Miss Utah Navajo

Meet our 2025-2026 Miss Utah Navajo, Dayhenoa Yazzie

Dayhenoa C. Yazzie of Monument Valley was crowned the 2025-2026 Miss Utah Navajo on August 7 at an event held at Whitehorse High School.

Yazzie proudly represents her home community in the Monument Valley area. She carries the title with the goal of bringing light, joy, and encouragement to the people she meets, especially the youth and elders, while representing the strength of the Diné teachings, language, and land. She has also held the title of Miss Western 2022-2023.

Her full name is Dayhenoa Ch’ikeeh Nizhoonii Yazzie. She is Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People) and born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge). Her maternal grandfather is Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms People), and her paternal grandfather is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House People). She is from Tsébii’ndzisgaii and originally from Lók’aa’ Haagai, Arizona. She is the daughter of Dr. Victoria Yazzie and Francis Yazzie III. Her mother, Victoria Yazzie, is the former 1999-2000 Miss Navajo Nation.

Our philosophy

We value the pursuit of knowledge and the importance of education in achieving individual and collective success. We encourage our participants to be lifelong learners and to use their knowledge to make a meaningful impact. We believe in the power of service to strengthen communities and improve lives. We encourage our titleholders to be active and engaged in addressing the needs of the Navajo people and promoting positive change. We believe in treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and compassion. We foster an environment of inclusivity and understanding, where diverse perspectives are valued and celebrated. We embrace the Navajo concept of Hózhó, which represents balance, harmony, and beauty in all aspects of life. We encourage our participants to embody these principles in their words, actions, and interactions with others. Through the Miss Utah Navajo Pageant, we seek to provide a platform for young women to showcase their knowledge of Navajo culture, their talents, and their commitment to their communities; to select a titleholder who will serve as a role model and cultural ambassador for the Navajo people of Utah; to inspire and empower future generations of Navajo women to be strong, confident, and proud of their heritage; and to promote greater understanding and appreciation of Navajo culture among all people.