BRIEF HISTORY OF MISS INDIAN RODEO

The Indian National Finals Rodeo began in 1976 with the mission of developing and growing Indian Professional Rodeo at an international level for the educational, economic, social, and cultural growth of the Indian people. In 1979, the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) established the Miss Indian Rodeo program to serve as the official ambassador for the INFR, its Regions, and all Native American communities across the United States and provinces of Canada. The first pageant was held in 1979 in Salt Lake City, UT. Shelly Bird was crowned as the first Miss Indian Rodeo Queen. Pierre Whidden was the last Miss Indian Rodeo crowned in 1997, before a brief absence in the program. The program restarted in 2004, and Martina Monroe was crowned as Miss Indian Rodeo 2005. While the title is currently known as Miss Indian Rodeo, it was briefly renamed Miss Indian Rodeo of North America from 1984 to 1986.

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The iconic Miss Indian Rodeo crown was crafted in 2006 by silversmith Joe Kieyoomia of Holbrook, AZ. The crown features meticulous details, including turquoise accents and the Indian National Finals Rodeo logo of Howard Hunter Sr. from the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

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