Tonana Ben sashed as new Miss Indian Arizona 1st Attendant

On April 13, 2024, a ceremony was held at the Two Waters Complex in the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community to sash the new Miss Indian Arizona First Attendant for 2023/2024, Tonana Ben. Tonana hails from the Navajo Nation and is replacing Natiana King, also of the Navajo Nation, who recently resigned. Tonana will now take on the First Attendant responsibilities for the remainder of the year

Tonana is the 21-year-old daughter of Gerald Ben and Brenlla Gilmore. She received the Miss Congeniality Award during the 2023 Scholarship Program. Tonana is majoring in Biological Science with an emphasis in Biomedical Studies at Arizona State University. As she prepares for graduate school, her goal is to attend her dream school, the University of Washington. There her plan is to pursue a career in Indigenous Genetic Research. Tonana's ultimate goal is to promote "Representation of Indigenous People in S.T.E.M. Professions." She believes that our representation matters and is something we should strive for

The Miss Indian Arizona Association extends its appreciation to Natiana for her time representing the 22 tribes of Arizona and wishes her the best. The Association looks forward to Tonana's continued service on the Miss Indian Arizona court as the First Attendant.

The Miss Indian Arizona Association is a non-profit Organization under the sponsorship of the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona. Association members work throughout the year to raise funds to present the Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to young American Indian women, allowing them to pursue their educational goals. For more information about the Scholarship program, volunteering with, or donations to the Miss Indian Arizona Association please visit the organization's website at www.missindianarizona.com