Haleigh Gibson is a proud tribal member from Durant, Oklahoma, whose story is rooted in faith, family, and culture. Growing up in Durant with her parents and an older brother, Haleigh knew she was a Choctaw tribal member, but she had very little awareness of the traditions and culture of the Chahta people, like dancing, stickball, or artwork.

The turning point in Haleigh’s life came at age 12 when her aunt, Patricia Brown, introduced her to the Choctaw beadwork. Patricia, whom Haleigh affectionately called “Aunt Taters,” taught Haleigh to make her first daisy chain with beads and thread. This sparked Haleigh’s passion to learn more about her culture, leading her to further explore Choctaw traditions through beading classes at the Choctaw Nation. With help from Choctaw Artist Debbie Damron, Haleigh quickly advanced in her beading skills, even assisting in teaching classes.

Haleigh’s involvement with the Choctaw Nation’s Cultural Services Department began through the Summer Youth Program, which allowed her to work and learn more about her heritage at the same time. Her dedication and skill in various cultural practices, including beading, basketry, and social dancing, landed her a permanent role with the department. Over the past four years, Haleigh has contributed significantly to the preservation and sharing of Choctaw culture through outreach events, presentations, classes, and demonstrations.

Patricia has passed away now, but for Haleigh, there’s a little bit of “Aunt Taters” in every piece of beadwork she makes because that skill was passed down from the woman she loves so much. After Patricia passed, Haleigh was given beads and finished projects that belonged to her beloved aunt.

“I use some of her beads sometimes within my own work that I keep for myself, and I always feel connected to her every time I do that,” Haleigh said. “That’s part of the reason why I do keep beading. I want to keep going and passing this down if I have my own children one day.”

Another significant milestone in Haleigh’s life was her participation in the Choctaw Princess Program. Inspired by her parents and her own desire to honor her aunt’s memory, Haleigh ran for District Princess in 2019.

Haleigh remembers, “I told my mom, ‘You know what? If I run for Princess, it’s going to be for [Aunt Taters]. Not only for her but also for myself. I’m going to go and try to do my best.'”

Although she did not expect to win, she succeeded and kept entering the pageants for four years. In her final year of competition, she was crowned Miss Choctaw Nation, a role she embraced with passion and commitment.

During her reign, Haleigh found the most joy in meeting people and sharing their stories about discovering their Choctaw roots. Her goal was always to inspire others to be Choctaw proud.

“It was always a fun time listening to different people’s stories about how proud they were to be Choctaw. That was always my favorite part,” Haleigh said. “But one of the goals I had everywhere I went was to always touch someone’s heart, whether it was me talking to them and sharing my own stories or doing the Lord’s Prayer in sign language.”

In addition to her time as Miss Choctaw Nation, Haleigh has achieved another significant goal as a beadworker: designing district crowns, a project she considers a highlight of her cultural involvement. This role has allowed her to further contribute to the Choctaw community by creating symbols of pride and identity for her peers.

“I never thought I would get a chance to do district crowns. When I was asked last year, I’ll tell you I cried about it. That is one of the things that I got to mark off my bucket list. It was definitely a privilege and an honor to be able to make district crowns,” she said.

Looking to the future, Haleigh continues to work with the Cultural Outreach Department, dedicating her time to preserving and teaching Choctaw traditions. She remains committed to her cultural heritage and is motivated by the support of her family and the memory of her loved ones, including her aunt and grandparents.

According to Gibson, her mom is her biggest female inspiration.

“My mom has been the most inspirational person in my life; she has taught me to always be strong, work hard and follow my dreams but always be humble and kind. She has always told me that life is what you make of it, to always take chances, push yourself out of your comfort zone,” she said.

Haleigh’s journey is a testament to the impact of mentorship, the importance of cultural connection, and the power of perseverance. Her gratitude towards her family and mentors reflects her deep appreciation for the support that has shaped her path. Haleigh’s story serves as an inspiring example of how reconnecting with one’s heritage can lead to a fulfilling and impactful life dedicated to cultural preservation and community service.