Last night, during the 24th Miss Native Dixie Pageant, Phyllis Kitseallyboy, a junior exercise science major from Kirtland, New Mexico, was crowned Miss Native Dixie 2019-20. Along with the title of Miss Dixie, Phyllis won a $1,000 scholarship.
Phyllis had competed for Miss Native Dixie two years prior. She said she didn’t feel ready her first time. This time, with her favorite quote by Jaiya John displayed behind her, “Your ancestors outnumber your fear, feel your power,” she felt prepared.
Before the pageant, the contestants all participated in 15-minute private interviews with the three judges, earlier in the day.
Once the pageant began, they each introduced themselves in their native language and were asked an on-stage question. Following their answers, they all performed individual 90-second modern talents and then traditional talents, with a max of 3 minutes.
“Our contestants displayed a variety of skills and talents,” Pageant Director Mike Nelson said. “They really showcased their culture.”
For her modern talent, Phyllis demonstrated the proper way to swing a golf club. She has been playing for 12 years.
For her traditional talent, Phyllis demonstrated the art of string games. The string games consist of braiding and weaving to make designs. These designs are often used as a way to tell stories. String games involve hand-coordination and memorization.
“It takes a lot of patience to master the designs,” Phyllis said. “The most difficult design is the ‘Navajo Rug.’”
