Mique Nuuchiu, 

My name is Shayne Morning Star White Thunder. My Ute name is Tөmөsi’iru “Winter Rose.”  My grandmother Mikki gave me that name because I was born in winter and the rose signifies our people. My Cheyenne name is Azem’heh “Rearing Woman.”  I am named after my Nishgit (grandma) Bobbie.  

I am 11 years old, and I attend school at Escalante Middle School in Durango, Colo. in the 6th grade. My mother is Heather White Thunder, and my father is Seth Roubideaux. My paternal grandmother is Mikki Naranjo, and my great-grandparents are the late Eugene Naranjo and the late Dixie Naranjo. My maternal grandparents are Bobbie White Thunder from El Reno, Okla., and the late Ross Denny. I come from the Moache-Capote bands, and I am also Cheyenne and Arapaho, Lakota, and Oneida from my mother’s side.   

On October 16, I participated in the Junior Miss Pageant. I was crowned as the new Junior Miss Southern Ute for 2025-2026! I’m excited to begin my reign and represent as best as I can. I take pride in being a positive role model and being a voice for our youth. It is very important that we keep our traditions and culture strong. I am also a council member of the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council.  

 

The following are events that I have attended and participated in this quarter: 

 

October 2025 

• October 16: Participated in Junior Miss Pageant. 

• October 30: Attended Swearing-in Ceremony SCSYAC member – Leandra Litz. 

 

November 2025 

• November 4: Attended and danced at Juniper School in Durango, Colo. 

• November 7: Attended and danced at Needham Elementary School in Durango, Colo. 

• November 13: Attended and danced at Bayfield Primary School in Bayfield, Colo. 

• November 14: Attended the Roc your Mocs event at the Southern Ute Museum. I presented the different styles of moccasins I wear to attendees.  

• November 15: I greeted and introduced myself at the Southern Ute Annual Thanksgiving Dinner to tribal members and guests. I helped pass out dinner plates to elders. When that concluded my family and I went to the Durango Native American PAG Round Dance. It was fun dancing with my brother Curtis and my friends with other Royalty. 

• November 17: All Royalty took a group photo  

• November 18: Attended and read to younger students at the Education Center Night with Nuuciu event. 

• November 22: Attended and danced at the Denver Nuggets half time show for Native American Heritage night. It was so fun and exciting. Thank you to those who made this happen.  

• November 27-29: My mom, sister, and I traveled to Fort Duchesne, Utah to attend and dance at the annual Ute Tribe Thanksgiving Powwow. This powwow is one of my favorites.  

 

I have enjoyed my time so far, and I look forward to more travels and representing the Tribe. Remember to always be kind and respect one another. Always have good intentions in your heart. Stay warm and safe this winter and Happy Holidays!  

 

Tog’oiak’ 

Shayne Morning Star White Thunder 

Junior Miss Southern Ute 

2025-2026