Welcome (ya'at'eeh)

Mission Statement
In keeping with Navajo culture and tradition, the role of Miss Navajo Nation is to exemplify the essence and characters of First Woman, White Shell Woman and Changing Woman and to display leadership as the Goodwill Ambassador. Miss Navajo Nation represents womanhood and fulfills the role of "grandmother, mother, aunt, and sister" to the Navajo people; therefore she can speak as a leader, teacher, counselor, advisor and friend. In March 1999, the Branch Chiefs of the Navajo government agreed that tone of the fundamental principals of the Navajo government should be the preservation of the Navajo culture. It shall be the mission of the Office of Miss NavajoNation to encourage every Navajo to assist in the preservation of Navajo culture and Miss Navajo Nation will represent the importance of Navajo women with respect and honor.

Biography
My name is Leandra Thomas. I am Naakaii Dine (Mexican/Spanish people) born for Tsi'naajinii (Black streak people). My maternal grandparents are Kiiya'aanii (Towering house people), and my paternal grandparents are Honagha'nii (Ones who walk around). I come from a small community called Steamboat Canyon, Arizona. I received my bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University in elementary education. I am pursing my master's degree in bilingual multicultural education also from NAU.

I have two loving parents Anderson and Bernice Thomas. I'm the youngest of four with three older brothers Andy, Arlo, and Leander. The teachings that are instilled within me come from: my family, grandparents, relatives, and our livestock.

As an educator and a student, I feel the students are the ones who will be carrying on our Dine teachings. Our elders are the ones who share the stories from them we learn about our Navajo culture & language. Therefore throughout the year my focus is our youth and our elders. Together our nation is able to reach great heights and together we are able to walk in beauty.

• The NAVAJO TIMES Article:
- Miss Navajo reflects on her whirlwind journey to the nation's capital or view image of article

• Navajo Nation Band Presidential Inauguration 2013
- Click here to watch on your device (iPad)

• Presidential Inaguration Washington DC 2013
- Gallery Requires Adobe Flash - HTML Version

• Arizona State Fair, Phoenix Arizona October 26, 2012
– Gallery Requires Adobe Flash - HTML Version

• Hopi Veterans Center, "Girls Night Out" October 25, 2012
– Gallery Requies Adobe Flash - HTML Version

• "Running For A Stronger and Healthier Nation", Vice President-
(Ganado Area) October September 22, 2012
- Gallery 1 Requires Adobe Flash - HTML Version

• Tuba City, AZ - Western Navajo Fair: October 20, 2012
– Gallery Requires Adobe Flash - HTML Version

• Shiprock, NM - Northern Navajo Fair: October 6, 2012
– Gallery Requies Adobe Flash - HTML Version

• Steamboat Canyon, AZ - Appreciation Party: September 30, 2012
- Gallery 1 Requires Adobe Flash - HTML Version
- Gallery 2 Requires Adobe Flash - HTML Version
- Gallery 3 Requires Adobe Flash - HTML Version