Skip to content

Three contestants compete in the Miss Navajo Nation sheep butchering contest

Three contestants took part in the annual Office of Miss Navajo Nation Sheep Butchering Contest, held at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds. Rochelle Francisco represents Valley Store, AZ. Tonana Ben represents Chilchinbeto, AZ. JoAnni Begay represents Pinedale, NM. Each is vying for the title of 2026 Miss Navajo Nation, with further competitions this week.

Gallup Today Staff

Newsroom · September 7, 2026 · 1 min read · Updated

1 / 5

Three contestants took part in the annual Office of Miss Navajo Nation Sheep Butchering Contest, held at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds, according to the Navajo Police Department.

The contest was in Window Rock, Ariz.

Rochelle Francisco represents Valley Store, AZ. Tonana Ben represents Chilchinbeto, AZ. JoAnni Begay represents Pinedale, NM. Each is vying for the title of 2026 Miss Navajo Nation.

The Navajo Police Department, Navajo Department of Emergency Management, Navajo Nation Fire & Rescue, and Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Service assisted at the contest.

The department said the contestants continue in competitions this week.

Via Navajo Police Department

Get the morning brief

The day's news for Gallup and McKinley County, in one email.

  • One email, each morning.
  • Only when there is news — no filler, no daily nothing.
  • Unsubscribe in one click, from any email.

We use your address for the brief and nothing else. We never sell it or pass it on.

Navajo Nation

Back to TodaySpotted an error? We fix mistakes fast. Tell us on the contact page.