Georgia Adeline Harjo, a proud member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Choctaw, Seminole, and Cheyenne tribes, has been a dynamic force within her community and a deserving recipient of the prestigious UNITY 25 Under 25 National Award. Her passion for uplifting Native youth and fostering cultural pride shines through in every aspect of her servant leadership. By promoting social, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness, Georgia exemplifies the power of youth-led initiatives and community engagement.
Building Connections Through Cultural Engagement
Throughout the summer and early fall of 2024, Georgia’s commitment to her community took center stage at numerous cultural events. In July, she attended the Thunderbird Casino Powwow and Stomp Dance, where she not only danced but also showcased her artwork as a vendor. This experience allowed her to share her UNITY journey with community members who supported her along the way, further solidifying the bonds that unite her with her cultural roots.
Her platform for youth engagement extended to her work as a guest speaker at the First Americans Museum Youth Summer Camps, where she taught cultural arts classes, including Corn Husk Doll making, and shared stories of her tribe’s creation. Georgia’s ability to connect with young children, teaching them about both Powwow and Stomp Dance cultures, has instilled a deep sense of cultural pride in future generations.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she was awarded the Mvnettvlke Onaya (Youth Visionary for Fostering Advocacy Award) by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Youth Services Department. This recognition is a testament to the positive impact Georgia has had in her community, inspiring those around her to embrace their heritage while advocating for cultural understanding.
Empowering Native Youth through Leadership
As a youth presenter at the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic’s 50th Anniversary, Georgia demonstrated her leadership by showcasing her southern Cloth dancing skills alongside her Dance Troupe, educating the public about the various styles of Native regalia and dance. Her participation in such events not only highlights her cultural knowledge but also serves as an opportunity for her to act as a role model for other Native youth, encouraging them to take pride in their identities and traditions.
In August, Georgia played a key role in the planning meeting of her school district’s Native Youth Council, where she worked on initiatives that encourage cultural pride among urban Native youth. Her work with the Indigenous Voices Youth Council (I.V.Y. Council) underscores her commitment to promoting mental wellness through cultural expression and youth empowerment. By collaborating on a video about cultural pride, Georgia provided a platform for Native youth to showcase their stories and experiences, fostering a strong sense of identity and resilience.
Active Involvement and Community Participation
Georgia’s physical engagement in her community is evident in her participation in numerous cultural and physical activities. From dancing and contesting at powwows to teaching stickball at her school district’s Back to School Culture Night, she has consistently promoted physical wellness through active involvement in traditional sports and dances. Her participation in events such as the Oklahoma City Powwow Club’s Annual Indian Hills Powwow and the Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival highlights her dedication to celebrating her culture while maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
In addition to dancing and playing stickball, Georgia has been involved in extracurricular activities such as Drama Club, Esports, and Dance Company at her school, demonstrating the importance of balancing academics and physical activity. Her active lifestyle serves as a model for Native youth, showing them the value of staying engaged in both traditional and modern forms of physical expression.
Honoring Tradition and Sharing Cultural Knowledge
At the heart of Georgia’s leadership is her commitment to spiritual wellness and cultural preservation. Her participation in the Memorial Stomp Dance at the First Americans Museum allowed her to honor her ancestors and share her cultural knowledge with the community. She also took part in the Ladies in Leather Bike Rally, where she helped raise awareness for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) movement, reinforcing the importance of protecting and honoring Native women.
Looking ahead, Georgia’s involvement in the upcoming Muscogee (Creek) Nation Estuce Fest, where she will share a traditional lullaby from the Trail of Tears, highlights her dedication to preserving the spiritual and cultural practices of her ancestors. This commitment extends to her language studies at the College of the Muscogee Nation, where she is pursuing a Certificate in Mvskoke Language, ensuring that the language and stories of her people will be passed on to future generations.
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Georgia’s extensive involvement in her community, from teaching cultural arts to dancing at powwows and advocating for Native youth, is a testament to her servant leadership. As a UNITY 25 Under 25 National Awardee, Georgia has used her platform to uplift others and promote holistic wellness among her peers. Her dedication to social, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness serves as a shining example of what it means to be a leader in today’s world.
Through her hard work and passion for her culture, Georgia Adeline Harjo continues to inspire Native youth across the Southern Plains and beyond, paving the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps.