Applications to be accepted for competition

FARMINGTON — Starting Monday, applications will be accepted for the Farmington American Indian Ambassador program.

The primary role of the ambassador is to represent the city and its Native American residents.

He or she also participates in and shares information about events sponsored by the Farmington Indian Center, which oversees the competition.

To qualify, the applicant must be a Farmington resident between the ages of 12 and 18 and provide proof of tribal enrollment.

Myra Newman, the Farmington Indian Center's division manager, said applicants are not required to speak a Native American language.

Application packets will be available at the Farmington Indian Center, 100 W. Elm St., and the deadline to submit an application is 4 p.m. June 3.

Newman said opening the application process early gives individuals plenty of time to think about competing and to complete the application.

Applying for the competition is similar to filling out a job application, she added.

As part of the competition, judges review the applications, and applicants are asked to explain why they want to be the ambassador and what they offer the community.

It helps to have a platform, but it is not required, Newman said, adding previous applicants proposed increasing awareness about recycling and about Native American culture and language.

This is the second year the competition will search for a Farmington American Indian Ambassador. Last year, the competition, formerly for Miss Indian Farmington, opened to male competitors and the title changed to ambassador.

Newman said it's fun to see the titleholder develop confidence over the course of the year he or she represents Farmington.

“By the end, they are more confident about going up to people and holding conversations,” she said.

It also opens doors to additional community service projects and other opportunities, she said.

The competition will be at 5:30 p.m. June 10 at the Farmington Civic Center, 200 W. Arrington St. It is open to the public.

For more information about the ambassador program, contact the Farmington Indian Center at 505-327-6296.

Noel Lyn Smith covers the Navajo Nation for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4636.