- Details
- By Chickasaw Nation Media
Faithlyn Taloa Seawright is ending her First American pageant career as the 2024 Miss Indian Oklahoma. As Miss Indian Oklahoma, Seawright is representing all 39 tribes in the state of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women (OFIW).
“I look forward to being a goodwill ambassador on behalf of the Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women,” Seawright said. “This is a big responsibility. I will encourage cultural and education programs, and promote true Indigenous imagery in First American communities today. I plan on visiting or meeting someone from each of the tribes.”
Make A Donation Here
During the selection process, Seawright’s platform was “What is language revitalization and how YOU can help.” Language revitalization is dear to Seawright’s heart. She is currently a participant in the Chickasaw Nation’s Chikasha Academy Adult Immersion Program, a three-year course in which participants learn to speak conversational Chickasaw and how to teach the language.
“Language revitalization is important,” Seawright said. “There are fewer than 30 fluent Chickasaw speakers. It is imperative for our communities to take action in learning and speaking their languages, to maintain a strong connection with our ancestors/elders, and to keep our identity as Indigenous people. Upon graduation, I want to teach the Chickasaw language.”
Seawright, a Chickasaw citizen, has been involved in First American princess pageants for nearly 15 years. She has represented numerous First American organizations, including the Chickasaw Nation twice. She was selected as Chickasaw Jr. Princess for 2013-2014 and Chickasaw Princess for 2021-2022.
“This is my sixth title,” Seawright said. “This is important to me. It is a position I wanted. I believe in the mission of the Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women. I am excited for the year ahead.”
Seawright began her run in pageantry when she was selected as the All Nations Pow Wow Princess of Ada 2011-2013, American Heart Association 2014-2015, Junior Miss Indian Oklahoma in 2015, Miss Indian Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2018 and is currently serving as Miss Indian Oklahoma.
“I have already been Junior Miss Oklahoma, and I knew I wanted to be Miss Indian Oklahoma,” Seawright said. “I ran three times for this title. The third time was the charm. I am the first Chickasaw to have been selected in both age categories.
“When you have a title such as this, you can voice your opinion at another level. I can bring attention to many different topics. I want to use my voice to bring attention to issues of Indigenous communities.”
Seawright is a graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in museum studies. Her plans include pursuing a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in Indigenous peoples law.
Before winning the title of Miss Indian Oklahoma, Seawright was already a lifetime member of the Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women.
Seawright is the daughter of Gwen Burris and Larry Seawright. The name “Taloa,” meaning “to sing” in the Chickasaw language, was given to her by her grandmother, Mildred Bohanon-Burris. From an early age, Seawright became active in Chickasaw Nation programs.
“I encourage all of our young women and girls to get into Indigenous pageantry,” Seawright said. “It is a way to grow in self-confidence, to make new friends, to share your language and culture (while) gaining new experiences.”
At 25, Seawright has maintained the title to many princess pageants, and after more than 10 years on the pageant circuit believes she may be aging out of future pageants.
“One of the most special memories for me is having been selected to serve the Chickasaw Nation as both the Chickasaw Jr. Princess and then as Chickasaw Princess as an adult,” Seawright said. “Nothing is more important to me than representing the Chickasaw Nation with pride and dignity.”
More Stories Like This
Tornadoes Touchdown on the Mvskoke Reservation in OklahomaSenate Committee on Indian Affairs to Host Legislative Hearing
2024 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Events Across Indian Country
Intoxicated Man Arrested for Kicking a Bison in Yellowstone Park
Native Bidaské with Charlene Sleeper on the MMIP Crisis
Native Perspective. Native Voices. Native News.
We launched Native News Online because the mainstream media often overlooks news that is important is Native people. We believe that everyone in Indian Country deserves equal access to news and commentary pertaining to them, their relatives and their communities. That's why the story you’ve just finished was free — and we want to keep it that way, for all readers. We hope you'll consider making a donation to support our efforts so that we can continue publishing more stories that make a difference to Native people, whether they live on or off the reservation. Your donation will help us keep producing quality journalism and elevating Indigenous voices. Any contribution of any amount — big or small — gives us a better, stronger future and allows us to remain a force for change. Donate to Native News Online today and support independent Indigenous-centered journalism. Thank you.