Ceremonial Queen Pageant - a fun & empowering experience!
After 3 days exciting days of pageant activities and competition at the El Morro Theatre and Events Center and in & around Gallup, Amber Ballenger was crowned the 2021-2022 Miss Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial Queen!
Day 1:
-Pageant orientation which included an empowerment workshop led by 2019-2021 Ceremonial Queen Autumn Pilcher, 2019-2021 Miss Indian World Cheyenne Kippenberger. Additional support also included 2018-2019 Miss Navajo Nation Autumn Montoya who volunteered her time and efforts to this years pageant.
-Lunch outing donated by Jerry’s Café!
-A walk at the Red Rock Park trails
-El Morro Theatre Watch Party for the “Spirit of The Ceremonial” KOB TV New Mexico statewide broadcast
Day 2:
Personal interview competition
Traditional Food Video and Traditional Food Tasting Competition
Ceremonial Queen luncheon and Public Speaking Competition
Day 3:
A full day of rehearsal
Appreciation Giveaway from 2019-2021 Ceremonial Queen Autumn Pilcher
Traditional Talent Presentations, hosted by Comedian/Motivational Speaker James Junes and special entertainment by Sage Bond.
Special acknowledgements and appreciation go out to all the Contestants, including their family and friends. These strong young Native women, all from the Diné tribe, inspired and impressed the audience and judges!
Competition Categories
The six contestants competed for the title in 6 categories with 30 judges:
Essay
Public Speaking
Personal Interview
Traditional Foods
Personality Photo
Traditional Talent.
Awards:
"Spirit" - which acknowledges a contestant who has faced extraordinary life challenges and is chosen by the Ceremonial Queen Pageant Committee
“Miss Congeniality” - which is chosen by the contestants.
Results:
Amber Ballenger | 2021-2022 Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial Queen
Chantel Jones | 1st Runner Up (left)
Charlene Begay | 2nd Runner Up (right)
David Tashantia | Spirit Award
Charlene Begay | Personality Photo
Amy Begaye | Miss Congeniality
Contestants
Name: Amy Begaye (Navajo/Diné)
Hometown(s): Kayenta, Arizona/Beclabito, New Mexico
Name: Chantel Jones (Navajo/Diné)
Hometown(s): Naschitti, NM/Gallup, NM
Name: Charlene Begay (Navajo/Diné)
Hometown(s): Lukachukai, AZ /Farmington, NM
Name: Amber Ballenger (Navajo/Diné)
Hometown(s): Gallup, NM
Name: Ethea Kaamasee (Navajo/Diné)
Hometown(s): Pinehill, NM
Name: Tashantia David (Navajo/Diné)
Hometown(s): Twin Lakes, NM
Social Media
Facebook:
2021-2022 Miss Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial Queen Amber Ballenger
Miss Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial Queen Pageant
Instagram: CeremonialQueenAmber
