Pat Finken - City Magazine

Thinn, 27,
graduated from
Arizona State
University with
two degrees. In
2003, she was
selected as Miss
Indian Arizona
State University
and, in 2007,
as Miss Indian
Arizona. Thinn
is currently the
Curriculum,
Assessment and
Professional
Development
Coordinator at the
Shonto (Arizona)
Preparatory
School District.
Thinn said her most personally memorable
appearances this year as Miss Indian Nations took
place at the Veterans Administration hospital in
Albuquerque, N.M. “I was given the opportunity
to present to VA employees and visit with the
Native American Veterans,” she said. “They shared
so many stories and words of advice. It really
touched home for me because my dad is a veteran
and he has done so much for me in my life.”
Thinn’s main focus as royalty was to inspire
young people. “My message for Native American
youth is to dream big and know that the only limits
you have are the limits you set on yourself.” Thinn’s
future plans are to serve in the Peace Corps and
then pursue a law degree. “Eventually, I would
love to work with a nonprofit organization which
supports youth empowerment and community
development,” she says.
The Miss Indian Nations pageant is open to all
Native American women who are at least onefourth
degree American Indian and between the
ages of 17-26. The presentation of the new Miss
Indian Nations is traditionally on Saturday evening
at the Powwow in the Lone Star Arena following
the Grand Entry.
For more information visit www.uttc.edu.
Tom Regan, a former editor of City Magazine, has been a
media professional for over 40 years.