Log In


Reset Password
News Education Local News Nation & World New Mexico

Beauty of Hozhoni Days

Color and pageantry on display for Native American gathering
Earl Sherman, front, his son, Chance Sherman, back left, and grandson T.J. Sherman, back right, prepare for the grand entrance during Hozhoni Days on Friday evening at Whalen Gymnasium at Fort Lewis College. The three are from Gallup, N.M.

Two weeks of pageantry marking the 51st Hozhoni Days celebration will wrap up Saturday at Fort Lewis College with the crowning of Miss Hozhoni.

The celebration of cultures is the longest-running, student-led tradition on campus.

Hozhoni Days in Navajo means “days of beauty.” The theme of this year’s event is “Over the Hill, but Still on the Rim.”

Hozhoni Days is sponsored by the Native American Center at the college and Wanbli Ota, the Native American student organization on campus. Wanbli Ota is the successor of the Shalako Indian Club, which sponsored the observation of cultures starting in the mid-1960s.

The powwow that caps the Hozhoni Days celebration with singing, dancing and drumming is being held in Whalen Gymnasium. Dancers and drummers from around the country will compete for prizes.

Miss Hozhoni will be crowned Saturday night. The candidates are:

Nicole Lovato, a junior majoring in Native American and indigenous studies, from Santo Domingo Pueblo in New Mexico.

M. Mariah Gachupin, a junior majoring in gender and women’s studies, from Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico.

Charine Gonzales, a junior English major, from San Felipe Pueblo in Santa Fe.

Marquel Begay, a junior majoring in environmenal studies, from Kayenta, Arizona.

Miss Hozhoni receives a scholarship and, for the next year, is the ambassador for the college’s Native American community. The title is conferred after several days of public speaking, presentation of traditional foods and talent performances.

Hozhoni Days is two weeks of cultural events and demonstrations. This year’s observation, which opened April 6, featured traditional-skills workshops and talent demonstrations.

daler@durangoherald.com



Reader Comments