Maykh’ Nuchu, family and friends,  

My Name KaiLanii Kamea Pearl Graham and I am the 2025-26 Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate. I am six years old, I attend Needham Elementary in Durango, Colo. as a first grader. My mother is Shiann Graham (Baker), my father is Neki Graham. My maternal grandparents are Dorene Baker & Leslie Weaver. My paternal grandparents are Loucinda Graham also of Jeddito, Ariz. & Jacob Graham of Marjuo (capitol of the Marshal Islands). I come from the Mouache and Capota bands, and a direct descendant of Buckskin Charlie. I am an enrolled Southern Ute member, I am also Diné and Marshallese (Hawaiian).  

This is my first quarterly report. I am honored to have attended these events in the first few months of my reign. I look forward to the new year and events to come.   

 

September   

• Our Annual Southern Ute Fair Parade & Powwow  

• I helped with the royalty dinner and entered the parade. I partook in Grand Entry and inter-tribals for the remainder of the weekend.   

• The Southern Ute Fair Rodeo. All of us representatives attended both days of the rodeo.  

• Durango’s annual Cowboy Parade. I attended this event with my fellow representatives Miss Southern Ute and Miss Southern Ute Alternate.   

 

October  

• Phoenix Indian Center, “Our people must keep dancing” Gourd Dance & Social Powwow. I attended this event with my family.  

• Southern Ute Royalty Committee Junior Miss Pageant. My representatives and I attended the pageant & crowning of our Jr. Miss & Jr. Miss Alternate.  

• The Southern Ute Multi-Purpose monthly Sip, Chat & Chew.   

 

November  

• Elders Committee Fall sunrise blessing at the SUCCM.  

• Juniper School performance for NAHM. Southern Ute Royalty and the Southern Ute heritage dancers.  

• Needham Elementary School also for NAHM. Southern Ute Royalty and the So. Ute heritage dancers.  

• Southern Ute Veterans Powwow. I attended this for the whole weekend with other representatives.  

• Culture Preservation Departments Roc your Mocs event.  

• Ignacio Elementary & Middle School. 

• The Po’Pay’s pueblo dancers at the SUCCM.  

• Annual Tribal Thanksgiving dinner.  

• Durango High School Round Dance & Art Market.  

• Mercy Hospital for NAHM. 

• Denver Nuggets NAHM half time show. 

 

December  

• Annual Tribal Dinner & Christmas Program.  

 

 

It has been an honor to attend these events and showcase our culture and connect with people. I look forward to the new year and the events I plan to attend. I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  

 

Toghoyaqh,  

KaiLanii Graham   

Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate 2025-26