Taking her place alongside previous Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community royalty, the 23-year-old daughter of Kyland King and Cynthia Claw-King officially added her name to the list as she was crowned the 64th Annual Miss Indian Arizona. 

The 64th queen of Indigenous Arizona has arrived. 

Sialik King, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member and former Miss Salt River 2023–2024, was crowned Miss Indian Arizona in a ceremony held on Oct. 11 at the Chandler Center for the Arts Steena Murray Mainstage Theatre. 

King participated in the 64th Annual Miss Indian Arizona Scholarship Program, which also featured contestants Chloe Eskey (Navajo Nation), Kiyasha Harvey (San Carlos Apache Tribe), Susanna Osife (Gila River Indian Community), Marilyn Lomayesva (Colorado River Indian Tribes) and Hannah Nockideneh (Navajo Nation).

Previous winners of the Miss Indian Arizona pageant from the SRPMIC are Charlene Enos (1971–1972), Yvonne Schaaf (1980–1981), Rebecca Makil (1990–1991), April Gutierrez (1993–1994) and Sistine Lewis (2022–2023). King now officially becomes the sixth young lady from the SRPMIC to win the Miss Indian Arizona pageant, which has been a mainstay for nearly seven decades. 

The Miss Indian Arizona Scholarship Program is held annually to celebrate and uplift citizens from the 22 tribes in Arizona. In addition to naming a new queen, a first and second attendant are also chosen. 

The new tribal royalty court will represent Arizona on the local and national level by showcasing Indigenous values and principles from their respective communities.

The Welcoming

Darion Kootswatewa (Hopi) of KUYI 88.1 FM Hopi Radio served as emcee for this year’s event. “I’m from Second Mesa,” began Kootswatewa. “A lot of people think Second Mesa is close by here to Chandler, or Mesa, but no, it’s about a four-hour drive from here,” he said with a chuckle. 

Isabella Newman (San Carlos Apache Tribe), Miss Indian Arizona 2024–2025, sang the national anthem and provided the introduction. 

Additionally, Tonana Ben (Navajo), Miss Indigenous Arizona State University 2025–2026, provided the invocation. 

Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke welcomed everyone and added humorous insight to the annual event. “I’ve attended a few of these events,” he began. “I love seeing the talented and beautiful women competing.”

He later added, “This has grown into an incredible scholarship program, focusing on academic achievement [and] community service while bringing the culture to us.”

Following his words, the contestants performed a dance routine for the “Spirit of the Dance” segment to the Justin Timberlake song “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” 

King Shines During Pageant 

SRPMIC President Martin Harvier escorted King to center stage during the formalwear presentation. Kootswatewa narrated King’s achievements, such as her enrollment at ASU, where she is majoring in mathematics and American Indian studies. 

Kootswatewa revealed King’s goal of becoming a math teacher in the Community. “She also enjoys playing online games with her friends and collecting Pokémon cards,” he said.

As part of the pageant competition, each contestant had to submit their platform stance to the committee of judges. “If selected as Miss Indian Arizona, King’s platform would be promoting cultural learning for the youth using traditional singing and dancing,” Kootswatewa said. 

During the talent showcase, King shared the traditional story of the coyote and the toad. “This story teaches us not to give in to those who harm us with their words and actions,” she explained. “Because when we respond in the same way, we too can face negative consequences that can harm us.” 

For King’s traditional reflection, she spoke from the heart while paying homage to those who laid the groundwork before her. She said, “In my own Community, the late Dorothy Lewis was one of the first ones to form a dance group. In forming these dance groups, they aided in teaching our youth about our traditional songs and dances. We are living in the future our ancestors fought for, and by continuing to practice our traditions through language, song and dance, we are persisting for an influential future for all our communities.”

A Winner Must Be Crowned

When it was time for the committee of judges to crown Miss Indian Arizona for the 64th time, the crowd began to quietly converse as they all tried to guess who would win.

Second attendant was awarded to Hannah Nockideneh (Navajo Nation), and Chloe Eskey (Navajo Nation) was selected as the first attendant.

Kootswatewa then waited for a few brief moments before revealing the new Miss Indian Arizona. “Your new Miss Indian Arizona is … congratulations to contestant No. 4, Sialik King!”

The crowd then exploded with applause and cheers. 

King also received the Oral Presentation, Talent and People’s Choice awards.

Emotions ran high and tears of joy ran down King’s face as Newman placed the Miss Indian Arizona crown on her head. King was given bouquets of flowers in addition to receiving hugs and cheers from family, loved ones and supporters. 

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to represent my Community,” began King post-ceremony. “I want to get myself out there more and visit one school from each of the 22 tribes in Arizona.”

King’s reign will last for one calendar year. She will now embark on implementing her platform of representing the traditions and cultures of the SRPMIC to all tribes in Arizona.