For Towaoc resident Martina Rae Gallegos, tradition is important. Her sincerity in being a leader and role model for other young Native Americans was recently rewarded when she captured the prestigious title of Miss Indian Colorado.

The title, conferred on Gallegos in September following competition in Delta, "represents all the Native Americans throughout Colorado," she said.

The competition judges contestants on poise, appearance, tribal knowledge and history, grade-point average and talent. Gallegos claimed top honors for her rendering of a traditional worship song, passed down to her by a Ute elder, Jack Cantsee Sr.

"I feel very honored and privileged," Gallegos said.

As Miss Indian Colorado, Gallegos will serve as guest speaker at various events, preside over parades and functions, and travel to Native American dances throughout the United States.

Gallegos is no stranger to representing her people on the pageant circuit.

In her young life, she has held both the Junior Miss and Miss Ute Mountain Ute Princess titles; the Junior Miss and Miss Diné Nuchu Pow-wow Princess titles through the Re-1 school district, and the title of Miss Fourth of July Pow-wow Princess for the Northern Ute Tribe in Fort Duchesne, Utah.

Although pleased with her many honors, for Gallegos, "carrying on my traditions and representing all Native Americans" is more important than winning.

So is "being proud to be Indian," she said. "This promotes a healthy lifestyle," because it encouraged her to turn to her heritage, instead of to drugs, alcohol and other problems facing today’s youth, she said.

Gallegos has kept close to her heritage through storytelling and Pow-wow and Bear Dance performances, as well as through her royalty titles. The 2000 MCHS and San Juan Basin Technical School graduate is currently seeking her degree in human services at San Juan College in Farmington.

Gallegos, the daughter of Ray and Estrella Gallegos of Towaoc, plans to compete for more titles in the future. "It’s a really good experience. You meet many different people. Their smiles and beautiful faces are to be remembered and cherished.