Shelby Elizabeth Mata (Comanche Nation) Crowned Miss Native American USA 2021-2022

LAWTON, Okla. - Shelby Elizabeth Mata, a tribal citizen of the Comanche Nation, was crowned Miss Native American USA 2021-2022 on Friday, Sept. 10 in a special ceremony. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the competition for the Miss Native American USA pageant was canceled this year for the second year in a row. As an alternative solution to name a new Miss Native American USA, the pageant's leadership team decided to give the title to Mata, 24, who was the first runner-up two years ago. She succeeds Lexie James (Hopi), who reigned for one extra year because of the pandemic.

"We are saddened to go another year without competition. This year would have been our 10th Anniversary scholarship pageant but we understand Indian Country is still at risk to the Covid-19 Delta Variant. We hope that calling upon our first runner-up demonstrates our commitment to continue representing Indian Country while providing opportunities to our former past contestants," Tashina Atine (Diné), founder and CEO of the pageant said.

"We look forward to welcoming Shelby and are grateful for her and her family. We would like to thank Comanche Nation Tribal Chairman Mark Woommavovah for accepting our invitation to crown Shelby Mata on our behalf this year," Atine continued.

https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/shelby-elizabeth-mata-comanche-nation-crowned-miss-native-american-usa-2021-2022