Miss Native American University of Arizona

⭐️ The moment you've all been waiting for
Our Most Photogenic and People's Choice categories are officially open 📸

These categories are about showing love, showing up, and supporting our contestants beyond the stage. Whether that's through a like, a share, or a donation, every bit of support reflects the strength of community behind this pageant Your engagement helps uplift and invest in the incoming court and the work they'll continue to do on campus and in our communities

Most Photogenic voting closes April 24th at 11:59 PM (MST). People's Choice will be voted on-site the day of the pageant.

Go support your contestant!
Bear Down 🪶🐻⬇️

Introducing the Mr. Native American University of Arizona Contestant #2 - Cody Tsinnijinnie (Navajo)

Introducing the Mr. Native American University of Arizona Contestant #1 - Kendrick Begay (Navajo)

Introducing the Miss Native American University of Arizona Contestant #3 - Elyssa Russell (Navajo)

Introducing the Miss Native American University of Arizona Contestant #2 - Hannah Williams (Navajo)

Introducing the Miss Native American University of Arizona Contestant #1 - Laylalanai Gocobachi (Pascua Yaqui Tribe)

You are cordially invited to attend the 43rd Annual Miss Native American University of Arizona Pageant. This is also the 1st year addition of the Mr. Native University of Arizona title!
Saturday, April 25th, 2026 at 2PM
Tornabene Theatre | Free & open to the public 🐻⬇️

Food demo this Friday! 🐻⬇️🪶

🌽 Roots of Wellness: Blue Corn Mush Workshop 🌽

Join us for a hands on Indigenous cooking experience with Miss Native UA 2025 to 2026, Daeylyn Nez. Come learn, connect, and share in community as we prepare traditional blue corn mush together.

🗓 April 10, 2026
⏰ 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
📍 NASA, Nugent Building 2nd Floor, Room 205

No experience needed. Everyone is welcome.

✨ What to expect
-Hands on cooking experience
-All materials provided
-Optional apron
-Bring a container if you would like to take some home

🔗 RSVP here:
https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9NeGCZxxbIQKqYm

Let’s gather in a good way and share food, knowledge, and community 🤍

✨ Today, MNUA had the honor of attending the Miss Tohono O’odham Pageant. Congratulations to the Miss Tohono O’odham Nation 2026–2027 court!💜

2nd Attendant: Neviya Mendez, Pisinemo District
1st Attendant: Jessica Ortega, Schuk Toak District
Miss Tohono O’odham Nation 2026–2027: Shania Manuel, Hickiwan District

Each contestant shared their unique talents, teachings, and traditional dress. Representing their respective districts and communities, these young women stepped into roles of cultural leadership, responsibility, and advocacy with grace.

We wish the entire court a successful reign as they continue to uplift their communities and serve as ambassadors for the Tohono O’odham Nation!

-MNUA Daelyn Nez 🪶🐻⬇️

✨October 2-4, 2025 ✨
MNUA Daelyn Nez attended the 2025 AISES National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

"Attending the AISES National Conference was such a rewarding experience, from representing MNUA at the powwow and banquet to connecting with other Indigenous leaders as an AISES officer. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, share, and learn alongside so many inspiring Indigenous professionals and students.

One of my favorite moments was meeting and visiting with other royalty during the powwow. I love hearing what we are each doing as leaders in our communities. It is always so inspiring to see how our voices and platforms come together to create change.
This year's conference theme, "We Are All Scientists," truly resonated with my platform,
"Walking in Two Worlds: Bridging Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Education." By bringing these two ways of knowing together, we strengthen how we learn, support our communities, and most importantly uplift Indigenous voices. 🌎🪶

A special congratulations to Dr. Cherie DeVore, our CO-AISES advisor, for receiving the Most Promising Engineer or Scientist Award. Your leadership and dedication continue to inspire us all ahéhee' (thank you)."
~MNUA 2025-2026 Daelyn Nez