Butterfly: Miss Native American SUU claims crown

Crystal Willie, a junior biology major from Shiprock, N.M., was crowned Miss Native American SUU 2008 at Wednesday's pageant, where four Native American girls demonstrated pride for their heritage.

First attendant was Caliphea Blackhorn, a freshman mathematics major from Navajo Mountain, Ariz.; second attendant was Elena Sigman, a sophomore criminal justice major from Orem; and third attendant was Brittany Hunt, a freshman art major from Kayenta, Ariz.

Willie said she was happy when she was announced the winner of the pageant.

"I felt very honored," she said. "I felt all my hard work paid off, and I am excited for the future (year)."

For her talent, Willie performed a powwow dance, which she said is a contemporary-style Native American dance.

Willie said in the dance she was mimicking a butterfly.

"The purpose was to … emphasize the beauty of the Earth," she said.

Willie said she has been dancing since she was 7 years old.

"I have (traveled) all over the United States and I go to different competitions," she said. "This is my love."

Willie said she has never participated in a pageant before, even though her family has encouraged her to do so in the past.

"I have always been too shy and too scared," she said.

Willie said she decided to participate in the pageant because it was her last chance, as she will be a senior next year.

"This is my opportunity to make a difference," she said.

Former Miss Native American SUU Charmayne Hunt said she thinks Willie will do well in her new role.

I think Crystal will do an excellent job," she said. "She is a good role model."

Charmayne Hunt said the advice she has for Willie about being Miss Native American SUU is to have ideas for activities she would like to do.

Willie said she would like to have the Native American Student Association become more involved on campus and have more interaction with other clubs.

Tina Calamity, a Multicultural Center counselor, said she thought the pageant went well.

"I thought it went very smooth and (it was) very organized," she said.

Second attendant Sigman said she also thought the pageant went well and had fun doing it.

She said competing in the pageant wasn't about becoming Miss Native American SUU, but about the challenge and experience.

Brittany Hunt said she thought the pageant was a good experience.

"It was a great growth opportunity," she said.

Brittany Hunt said she also thought the crowd at the pageant was good, but did expect more people to be there.

Calamity said the Miss Native American SUU pageant is different from the typical beauty pageants.

"It is a wonderful way to show culture," she said.