'Proud of who I am': Navajo woman Kassie John wins Miss Indian World

Apr. 28—Newly crowned Miss Indian World Kassie John says she represents her Diné Nation and tribal communities across the world.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center's parking lot overflowed Sunday as people came to celebrate her crowning. As she stood under a gazebo in the courtyard, a people lined up to get her autograph, shake her hands or take selfies with her.

"Today there were people (from) different pueblo tribes; Zunis came up gifting me earrings," she told the Journal in an interview. She was dressed in a jingle dress, turquoise jewelry and sash. "I felt humbled to be representing the Indigenous people from not just my community, (but) other tribal communities as well."

John, 25, a Diné from Rock Point, Arizona and Salt Lake City, was crowned Miss Indian World during the 41st annual Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque last weekend.

"I am just processing everything," John said.

"It brings our family a lot of joy to see her excel in the things she's passionate about," John's sister Tashina Barber said during Sunday's meet-and-greet and round dance that featured performances from artists including Fawn Wood.

"(John's) like an ambassador to our people," Wood said.

Inspiration and pride

When John was crowned Miss Indian World, she said she received an ovation so loud she could not hear anything.

"It made me feel really good and really loved," John said.

But despite the competition, "we tried to make ourselves our best selves by uplifting others," she said in an interview with PowWows.com.

"If anyone needed help, we would help one another. No questions asked," she said. "If anyone needed a prayer or a moment where 'I need a hug,' we were always there. And that's so beautiful."

During the Miss Indian World competition, women ages 18-25 come from all over the world to represent their tribes.

"Its purpose is to give young Native American women an opportunity to showcase their tribes and cultures; while serving as a cultural ambassador of Native Americans by demonstrating the pride and continuance of the diverse cultures of Native people," a Gathering of Nations press release states.

John said she has been coming to the Gathering of Nations since she was young.

"Seeing the Miss Indian World (competition) really inspired me to be really proud of who I am," she said, "and figure out that my purpose (is) being an advocate for the Indigenous people."

She said when she was asked during an interview about what "cultural teaching" she uses that "helps carry me through my days," John said she lives "with the mindset of Hózhó, meaning balance and beauty through a practice of reciprocity, respect to all, and honoring our missing relatives."

"It's about practicing your spiritual ways, speaking your language, but also be willing to listen and learn," John said. "The beauty is knowing to recognize these things."

'Showing your love'

John competed for Miss Indian World in 2022 as well. She took a year off to finish up her bachelor of science degree in multidisciplinary design at the University of Utah.

During that time, she said she went out into communities and learned that to be Miss Indian World "it's about showing your love for the people and sharing your hopes for the future."

John is currently an Indigenous designer in Salt Lake City. She said on her website that "I have come to learn that we all have a story to tell and it is our duty to recognize these narratives to foster healing and change for our next generation of knowledge keepers."

She told the Journal that it is the stories, the artwork and love that Indigenous people pass down to one another that "shows just how powerful we are."

"That love Miss Indian World has for our entire community of Indigenous people across the world," John said, "I hope to carry on."