FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
From Arena to Academia: A Conversation with Miss Indian Rodeo 2026
Crownpoint, NM – On November 4, 2025, Navajo Technical University’s Office of Institutional Data and Reporting hosted an event at the Wellness Center with Cajaun, a current student in the Diné Culture, Language, and Leadership program, who is set to graduate in Spring 2026.
Sheena Begay welcomed attendees, and NTU’s Mr. Wilbur Tso led the presentation, congratulating the rodeo queen.
Cajaun emphasized her dedication to education, cultural leadership, and community service. Over the years, she has served as a cultural ambassador and youth leader, earning titles in pageants and rodeos with dignity and grace. She shared her experiences in rodeo, pageantry, student life, and community involvement. “I spend my time balancing school, research, and
rodeo,” she said. “I plan to continue traveling, attending events, speaking engagements, and sharing my experiences,” Cajaun added.
As a student, Cajaun consistently exhibits grace, discipline, and quiet determination. Managing the demands of challenging academics while participating in pageantry is no small feat, but she does so with evident poise. DeeAnna James, First Year Advisor, supported her behind the scenes, noting, “She is a young woman who rises early to study before sunrise, rehearses
speeches and cultural presentations late into the night, and never lets the weight of expectation diminish her warmth or generosity.”
This will be Cajaun’s third year in college rodeo, with Nicole Coach Pino still coaching her and watching her prepare for upcoming competitions. “Cajaun competes in barrel racing. Last year, she was our rodeo club president. She has really developed her horsemanship skills, and her barrel runs have improved with each college rodeo. I see a stronger connection between her and her horse, Cabella. I'm very proud of Cajaun. She will represent Indian rodeo very well,” Coach Nicole Pino stated.
Cajuan continues to compete in rodeo while juggling final exams, maintaining meticulous focus, and delivering excellence on both fronts. What many don’t see are the hours she spends mentoring younger students, sewing her own regalia, or advocating for Indigenous representation in spaces where it’s long overdue.
As she travels across the country in the upcoming year, representing herself, her culture, and our university, we wish her and her horse a safe and extraordinary journey. Her presence is a gift, and her example is a reminder of what it means to lead with heart, heritage, and humility.
Previous Titles & Accomplishments:
- Miss Indian Junior Rodeo Association Queen – 1st Runner Up (2017)
- Miss Indian Miyamura High School (2017–2018)
- Miss Eastern Navajo Teen (2019–2021, COVID-term)
- Miss Navajo Technical University (2021–2022)
- Miss Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Queen (2022–2023)
- Miss Indian New Mexico – 1st Runner Up (2023–2024)
- Miss Indian Rodeo – 1st Runner Up (2025)
- Miss Indian Rodeo Queen (2026 – current)
Cajaun continues to honor her Diné heritage through leadership, representation, and service, inspiring future generations to pursue culture, education, and excellence.
Let’s build your future—this institution is dedicated to empowering you!
Navajo Technical University continues to honor Diné culture and language while educating people for the future.
Dale Morgan, Communications Specialist
E: dmorgan@navajotech.edu
