Navajo Tech Student Is Miss Indian Rodeo Queen 2026

Cajaun Cleveland

On November 4, 2025, Navajo Technical University’s (NTU’s) Office of Institutional Data and Reporting hosted an event at the university’s wellness center with Cajaun Cleveland, Miss Rodeo Queen and a current student in the Diné Culture, Language, and Leadership Program, who is set to graduate in the spring of 2026.

Cajaun emphasized her dedication to education, cultural leadership, and community service. Over the years, she has served as a cultural ambassador and youth leader, earning titles in pageants and rodeos with dignity and grace. She shared her experiences in rodeo, pageantry, student life, and community involvement. “I spend my time balancing school, research, and rodeo,” she said. “I plan to continue traveling, attending events, speaking engagements, and sharing my experiences,” Cajaun added.

As a student, Cajaun consistently exhibits grace, discipline, and quiet determination. Managing the demands of challenging academics while participating in pageantry is no small feat, but she does so with evident poise. DeeAnna James, a first-year advisor, supported her behind the scenes, noting, “She is a young woman who rises early to study before sunrise, rehearses speeches and cultural presentations late into the night, and never lets the weight of expectation diminish her warmth or generosity.”

This will be Cajaun’s third year in college rodeo, with Nicole Pino still coaching her and watching her prepare for upcoming competitions. “Cajaun competes in barrel racing. Last year, she was our rodeo club president. She has really developed her horsemanship skills, and her barrel runs have improved with each college rodeo. I see a stronger connection between her and her horse, Cabella. I’m very proud of Cajaun. She will represent Indian rodeo very well,” Coach Pino stated.

Cajuan continues to compete in rodeo while juggling final exams, maintaining meticulous focus, and delivering excellence on both fronts. What many don’t see are the hours she spends mentoring younger students, sewing her own regalia, or advocating for Indigenous representation in spaces where it’s long overdue. Her myriad honors are impressive, including Miss Eastern Navajo Teen, Miss Navajo Technical University, Miss Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial Queen, and Miss Indian Rodeo Queen, among many other titles.

As she travels across the country in the upcoming year, representing herself, her culture, and our university, we wish her and her horse a safe and extraordinary journey. Her presence is a gift, and her example is a reminder of what it means to lead with heart, heritage, and humility.