Comanche Nation Crowns New Royalty

Incoming Comanche Nation Princess Arlene Schonchin and Jr. Princess Clara Yazzie were crowned on Saturday, April 4, at Watchetaker Hall.

Schonchin said she’s honored to have the position.

“This is the big enchilada. This is the big title, the title,” she said. “And I have built my way up to this, and I'm eternally grateful for representing and holding the titles.”

Schonchin is now a third-generation Comanche Nation Princess.

“My grandmother was a 1945 Comanche Nation Princess, and my mom was a 1988 Comanche Nation Princess,” she said. “And I am the third generation, which is crazy to say because I have been waiting for this for so long too, and to actually have it…words can't express how much this means to me and my family.”

Schonchin is also leading the way for 100 years of Comanche Nation Princess.

“I don't only represent me and my family, I represent all the past princesses and their families because it takes a lot to hold this title,” she said. “And just being able to actually get past princesses for 100 years is so much, and it carries so much tradition, and just like holding this, it's just amazing and like just breathtaking honestly.”

Schonchin said her platform is to be a role model for the younger ladies.

“Because when I was little, I looked [at princesses] and being able to have that glow in your eyes when you look at them, like they're the perfect princess in the whole world. I want to have that impact on other young ladies,” she said. “And hopefully that will like push them to maybe run for princess title even this one.”

Schonchin is looking forward to representing Comanche Nation and its tribal members as well as teach others about the culture, traditions and language.

Yazzie said it was relieving to be crowned.

“It's not like a weight has been lifted on me,” she said. “I didn't have any…stress about it since I was already given it, but just felt nice because people were smiling at me and cheering me on. It was really great.”

Yazzie’s first lap around the arena was nice.

“My first time was with my brothers, and we were just joking, and everything's…a little chill, and they're just kind of being brothers, but once I did finally get all my stuff on all my regalia, my crown especially, and I had to walk around alone,” she said. “But it was…a little bit scary taking my first step, but once I finally started getting into the groove and seeing all these people smiling at me and woo-wooing and cheering me on…it felt very rewarding.”

Yazzie said her mom helped her the most.

“She like pushed me to do this title. You should do it. I'm like, ‘Okay, well, I mean, this is only my second title that I can really remember. I mean other than like Little Miss Homecoming,’” she said. But my mom's been there for me a lot. My dad, my brothers, all my family that came out here, my Navajo family, Comanche family, a lot of people have supported me.”

Two of Yazzie’s aunts have held the title.

As for her platform…

“My platform is to teach kids in my generation, the younger generation, that they can cope using culture instead of turning to substance abuse for their mental health,” Yazzie said.

Outgoing Comanche Nation Princess Isabela Ramirez crowned both princesses and will later be Little Ponies Princess.