By Lani Hansen, Senior Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma- Mvskoke Media continues the series of “Former MCN Princesses: Where are they now?” with series ten featuring Mikayla Buckley. Buckley served as Miss Muscogee (Creek) Nation 2019-2020.
“The pageant experience was incredible. I didn’t get to talk to the girls around pageant time because we were all nervous,” Buckley said. “But the day of the pageant we got closer and were helping each other out after the interviews.”
The night of the pageant she remembers it was hectic, but said her and the other girls were supporting each other and keeping each other calm during the pageant. Buckley enjoyed being around the other contestants, and seeing what they brought to the competition.
The Miss MCN pageant was the first time Buckley ran for the title, but it was her second pageant experience. When her name was announced as the winner, it did not process until she realized everyone was looking at her.
“I thought ‘oh they called my name’ so I stepped out and started waving and smiling,” Buckley stated. “I was in complete shock even after everything slowed down and I was going home. It really didn’t process until several months later.”
During her reign, Buckley spoke at many events and traveled. Her first event was the Elders Game, where she mingled within the crowd and met people. Some of the other events she would introduce herself, sing a hymn or sign the Lord’s Prayer.
As the princess, Buckley did some traveling but she really enjoyed going to California for the At-large community event and to Florida for the UNITY Conference. In California she was able to meet the citizens who lived out there, and at UNITY which is a conference for youth councils she seen other Native tribes and met their royalty.
“I was able to go to UNITY as princess and youth council member,” Buckley said.
When Buckley ran for Miss MCN, she had just graduated from high school. During her reign, she was attending Oral Roberts University studying Business Administration. Now that her reign is over, she is a current student at the College of Muscogee Nation focusing on getting her Criminal Justice degree.
Buckley added as the outgoing Miss MCN, “it was a wonderful experience. I am really glad I was able to have this opportunity, and I just want other princesses to have the same experience as I did. Unfortunately, it was cut short, but the time I got to serve was great for me.”
Stay tuned as we find out where the next former Miss Muscogee (Creek) Nation is now.
