It began in 1955.

That year, 16-year-old Helen Louise Knight was crowned rodeo queen for the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo in Cortez — the first Native American to attain the honor.

It is now the year 2000, but Helen Knight’s family has not forgotten, and is carrying on the tradition. Catherine Helen Louise Lehi, who will be a first-grader next year, is following in her grandmother’s footsteps. Catherine, the daughter of Charlie and Vicki Lehi of Towaoc, participated in the rodeo parade Friday and will do so again tonight.

Catherine’s goal is to carry on her grandmother’s work, said Charlie Lehi. He plans to involve all three of the Lehi daughters and their brother in the rodeo when they are old enough.

Helen Knight competed for the rodeo crown on a whim, with her friend, Lucy Mae Hight. Her achievement "helped with integration," Charlie Lehi said.

Knight and Hight had no political agenda in entering the rodeo contest, he said.

"They were just spunky little kids," Charlie Lehi said "She (Knight) was good with horses and other things she did in her life."

Catherine Lehi shows the same initiative and dedication as her grandother.

The original article describing Helen Knight’s coronation, found in a 1955 edition of the Montezuma Valley Journal, follows:

Helen Knight, a 16-year-old Ute Indian girl, was selected Sunday as queen of the annual Ute Mountain Roundup. The Roundup, sponsored by the Cortez American Legion post will be held in Cortez June 17, 18 and 19.

Helen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knight of Towaoc. Her attendants are Vickie Feree, daughter of Mr and Mrs. J.C. Hamilton of Cortez and Barbara Woodard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Woody Woodard of Cortez.

Helen Knight and Lucy Mae Hight, both of Towaoc, were the first Indian [sic] girls ever to enter the contest for rodeo queen. Other contestants were Dorothy Donaldson, Kathryn Duron, Barbara Woodard, Cecilia Livingston, all of Cortez, and Fay Odell of Lewis and Vickie Feree of Lakeview.

Queen contestants were judged on horsemanship and appearance. This included handling the horse while walking, trotting and galloping, and the ability to dismount.