Mayqkh Pinonuuchiu puan, 

Greetings my name is Leandra Litz, I am the 2024-2025 Jr. Miss Southern Ute.  

My Ute name is Thunder Cloud Young Lady given to me by my auntie Hilda Burch. I am Southern Ute and Diné. I come from the Mouache and Capota bands. My Diné clans are Mexican Clan (mother’s clan) and Zuni Edge Water Clan (maternal grandfathers clan). My mom is Alyssa Nez and my dad is Leandro Litz. I have three little brothers: Dwight, Leandro Jr. and Tavach. My paternal grandparents are Nicole Lansing and the late Randall Litz. My paternal great-grandparents are Judy Burch Lansing, the late Dwight Lansing, Alethea Gunn and the late Gilbert Litz. My maternal grandparents are Fannie Yazzie and Darrell Nez.  

I am very grateful to be in this position as it is one of the many things I am passionate about. I go to school at Ignacio High School and I’m in the 10th grade. I am on the Student Council and the Yearbook Committee. I like to draw and write in my own time. I enjoy playing sports. I currently play for Ignacio’s girls Varsity and JV basketball team. I have also played soccer and volleyball for my school. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and my cat. I like to attend cultural events on and off the reservation. I also like to go back home to my Diné side to help my grandpa and spend time with my horse. 

I am currently serving a two-year term on the Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) where I represent this district and the Southern Ute Tribe. I look forward to learning as much as I can in this position. I am honored to be given this opportunity to be an ambassador once again. I will continue to represent the Southern Ute Indian Tribe with honor and respect. As the months get colder don’t forget to check on elders. Have fun and safe holidays, full of love and laughter.   

 

Here’s a list of events I have attended so far. 

September  

• 9-6-Southern Ute Fair & Powwow (I was crowned 2024-2025 Jr. Miss Southern Ute) 
• 9-7 Southern Ute Fair parade 
• 9-7 Sip, Chat and Chew. (Greeted our sister Tribes) 
• 9-13 Southern Ute Fair Rodeo 
• 9-14 Southern Ute Fair Rodeo 
• 9-21 Miss Indian New Mexico Farewell Event, Dulce, N.M.

October  

• 10-5 Cowboy parade, Durango, Colo. 
• 10-5 Northern Navajo Nation Fair Powwow, Shiprock, N.M. 
• 10-9 Southern Ute Education Center, Open House, Ignacio, Colo. 
• 10-17 Ignacio High School Homecoming parade, Ignacio, Colo.

November 

• 11-2 San Luis Valley Powwow, Alamosa, Colo. 
• 11-9 Community Veterans Powwow, Ignacio, Colo. 
• 11-10 Community Veterans Powwow, Ignacio, Colo. 
• 11-14 Wanbli-Ota Social Dance, For Lewis College, Durango, Colo. I got interviewed during this event. 
• 11-16 Southern Ute Tribal Thanksgiving Meal, Ignacio, Colo. 
• 11-20 Ignacio High School Native American Heritage Month event. Ignacio, Colo. 
• 11-20 Juniper School Native American Heritage Month event. Durango, Colo. 
• 11-21 Ignacio Middle School Native American Month event. Ignacio, Colo. 
• 11-21 Out Runnin’ Diabetes run/walk, Ignacio, Colo. 
• 11-21 Bayfield Primary School Native American Heritage Month event. Bayfield, Colo. 
• 11-21 Bayfield Intermediate School Native American Heritage Month event. Bayfield, Colo. 
• 11-22 Park Elementary School Native American Heritage Month event. Durango, Colo. 
• 11-22 Sip, Chat, and Chew. Ignacio, Colo. 
• 11-27 Utes got Talent Show. Towaoc, Colo. 

Togoyakh,

Leandra Litz

Jr. Miss Southern Ute

2024-2025