86th Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial
Gallup native crowned Miss Ceremonial

Newly crowned Miss Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Queen Anthnette Fern Spencer gets a hug from Miss Indian New Mexico Venita Joe after Saturday's crowning. [Photo by Brian Leddy/Independent]

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

Anthnette Fern Spencer gets crowned by outgoing Miss Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Queen Anna Ballenger on Saturday evening at Red Rock State Park. Spencer, who is from Gallup, is the 86th recipient of the queen's crown. [Photo by Brian Leddy/Independent]

GALLUP — Gallup native Anthnette Fern Spencer was crowned Miss Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial 2007-2008 during the event’s coronation ceremony on Saturday night.
Spencer exited the Red Rock Park arena in shock after judges announced her crowning prior to the night’s Indian Dance Performance.

“I’m so surprised,” Spencer said as a friend secured her silver crown on top of her head. “Seriously, I can’t believe I won ... I’m going to cry.”

Spencer had little time to bask in her success, before she was ushered onto the arena as part of the dance performance’s grand entrance.

Spencer is the daughter of Marjorie Jones, of Gallup, and is a member of the Navajo Tribe. The 2002 Gallup High School graduate is currently pursuing a degrees in political science and American Indian studies at Diné College. She plans to become a tribal advocate.

During her reign as Miss Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial, Spencer will promote “self-motivation” to young people regionwide. She is available for speeches and local events such as business openings, pageant coordinator Nancilee Howes said. Howes describes the queen as a “goodwill ambassador” for the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas and as a “role model” for young girls.

The coronation was the culmination of a week’s worth of events.

LaSasha Ross, Verrica Livingston, Emily Ellison and Spencer competed in the pageant in the areas of modeling traditional Native American regalia, public speaking, essay writing, modern talent, traditional or cultural talent and Southwest fashion demonstration.

“These are girls who studied to renew vows with their culture ...,” Howes said.

A panel of judges selected Ellison as the first-runner up who will assume Spencer’s title if she is unable to complete her responsibilities as queen.

The night’s festivities were bitter-sweet for outgoing Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial Anna Ballenger who passed on her title to Spencer.

“I was presented with a wonderful opportunity in life when I was crowned Miss Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial,” Ballenger said to the crowd as she took her last steps as ceremonial royalty.

Throughout her term as queen, Ballenger met with local preschoolers and attended a celebration in Window Rock for Navajo Code Talkers.

Ballenger said she’s learned an important lessen in life.
“If we put our Creator first, everything else will fall into place,” she said.