Southern Plains Region

She is a junior at the University of Central Oklahoma majoring in Mass Communication Photographic Art with a minor in Journalism. Mahiya is an active member of the Mvskoke Nation Youth Council, serves as the Speaker, and has held other executive committee roles since 2017. She participates and volunteers at our cultural events and festivals. The most memorable moments are spent with our elders and youth. Mahiya’s passion is the music of different genres. 

She plays both American and Native American flute. She appeared in Spirit Flute: Healing the Heart ” a documentary of Oklahoma Native America flute players; she was mentored by an elder on how to make a flute from cedar and bamboo. Mahiya believes music heals the mind, heart, and soul and uses music herself as therapy. She also enjoys spending time with family members and friends. It is an honor to serve as the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) Southern Plain Area Representative. I am excited to engage Native youth to become more empowered and let their voices be heard by remaining dedicated, supportive, and focused as we approach this journey together. She will continue to be the best of herself and a role model for all native communities not only in the Southern Plain Region; but across the United States. I look forward to meeting all the youth councils in my region.