MVSKOKE RESERVATION – Registration is now open for the 2026 Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Pageant. This year will see a $2,000 increase in monthly scholarship awards for both the Miss and Jr. Miss positions. The Miss scholarship funds will jump from $5,000 to $7,000, Jr. Miss from $2,500 to $4,500. During the annual pageant competition, each contestant is judged on their self-introduction, traditional dress, cultural talent or presentation, impromptu questions, and their knowledge of Mvskoke culture.
Pageant rules state that contestants must be enrolled MCN citizens and can not be enrolled through another Tribe. There is no blood quantum requirement to run. Those running for Miss must be between the ages of 18-24 and enrolled in either a college or a vocational school. Jr. Miss contestants must be between the ages of 14-18 and enrolled in high school. Each contestant must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and reside in the state of Oklahoma.
Miss and Jr. Miss traditionally serve as goodwill ambassadors for the Nation. Each princess reigns for one year and attends various educational, social, cultural, and public events on and off the Mvskoke Reservation. According to the Mvskoke Royalty website, they serve as role models who embody the values of education, culture, and their chosen platform. Princesses are notably present at each National Council Quarterly Session and the Mvskoke Festival.
This year marks the fifth year MCN Royalty Coordinator LuAnn Bear (Mvskoke) has overseen the royalty pageant. Over the years, she has seen many young women grow in confidence through the pageant events. According to Bear, many former contestants and princesses have received educational and professional opportunities made possible by the skills they acquired.
“They meet so many people that will help them in the future,” Bear said. “We’ve had pageant contestants that have met other people and received other scholarships. One young lady interned for a company in D.C., now she works for them full time.”
Leading up to the pageant in June, contestants attend events such as the Royalty Retreat and Royalty Ready to prepare for the competition. Contestants are assigned a Mvskoke language coach to brush up on their language skills. Bear said that it does not matter what language skill level contestants are at when they apply. The purpose of the pageant is to help young Mvskoke women learn and practice their culture.
A major staple of the competition is acquiring and exhibiting traditional regalia. Bear said that many contestants worry about where to find or make a traditional dress. However, Bear also said that contestants can rest assured that pageant coordinators will do everything in their power to set them up for success.
“We help them, the language coach helps a great deal. We show them where they can buy the regalia. Some of them have never had things made.” Bear said.
Applications for both Miss and Jr. Miss are due on Tuesday, March 17, at 5:00 p.m. (CT). Applicants are required to attend the Royalty Retreat on Saturday, March 28. The location for this year’s Royalty Retreat will be announced at a later date. Royalty Ready is set for Saturday, May 2. This year’s pageant is set for Sunday, June 7, at RiverSpirit Casino & Resort.
For a full list of eligibility and rules, visit mvskokeroyalty.com. The Mvskoke Royalty department can also be contacted by phone at 918-549-2601 or by email, lubear@muscogeenation.com. For pageant updates, visit their Facebook page, Mvskoke Royalty.
