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Kinlání Dormitory Miss Dook’o’oosłííd Pageant: Honoring Culture, Leadership, and Identity
Kinlání Dormitory Miss Dook’o’oosłííd Pageant: Honoring Culture, Leadership, and Identity
Ciera Tsosie
On November 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM the Kinlání Dormitory will be holding its Miss Dook’o’oosłííd Pageant in the Flagstaff Bordertown Dormitory Gymnasium. Applications for the 2025-2026 year closed on November 7th as event hosts looked to celebrate young Indigenous women who embody the values of leadership, continuity of cultural knowledge, and life-long education.
The application process was detailed, focusing on contestants sharing their talents, knowledge, character and vision for serving their communities. Applicants were asked to reflect on their character, focusing on their involvement in the community, and long-term goals. Applicants were also asked to provide their academic standing and to prepare two separate presentations: a contemporary talent or modern skill pertaining to their interests and a traditional talent that focused on cultural teachings, skill or art. Last part of the process required they write a personal essay titled “Why I Want to Become Miss Dook’o’oosłííd Princess,” where they explained their desire to represent the dorm, contribute to the cultural as well as community sphere and how they embody the values our community seeks from its young women. Finally, one letter of recommendation from a non-related teacher, community member, or leader was required to support their application.
Of course, being Miss Dook’o’oosłííd comes with rules and responsibilities as the owner of the title serves as a cultural representative within their community. Before applying, contestants acknowledge that they must be enrolled in the dormitory, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5, with thorough knowledge of Native American tradition, culture and history. Strong communication skills, positive behavior, and embodying diplomacy as well as having respect and integrity is needed to maintain this title. Once crowned, the title holder is expected to host or assist with at least two cultural functions in the year she is serving to promote Indigenous culture and strength while contributing to the organization of next year’s pageant.
Through this practice, we hope to showcase Native American diversity and leadership in a positive way. Each participant seeks to honor the San Francisco Peaks and the teachings tied to this mountain, even if they do not hold a title, they are still a representative of Native students within Flagstaff–continuing our legacy of cultural pride, continuity, strength and youth leadership.