San Juan College Crowns Miss Indigenous

Cassie Frank is a 2020 graduate of Kirtland Central High School. Her Diné clans are Díbéłzhíní, Bit’ahnii, Táchii’nii, and Tábąąhí. She is a full-time student at San Juan College, studying Business Administration. Upon completion of her associate’s program at San Juan College, Cassie plans to continue her education at Arizona State University (ASU) where she plans to pursue her master’s degree. Following graduation from ASU, she plans to open a business in her hometown, Farmington, New Mexico.

October 14, 2021

Congratulations to San Juan College student Cassie Frank (Diné/Navajo) who was recently crowned Ms. Indigenous San Juan College 2021-22. Jessica Greymountain was first runner-up and Margaret Kirk was second runner-up.

Frank is a 2020 graduate of Kirtland Central High School. Her Diné clans are Díbéłzhíní, Bit’ahnii, Táchii’nii, and Tábąąhí. She is a full-time student at San Juan College, studying Business Administration. Upon completion of her associate’s program at San Juan College, Cassie plans to continue her education at Arizona State University (ASU) where she plans to pursue her master’s degree. Following graduation from ASU, she plans to open a business in her hometown, Farmington, New Mexico.

Cassie’s platform as Ms. Indigenous San Juan College is to encourage her peers, friends, family and mentors to motivate each other to keep learning and expanding their knowledge. “As someone with a chronic illness born into many cultures, I would like to show people that it’s still possible to do what they want either by going to school or traveling to Mars,” Cassie explains. “It doesn’t matter where you are from, your skin color or gender identity, I believe in you and want to motivate you. Life is short and you should do things that make you happy.”

During the pageant, Cassie demonstrated Chiiłchin, red sumac berry pudding, as her traditional food demonstration. She spoke about Navajo traditional regalia and the cultural significance behind the items she wore as a traditional talent/skill. For her contemporary talent she spoke about Native jewelry showcasing her own work, primarily bead work.

The Ms. Indigenous San Juan College pageant dates back several decades. Since its creation, the pageant has formed a legacy of Indigenous women voice and sisterhood of title holders who have served the San Juan College community and their respective cultures and traditions. Traditionally, the pageant aligns with the annual powwow with the coronation taking place on the final night of the powwow. This year, the powwow was postponed to April 2022, making the pageant its own event. The Native American Center coordinates the pageant and the powwow with the help of students, staff, faculty and community members. The selection of Ms. Indigenous San Juan College rests on the judges’ panel made up of former title holders, area royalty and members of the San Juan College community. Cassie’s reign will run through the fall of 2022.

“After a unique pageant year, I was pleased to see student interest return with three wonderful contestants,” said Byron Tsabetsaye, director of the San Juan College Native American Center. “The Ms. Indigenous San Juan College pageant is one of my favorite harvest-time events because of what it represents. The pageant bringsour people together to celebrate and honor Indigenous cultures and Indigenous women identity and matrilineal storytelling. Cassie will be an excellent title holder and I can’t wait to see her thrive as a representative of the college community and her culture.”

For more information about the San Juan College Native American Center, including programming, services and tribal scholarships, contact nac@sanjuancollege.edu.