November was a month of major achievements and heartfelt service for Georgia Harjo. Her commitment to Native youth and culture came alive through school presentations, leadership victories, and historic moments.
A State Champion for Cultural Knowledge
On November 1st, Georgia led the IVY Council team to victory in the Oklahoma Indian Challenge Bowl. As team captain, she helped secure their third consecutive High School State Championship. “I’m so happy and my heart is full of joy,” she said. “They are now embracing culture and participating in dances, singing, arts, and language lessons… It was emotional for me, as I feel it was a pivotal event to learning more about our tribes.” Inspired by her teammates’ growth, Georgia began teaching beginner Mvskoke language lessons during her school’s free period.
Cultural Presentations in Schools and Powwows
Georgia continued dancing and teaching throughout the month. On November 8th, she visited Northern Hills Elementary with the Resonative Youth Dance Troupe, and later that evening, she participated in the Miss and Jr. Miss Indian Oklahoma Honor Powwow in Sulphur. The next day, she competed in the Miss Indian Oklahoma Pageant at the Chickasaw Cultural Center.
There, she introduced herself in the Mvskoke language, sang a translated version of “Estvmvn Estomen Fullatskis” (a song from the Trail of Tears), and presented original artwork. She also gave a platform presentation and answered an impromptu question. She won several honors: Miss Eloquent, Best Overall Presentation, and ultimately, was crowned 2024–2025 Miss Indian Oklahoma.
“It truly was a historical evening,” Georgia said. “We are also both seniors in high school, and this is the first time someone from the Oklahoma City Public School District has won.”
Representation and Support for Native Youth
Her service continued with trips to Spencer Elementary and the Moore Public Schools Cultural Night. On November 20th, she presented on stickball at the Oklahoma City Thunder Native American Student Day and Heritage Night. On November 22nd, she filmed her first UNITY News segment as an official anchor.
On November 23rd, she attended the OKC Holiday Craft Fair and later that evening traveled to Concho for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Labor Day Powwow Benefit. There she donated raffle items, passed out seed packets, and promoted her platform: “Our Culture Knows No Boundaries.”
A Spirit of Giving and Cultural Sharing
By month’s end, she helped plan the IVY Conference, hosted a painting workshop, and won People’s Choice in a chili cook-off at the Jacobson House Native Art Market. Her message remained consistent: “I’d love to encourage others to… take hold of who you want to be. Share that with the world.”
The Impact of Her Servant Leadership
Georgia’s dedication throughout November expanded far beyond performance or presentation—it provided Indigenous youth with tangible role models and inspiration. From empowering teammates to explore their cultural identities to mentoring younger students through language lessons and powwow participation, Georgia’s leadership helped reclaim space for Native voices. Her focus on cultural revitalization, education, and outreach fostered unity across communities, empowering youth to carry traditions forward with pride.