March 20, 2026
Fairbanks, Alaska—In a celebration of Alaska Native culture, two young women and a baby boy were named as Fairbanks Native Association Miss FNA, FNA Princess and FNA Baby.
The new Miss FNA is Nanieezh Peter, 21, who is Neetsii Gwich’in, Dinè and Tohono O’odham. Her parents are Taaʼąįį Chʼigiiontaʼ and Enei Peter, of Arctic Village and Arizona.
Nanieezh modeled traditional Athabascan, Dinè and Yup’ik regalia, and displayed a woven art piece. She also highlighted salves she made from Alaskan plants and caribou tallow. She earned a standing ovation for performing a song she wrote in Gwich’in, while giving English translations, called Vidrii Tr’ahtloo (Their Warming Heart).
“I feel very fortunate to come from my family and be a part of my communities, including the larger Fairbanks Native community,” she said.
“They have taught me and will continue to teach me my values as a young Indigenous woman. Thanks to you all, I value love, and the medicine that is laughter, and sharing space with community. I value sobriety, health, and mindfulness towards myself and others. I value harvesting, sharing, and eating our native foods.”
Trinity Hardy is the FNA Princess. She is the daughter of Shannon and Michael Hardy. She wore a
traditional beaded shawl with fringe, a fringed beaded belt, and Canadian Athabascan style dancing boots. She also wore high top beaded gloves and beaded earrings. Trinity’s mother made most of the regalia, meant to be used for her high school graduation in May from Effie Kokrine Charter School.
Trinity is a Natural Helper at EKCS and has played basketball and volleyball. She likes to run, hunt and fish.
FNA Baby is Lennox Johnson, 18 months old. His parents are Niesje Tindall and Thomas Johnson. His tribal affliations are Fort Yukon and Galena. Lennox was decked head-to-toe in a moosehide vest, boots, and headband made by his mother and grandmother Ethel Sakalaskas. Grandparents Lewis and Christine Johnson created a little wooden guitar with beaded flowers, and Lennox’s mother made the beaded guitar strap.
Lennox’s favorite foods are moose meat, applesauce, and yogurt. He likes playing with his three brothers and singing along with music while dancing.
The pageants happened at the FNA Annual Potlatch, an event that began in 1963 and was the founding of FNA. Runners-up for Miss FNA are Alliyah Nay and Linda Pitka. Jinga Joy James was runner-up for FNA Baby.