April Yazza was awarded Ms. Hozhoni for the 2018-2019 school year at Fort Lewis College. The Independent sat down with Yazza to discuss her crowning as Ms.Hozhoni.
Editor’s Note: Some of the answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Q: How do you feel now that you’re Ms.Hozhoni?
A: No idea, it’s still sinking in. I feel very excited, but it’s hard to feel anything because it’s all hitting right before finals. This summer, I think I’ll be able to enjoy it much more.
Q: What made you want to apply for this position?
A: Native American pageants are my passion because I didn't grow up on the reservation. So I didn’t learn much about my tradition and culture until I started participating in these pageants. Once I started, my mother and grandmas started teaching me a lot more about our history.
Q: What pageants have you done in the past?
A: My first one was Miss Indian World which is huge, and I got Miss Congeniality. My second one was Miss Indian New Mexico, I got first runner up, and my most memorable pageant was Miss Native American USA. I actually got that one.
Q: How do you view pageants in general?
A: Pageants make my voice much louder than it already is. When I have a passion and I want to speak about it, I know the best place to start is through the pageant. I also meet so many people, and typically it’s hard for me to make friends because I’m so busy.
Q: How does Ms. Hozhoni differ from other pageants?
A: This one is so different, it really brings you back to Fort Lewis College. I realize that other titles are ambiguous and you have to represent such a large portion of the world or the state, but Fort Lewis College is what you stay focused on. I think this is important because this is my final year here, and I think I need to be present while I’m here.
Q: What does Ms.Hozhoni mean to you?
A: I always wanted to leave Fort Lewis College with people knowing who I am, and being awarded Ms. Hozhoni staples that, right before I leave.
Q: How would you encourage others to apply for this position next year?
A: I want to make it a staple in the community next year and get individuals excited. Many concerns this year among contestants were that they never competed before so I want to do pageant workshops, to hone in presentation and glamour skills.
Q: What are some major goals you have as Ms. Hozhoni?
A: I am going to remain myself, because I understand that in some other pageants you have to fit this mold to accommodate the interest of the crowd that you’re serving. But at Fort Lewis, I am myself and people love me for that. I did not take out my septum piercing, or cover up my tattoos. I’m a student, and I’m not going to feel pressured to fit any type of stereotype.
Q: How do you plan to influence the Native American population of FLC?
A: I would encourage them to be active in a lot more clubs and organizations that aren't specific to our ethnicity, because you meet so many people of all ethnicities and cultures. It’s important to expose yourself to different things and test the waters in different areas.
Q: How do you plan to influence the population of FLC in general?
A: Always be genuine and remain who you are, but keep putting yourself out there. If you push yourself, big things can happen, like being crowned Ms. Hozhoni.
Q: During the forum, you spoke on your experience with sexual assault. Why?
A: My journey of healing is short, this is my first time speaking about it publicly. I was scared, but I want to push myself to keep moving forward. I feel safe here. This is where I start before speaking about it on a much larger scale.
Q: During the talent showcase, you chose to belly dance. Why?
A: I’m still self conscious of my showing skin and loving my body because of that experience with sexual assault, and I think the more I dance and enjoy myself through belly dancing, the more I gain back my confidence and ownership of my body.
Q: Why is Ms. Hozhoni important to you, and important to have here at FLC?
A: It challenges students and offers an opportunity to practice being bigger than you are as a student. Putting a student leader in a large spotlight pushes them a little further and makes their voice a little louder.