Round Rock native crowned Miss Navajo Nation

The community of Round Rock, Ariz., has something to celebrate as Tashina Nelson became the 2009-10 Miss Navajo Nation Saturday night before a standing-room-only audience at the coronation ceremony at the Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena.

"I just want to say thank you, ahee'hee shima doo shizhe'e,'" Nelson said as she quivered with emotion. "Shimasani, ahee'hee' nitsaogo. I am the second Miss Navajo crowned for the community of Round Rock. This crown is for the community. I promise to represent my community the best way that I can."

Nelson is the second Miss Navajo to represent the northern Arizona community that is known by two names: Tsenikani which translates to "Flat Plated Rocks" and describes the large Monument-Valley-looking butte west of the chapter house; and Bis Doolizh Deezahi which is translated to "Blue Pointed Mesa" that describes the small mesa south of the chapter house.

Former Miss Navajo Sevaleah Begay, now Tsosie, was the first Miss Navajo Nation from 1994-95 to represent Round Rock.

"I don't know how to explain it," Nelson said. "I'm shocked. I'm still trying to breathe."

Without much time to let the moment sink in, well-wishers continued to grab her attention with hugs and lots of picture taking.

Nelson is the eldest daughter of Sam and Kathleen Atene, also of Round Rock. She is Ma'ii Deesgiizhnii (Coyote Pass Clan) born for Tlizi Lani (Many Goats Clan). Her maternal grandparents are Kinlichii'nii (Red House Clan) and her paternal grandparents are Kinyaa'aanii (Towering House Clan).

She has three sisters; Santana, 13; Shania, 10 and Katanya, 4.

Once the coronation ceremony had concluded, Nelson was swarmed by family, relatives, friends and community members, all congratulating her.

When asked of his thoughts on his daughter's accomplishment, Sam Atene only offered, "I don't know...I can't explain how I feel right now."

"I'm very happy right now," said Kathleen, Tashina's mother. "Just hearing the announcement that she is Miss Navajo, I was so overwhelmed. I was so overwhelmed with joy and excitement."

Nelson's parents said this was not her first time competing in a pageant.

When Tashina was a fourth grade student she ran for Miss Lukachukai and placed third runner-up. She also tried competing for Miss Many Farms where she finished as second runner-up.

Family members were overjoyed their Tashina is now the ambassador of the Navajo Nation. Kathleen recalled running for Miss Arizona when she was younger and had wanted to vie for the coveted Miss Navajo title as well but never did.

She mentioned it to her family who had seen photographs of her running for the state crown.

"She did this for herself," Kathleen said. "It was last minute that she decided to run for Miss Navajo. We got everything ready and submitted everything last minute.

Santana stood next to her sisters as the mob continued to inch their way to Miss Navajo.

"I'm proud of my sister," Santana said, fighting back tears of joy. "I'm very proud of her."

Shania was also excited but suddenly realized that now she would have to share her older sister with the Navajo Nation.

"I'm going to miss her cooking," she said. "She has some really great cooking (skills) especially around Thanksgiving."

Throughout the competition, family members didn't really get a chance to communicate with Tashina as they would've liked but understood that competitors were kept busy.

As Miss Navajo Nation, Tashina plans to stress the importance of education, language and to raise awareness about depression, from post traumatic stress disorder to suicide in all age ranges. She also accepted the challenge of learning the Navajo language to become a fluent speaker during her reign.

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