Shiprock Diné College Hosts First-Ever Fry Bread Contest: A Celebration of Community Engagement
SHIPROCK, N.M. – The Shiprock Diné College Campus buzzed with excitement yesterday, Monday, September 29, 2025, as the institution successfully hosted its inaugural Frybread Contest during the local fair week. The event served as a vibrant display of cultural preservation and community partnership, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic fans, families, contestants, and College community.
The contest featured 13 contestants who signed up to showcase their skill in preparing this traditional and much-loved food, a staple enjoyed by the Navajo and many other Native American tribes. The competition was divided into three intense preliminary sessions. The top two winners from each session advanced to the grand finale, where the ultimate frybread champions were determined.
After a closely judged finale, the top contestants were recognized for their culinary excellence:
• First Place: Nathan Harry of Mitten Rock, AZ
• Second Place: Donovan Russell of Blackmesa, AZ
• Third Place: Erickson Billy of Sawmill, AZ
The winners received significant prizes, including a sheep, a $75 gift card, and a load of firewood. All participants walked away with a thank-you gift for their efforts, which included a Diné College swag bag and a sheep herder bundle.
The Grand Finale was judged by a distinguished panel selected for their deep experience and expertise in traditional Navajo culture and knowledge:
• Shane Hendren, Diné College Mellon Foundation Fellow
• Brian James, TikTok Content Creator
• Ryan Cody Nez, The Cow Dude
The event, which began at 3:00 p.m. and concluded around 8:00 p.m., required all adult contestants to possess a valid food handlers permit, underscoring the College’s commitment to safety.
Diné College was thrilled with the turnout and the opportunity to host such an engaging event. Beyond the competition, the Frybread Contest achieved its goals of promoting cultural preservation, fostering intergenerational learning, supporting recruitment efforts for the College, and providing inspiration for all ages in attendance.
“This event was a great community engagement to highlight the College and our commitment to the public trust and establishing partnerships with local programs and entities,” said Winifred Jumbo, Director of External Campuses and Sites. “We are incredibly thankful for all of our sponsors and staff members whose generous donations and partnership with local entities made this event possible.”
Diné College Shiprock Branch Campus looks forward to potentially hosting the Frybread Contest again, welcoming even more participants to celebrate culture and community in the future.
