December marked a celebratory season of service and recognition for Georgia Harjo, who continued her role as Miss Indian Oklahoma and UNITY 25 Under 25 leader with grace, creativity, and generosity.
Celebration and Recognition
On December 1st, Georgia received notice she was a semifinalist for the prestigious Gates Scholarship. A few days later, she was accepted to the University of Oklahoma. “This is exactly where I want to go,” she said. On December 4th, she was named Oklahoma Indian Student of the Year by the Oklahoma Council for Indian Education (OCIE), and the next day, she was sworn in as OCIE’s new Student At-Large Board Member. “I’m very ready to help contribute to the development and support of Indian Education in Oklahoma,” she shared.
Holiday Markets and Cultural Arts
At the Winter Holiday Art Market at the First Americans Museum, Georgia played a key role in community outreach. She worked as one of Indigenous Santa’s elves and hosted cultural workshops on corn husk doll making and crafting God’s Eye ornaments. “That feeling of creating something yourself is unbeatable,” she said. “It fills me with delight to see the joy it brings someone.” She represented UNITY’s 25 Under 25 program and brought along teammates from her IVY Council and Challenge Bowl teams to assist.
Volunteering and Cultural Consulting
She also took on a new role as a Native American Community Consultant for the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center’s “Honor Song” exhibition by renowned artist Edgar Heap of Birds. On December 13th, she met with Native artists to help coordinate community engagement for the show.
The next day, she volunteered at the Oklahoma City Powwow Club and Kiowas for a Better Future’s Indian Taco Sale and Market. Georgia helped serve food, managed a vendor table, and worked alongside friends in support of community needs.
Looking ahead, she is planning the Miss and Jr. Miss Indian Oklahoma Sweetheart Stomp Dance – the first-ever of its kind. Through it all, Georgia remains steadfast: “However busy we may be, or how tired we may get, it’s worth it all for the future of Indian Country… I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”
The Impact of Her Servant Leadership
Georgia’s work in December modeled how cultural service and personal joy can coexist in meaningful community action. Whether mentoring youth through traditional crafts, advising art institutions, or promoting heritage at holiday events, she showed that Indigenous leadership is about generosity, stewardship, and joy. By showing up and giving back in so many ways, Georgia empowered youth, supported Native-owned businesses, and upheld Indigenous knowledge systems. Her leadership is nurturing a stronger, more connected Native future—one dance, workshop, and conversation at a time.