Welcome, Miss Navajo Nation 2021-2022!

Niagara Rockbridge, 22 years old from Piñon, Arizona, has been crowned Miss Navajo Nation 2021-2022. Niagara is of the Towering House Clan, born for Wild Banana Fruit Clan. Her maternal grandmothers are of the Wandering People Clan, and her paternal grandparents are of the Near the Water Clan. Niagara’s parents are Deborah and Gary Rockbridge. 

The role of Miss Navajo Nation is to exemplify the essence and characters of First Woman, White Shell Woman, and Changing Woman and to display leadership as the Goodwill Ambassador in maintaining the Navajo tradition and culture. Miss Navajo speaks as a leader, counselor, advisor, teacher, and a friend as she represents womanhood and fulfills many roles as “sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother” to the Navajo people. The preservation of the Navajo culture was agreed upon being one of the fundamental principles of the Navajo Governmental by the Branch Chiefs of the Navajo Government in March of 1999. The Office of Miss Navajo Nation has a mission to encourage every Navajo in assisting in the preservation of Navajo culture. Miss Navajo Nation’s duty is to represent the importance of Navajo Women with honor and respect. 

Niagara holds titles for Miss Indian Arizona 2018-19, Miss Teen Navajo 2015-16, and Miss Central Navajo Pre-Teen 2010-11. On Monday, September 6th, the pageant for Miss Navajo Nation 2021-2022 started with butchering and traditional food contests. The pageant continued for a few days with a business and traditional interview along with the contemporary, traditional talent and skill. On Saturday, September 11, the pageant ended with a coronation where they announced the new Miss Navajo, Niagara Rockbridge. Niagara was ahead of the competition as she won best traditional food, best essay, best butcher, and Miss Photogenic. 

The coronation was a welcome to the new Miss Navajo, Niagara Rockbridge but it was also a farewell to Miss Navajo Nation 2019-21 Shaandiin Parrish as she gave an emotional goodbye. Shaandiin was originally only supposed to hold her title as Miss Navajo Nation until 2020 but due to the pandemic, she held the title for two years as no pageant was held in 2020. Shaandiin was awarded a silver pin designed with the Miss Navajo logo as well as her years of service by the president’s office. All Miss Navajo titleholders are given this pin once they complete their reign. 

“In my time as Miss Navajo Nation, my goal was to love our people in any way, every way, every single day, that was what I wanted to do. I hope through the actions of my time as Miss Navajo Nation that you all have seen that love that I have for our people.”

Shaandiin Parrish

The new Miss Navajo Nation, Niagara Rockbridge hopes to continue the legacy Shaandiin has left. She wants to continue the work, strengthen the partnerships within the divisions and departments. She wants to keep being the beacon of hope for her people and continue the relationship between the Office of Miss Navajo and the rest of the Navajo Nation. 

“This title means so much to me and just holding the title within itself and winning the categories that I did, it’s such an honor. I am so humbled to be in this position and I look forward to the rest of the year.”

Niagara Rockbridge

Last Updated on 09/26/2021 by Megan deFabry

About the Author:

Megan deFabry

Biography:

Howdy, I'm Megan deFabry. I grew up in Reno, Nevada, but since 2017 my heart has called Texas home. I now reside in Austin, Texas since 2020. I'm driven by my faith, cherished relationships with family and friends, and my professional ambitions. I'm passionate about digital marketing and journalism, especially the wide-open spaces of America's Western lifestyle, the grit of agriculture, the excitement of rodeo, and the heart of country music.

For nearly a decade, I've been sharing this way of life through storytelling. And like any good cowboy tale, there's a loyal sidekick, my little Dachshund, Frank, who I adopted from a shelter in New Braunfels, Texas, back in 2018. He keeps me grounded, reminding me to chase horizons and savor life's simple joys.

I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs and a minor in Mass Communication. My major taught me to decode consumer behavior, which is crucial for marketing, while my minor sharpened my storytelling skills. Since then, I've spent years mastering SEO and content strategy, staying ahead in a fast-moving field. My work even caught the eye of Cowboy Lifestyle Network's CTO, Irish Padmore, who recognized me for contributing to his research on Consumer Behavior in the Age of AI.

Since 2018, I've been honored to work at Cowboy Lifestyle Network. Now as Editor-in-Chief writing, editing, and publishing articles that capture the cowboy spirit, crafting strategies rooted in Western values, and building real client connections. Guided by ethical journalism, I aim to tell stories that resonate and reflect the unsung heroes of the Western spirit.

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