As the 2015-16 Miss Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Queen, I’m a cultural ambassador for my Native people, and of course the Ceremonial itself. I promote traditional preservation and practices, and also educate people about the Gallup Ceremonial festivities.

I invite everyone to come and take part in this long-time event and encourage artists to enter their art work.

My name is Kahlaya Rose McKinney. I’m born of the Owens Valley Paiute Tribe of Bishop California. My father is Lakota Rosebud Sioux. My maternal grandfather is Navajo; he comes from the Red Running Into Water People Clan. And my paternal grandfather is Muskogee Creek.

I’m 20 years old, and I’m studying psychology at San Juan College in Farmington.

I’m original from a small town called Beclabito, but I live and was raised in Shiprock.

Last year, around this time, I decided to run for Miss Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Queen, we had about a weeklong competition starting on Wednesday with our self-introductions, impromptu questions, personal interviews, and the Miss Photogenic competition.

The next day, we had our traditional talent competition at El Morro Theatre, and we also walked in the night parade that evening.

On Friday, we had our modern talent competition at Red Rock State Park. And lastly, Saturday morning, we walked in the morning parade and the crowning for the 2015-2016 Miss Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Queen was that night.

When I was chosen as Miss Gallup Ceremonial Queen, I was full of excitement and motivation to get my year started as an ambassador for my community, the Gallup community, and surrounding communities as well.

As Miss Gallup Ceremonial Queen my duties were to promote traditional preservation amongst our native people. I go to different events through my time as Queen and talk with the people and share my teachings and stories with them about how great it is to be Native American and how, as Native people, we need to not only succeed in today’s westernized society but also practice our traditional ways at home.

I am looking forward to this year’s pageant. I’m looking forward to seeing who the contestants are and to seeing their talents and traditional practices. I’m looking forward to meeting their families and spending time with them this year.

I’m excited to see who the new queen will be this year. I know she’ll do an excellent job and have an amazing journey.

Gallup Ceremonial is an annual event that showcases Native American artists and their beautiful handmade artwork. Ceremonial has a wide variety of traditional dances such as a contest powwow, song and dance, nightly night performances, and traditional evening and night parades. We also have a rodeo that coincides with the Gallup Ceremonial festivities, along with many other events.

By Kahlaya Rose McKinney