Louise Benally talks about the struggle at Big Mountain and Black Mesa, Arizona.

Miss Indian UNM Pageant

            Walking into the Student Union Building at the University of New Mexico on Thursday evening, April 28, you hear something different besides the shuffling of feet across the floor. You hear the pounding drum, the ringing of bells and the singing of a pow-wow group.

            On this particular evening, the 2011-2012 Miss Indian UNM pageant was held in the SUB ballroom. The ballroom was filled with spectators and contestants who came to see the exiting Miss Indian UNM, Se’mana Seukteoma, hand her crown to one of six UNM Native American contestants.

            The contestants were from different Native American backgrounds ranging from Acoma Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, Dine and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. They were judged on traditional talent and impromptu questions.

            Freshman Shandiin Church is from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and decided to run for Miss Indian UNM because she had never done pageants before and thought it would be good to try something new.

            The traditional talents showcased each contestant’s cultural backgrounds. From the pueblo buffalo dance, the Dine rug weaving and storytelling, to the making of a traditional copper bowl.

            Impromptu questions dealt with ideas on how to better incorporate the UNM Native American community with other UNM activities, and while many ideas were given, Kansas Begaye’s question won the vote of the judges.

            “What I would do to get the UNM Native American community involved in other UNM activities is easy. Food. We Indians love to eat and if there’s frybread or food I think that would bring the Native American community together,” Begaye said.

            Begaye was crowned the 2011-2012 Miss Indian UNM and has been given the duty to act as UNM’s Native American ambassador and a role model for current and future UNM Native American students.

           

            

These Wild Horses

As you can guess...I guess...I thought Lindsey Miller's story about the wild horses near Placitas was the best in this past week's stories post on our news site. I also thought that this week produced a lot of strong stories. Miller's story was well written and researched which also included links for readers to follow and get more info out of. Along with a good written story, Miller also produced some great photos of the wild horses.

One thing I would have liked is for the audio to have more of narrative to it.