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Deep Dive: Miss Navajo (2012)

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Miss Navajo
Miss Navajo follows 21-year-old Crystal Frazier as she competes in the Miss Navajo Nation pageant, which promotes Navajo culture and traditions. The film captures her experiences alongside six other contestants during the five-day competition at the Navajo Nation Fair. Unlike typical beauty pageants, this contest requires contestants to demonstrate knowledge of Navajo history, language, and skills such as sheep butchering and tortilla making. Crystal, who initially doubts her chances, becomes more invested in the pageant as she learns about the responsibilities of representing her culture. Although she places as runner-up, her participation leads her to reflect on the expectations of leadership and courage for Navajo women. The film presents a unique perspective on beauty pageants, emphasizing cultural representation over conventional standards of beauty.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Crystal Frazier and her journey in the Miss Navajo pageant.
  • •Find out what skills contestants must demonstrate to compete.
  • •See how the pageant promotes Navajo culture and traditions.

Did You Know

•Crystal Frazier was 21 years old during the Miss Navajo Nation pageant in 2005-2006.
•Contestants must be over 18, have graduated high school, and speak Navajo.
•The competition tests contestants on skills like sheep butchering and tortilla making.
•Crystal placed as runner-up in the pageant after competing with six other women.

Perfect For

Navajo culture enthusiastsBeauty pageant fansDocumentary lovers