Royalty and families from tribes across Arizona celebrated strength in sisterhood and the unifying power of Indigenous women at the 65th annual Miss Indian Arizona Scholarship Program on Oct. 10 at the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member Sialik King, the 64th Miss Indian Arizona, reigning from 2025 to 2026, crowned the new Miss Indian Arizona at the end of the evening.

“When I was younger, I never thought in a million years that I would run for the Miss Indian Arizona title, but when reflecting back on my reign I knew that I wanted to continue my service to our people and extend the goodwill of the O’odham and Piipaash … to our beautiful state and all the strong people within,” King said in her farewell address. Earlier in the program, she sang the national anthem in O’odham. King’s platform as a contestant last year was “Promoting Cultural Learning in Our Youth Through Traditional Singing and Dancing.”

3 Takeaways:

• Miss Indian Arizona and SRPMIC member Sialik King crowned the next Miss Indian Arizona, Shavaughn Titla of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
• There were five contestants in the October pageant: Titla, Priya Simpson (White Mountain Apache Tribe), Corina Collateta (Hopi Tribe), Dayhenoa Yazzie (Navajo Nation) and Kylie Kenton (San Carlos Apache Tribe.)
• Participants took part in several different showcases and reflections for which they were judged by a panel at the Phoenix event.

Pete Imus (Hualapai Tribe) was the master of ceremonies for night. Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Vice-President and Inter Tribal Council of Arizona President Paul J. Russell provided the welcome. Also, the program featured an invocation by Miss Indian Arizona 2025-2026 First Attendant Chloe Eskey (Navajo Nation) and dances from the Colorado River Indian Tribes River Dance Group.

There were five contestants this year: Priya Simpson (White Mountain Apache Tribe), Corina Collateta (Hopi Tribe), Shavaughn Titla (White Mountain Apache Tribe), Dayhenoa Yazzie (Navajo Nation) and Kylie Kenton (San Carlos Apache Tribe.)

Each contestant took part in a series of showcases and reflections for which they were scored by judges sitting at a table in front of the stage. One of the judges was former Miss Indian Arizona Sistine Lewis, who is from the SRPMIC. The contestants engaged in dance, modern reflections, a talent showcase and traditional reflections with oral presentations. Each received a $200 award and a gift bag.

Simpson took home the Miss Congeniality Award from her peers, as well as the Community Service Award. The audience voted for Kenton for the People’s Choice Award. Titla won the Evening Wear Award, Talent Award and Oral Presentation Award. Titla showcased the Apache cradleboard and its importance to the White Mountain Apache.

Before the judges tabulated their results with help of the auditors, King made her farewell walk featuring O’odham and Piipaash dances with fellow SRPMIC members and a blessing from SRPMIC Vice-President Ricardo Leonard. It was a moment to remember on traditional O’odham land.

“It was 10 years ago that I started my journey in the world of tribal pageantry, and it fills me with great pride and gratitude to stand here today as I share my final moments in the pageantry circle with you,” King said.

Next, it was time for the top three contestants to be crowned as Miss Indian Arizona royalty for the next year. Kenton was named second attendant, followed by Simpson as first attendant.

After a moment of silent, suspenseful anticipation, Titla was named the 64th Miss Indian Arizona. King gave her the crown. Titla took home a $5,000 scholarship, luggage, a Chromebook, a handmade Miss Indian Arizona pendant and other gifts. She will serve as a goodwill ambassador for all 22 federally recognized tribes in Arizona.

Titla’s mother, Hersha G. Titla, was Miss Indian Arizona 1995-1996.

“First, I would like to say thank you all for being here and supporting all the amazing girls,” Titla began during her acceptance speech.

It was nothing but laughter and singing all week with her peers, she said before delivering her final message.

“Always remember, if you are struggling or if you are going through a hard time, please know that you are not alone. You matter, you are loved, and the world is a beautiful place with you in it. Thank you.”