate each of the three contestants for successfully completing the most prestigious cultural pageant in the world. They all showed compassion, love, and the teaching of T’áá Hwó Ají Téego, or self-reliance and self-determination, during the week. We appreciate each of them for their bravery and confidence for sharing their values, beliefs, and teachings,” Nez said. “Congratulations to the new Miss Navajo Nation, Niagara Rockbridge, her family and everyone who supported her through the competition.

We are confident that you will serve and represent our Diné people with great honor, strength, and compassion. We also congratulate the communities of Tselani/Cottonwood and Pinon, Arizona, for raising a strong and resilient young Diné woman, Niagara Rockbridge.”

Shandiin Hiosik Yazzie, of St. Michaels, Ariz., was honored as the Miss Navajo Nation 2021-2022 First runner-up. Oshkaillah Lakota IronShell, of St. Michaels, Ariz., was also recognized as the Second runner-up.

Parrish is currently enrolled with the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. She anticipates graduating with a masters degree in May 2022. She will also return to her work with the Arizona State Treasurer’s Office.

“On behalf of the Navajo Nation, we honor and thank Miss Navajo Nation Shaandiin Parrish, her family, and everyone who provided support and encouragement during her reign. We wish her the very best and continued success as she pursues the next milestone in her educational endeavors. Thank you for all of the wonderful work and contributions for our Navajo people. May you be blessed many times in return. Ahe’hee’,” Nez added.

“Shaandiin has been heart warming and provided hope for many families, children, and elders during the pandemic. Her smile, love, and faith shined on the frontlines. She will always be a leader to the Navajo Nation. We pray for her success and health,” Lizer said.

During the coronation ceremony, the Office of Miss Navajo Nation and the Office of the President and Vice President also unveiled the new Miss Navajo Nation Crown, which was made by Navajo silversmith Matthew Charley, of Bread Springs, N.M. The crown was designed to signify the resilience and strength of a Diné woman. It is deep stamped and inlaid with white shell and turquoise.

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