2025-2026 Gila River Royalty crowned in District 5

The Gila River Indian Community gathered for the annual Gila River Royalty Pageant, an event that celebrates heritage, tradition, and grace. The pageant held at the Casa Blanca Community School, featured four young women vying for the titles of Miss Gila River and Jr. Miss Gila River on April 26.

Gabrielle Garcia, District 3, was crowned as the new Miss Gila River 2025-2026, along with her first attendant Virginia Rossel, District 3.  Paige Thomas, District 2, was crowned Jr. Miss Gila River 2025-2026, and first attendant Peyton Thomas, District 2.

The title of Miss Gila River and Jr. Miss Gila River is not just an accolade but a role of ambassadorship, where the winner represents the community at various events and gatherings throughout the year.

Outgoing royalty, Miss Gila River 2024-2025 Susanna Osife, District 2, and Jr. Miss Gila River Shayla Davis, District 1, reflected on their time as Community ambassadors during their farewell address.

“It has been such an honor to hold a title such as this, to represent you all, to represent the Gila River Indian Community everywhere I went,” said Davis. “I have had so much fun and enjoyed this experience. It has definitely been such an important moment in my life.”

“I’ve had the wonderful honor during my time as Miss Gila River to experience unforgettable scenarios and experiences that I never believed that I could go through,” Osife said.

The pageant featured a series of events designed to highlight the multifaceted qualities of the contestants: introductions, talent, traditional and business attire, and impromptu questions. This year’s judges panel included: former Miss Gila River Diana Antone, Community Council Rep. Duane Jackson Jr., and former Lt. Gov. Robert Stone.

The Gila River Royalty inspires young women to take active roles in preserving and promoting their culture while also encouraging personal development and leadership. 

“I’ve always been very proud of our community and the representation, but working with the youth and hearing them – I have hope for our leadership moving forward,” said Lt. Gov. Regina Antone