2025-2026 Miss Indian New Mexico LVI

Miss Indian New Mexico LVI

Jolene tsinnijinnie

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Jolene Tsinnijinnie is from the Pueblo of Santo Domingo (Kewa) and the Navajo Nation. Her mother is Eillie Tsinnijinnie, and her father is Adrian Tsinnijinnie. Her maternal grandparents are Mary Sadie Benavidez and Joeba Benavidez, and her paternal grandparents are Nancy Tsinnijinnie and Larry Tsinnijinnie. She is 21 years old and currently a third-year undergraduate (junior) at New Mexico Highlands University, pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work. Jolene aims to have a career in law, focusing on family law to protect Indigenous families, women, and children.

A little about Ms. Tsinnijinnie: She enjoys spending time outdoors and connecting with nature through activities like hiking and trail running. She also participates in cultural events with her family and enjoys downtime spent painting, cooking, and writing.

When Ms. Tsinnijinnie is not in nature, with family, or at school, she participates in advocacy for Indigenous peoples' health, lands, and spaces. Jolene Tsinnijinnie was a past fellow in the Pueblo Action Alliance's 2024 Cultivating Roots and Resistance Fellowship. Ms. Tsinnijinnie spent her time learning, educating, and speaking on the importance of climate advocacy for Pueblo and Southwestern tribes. Now, as part of the 2025 Strengthening Roots and Resistance Mentorship Program, she provides leadership and guidance to support the new cohort of CRR fellows. She was featured in the Santa Fe New Mexican as a co-author for the “Caja Del Rio” initiative and a Pueblo youth activist speaking at the Santa Fe capital advocating for environmental justice and protesting False green solutions. Jolene is also a member of the Indian Affairs Department Indigenous Youth Council, where she represents her community and advocates for Indigenous youth mental health. She participates in conferences as a speaker and co-developer of the IYC “Kinship Pledge,” an initiative to support Indigenous youth and prevent suicide.

She was the President of her university’s Indigenous Student Union, an initiative to create Indigenous spaces on campus by organizing events to promote awareness, education, and social engagement for Indigenous students and allies. She facilitated social nights, cultural classes, and organized the 1st Annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives 5K Run. She was named the recipient of the “Best Student Leadership” and “Best Student Organization” awards for the 2023-2024 year.

Jolene Tsinnijinnie is proud to take on the role of Miss Indian New Mexico! She is determined to be a powerful source of inspiration for young Indigenous girls, women, and 2-Spirit relatives. Inspired by the strong women in her community such as her mother, aunties, and grandmothers. Jolene is ready to make a positive impact and empower the next generation with confidence, love, and strength!