Two students from the Gibbs College of Architecture, Cole Burris and Leandra LeForce, were recently named Mr. and Miss Indigenous OU. The titles were awarded as part of the annual Mr. and Miss Indigenous OU competition, a campus-wide event that celebrates Native culture, identity, and leadership.
Both LeForce and Burris are deeply involved in their communities and passionate about representation and advocacy. Through this recognition, they hope to uplift Indigenous voices and serve as role models for Native youth across Oklahoma and beyond.
Cole Burris is a fourth-year Architecture student and a citizen of the Osage Nation. He grew up in Skiatook, Oklahoma. Reflecting on his decision to participate in the competition, Burris shared:
“I decided to run because of many reasons, including my family, my cultural background, and my belief that I could make a difference.”
Being named Mr. Indigenous OU was a moment of pride and purpose for Burris.
“I felt a sense of accomplishment as well as excitement for the impact I hope to make not only here at OU but on the Native youth I plan to talk with and hopefully inspire,” he said. “This accomplishment means a lot to me because I can share my culture, my gift of being cultural, as well as an opportunity to be a leader—to step up to the plate and be a strong example for the Native community.”
Leandra LeForce, a descendant of the Choctaw Nation, is completing her undergraduate degree in Environmental Design and is currently enrolled in the Master of Regional and City Planning (MRCP) program. Originally from Idabel, Oklahoma, on the Choctaw reservation, she shared that her southeastern Oklahoma roots continue to inspire her. “That area is so beautiful and southeast Oklahoma will always hold a special place in my heart.”
LeForce’s path to the competition was shaped by her own journey toward cultural reconnection. “My family is very disconnected from our Choctaw culture. No one from my grandpa’s generation practiced it. In my family, it’s been the younger folks who have engaged with our Choctaw heritage,” she said. Encouraged by the American Indian Student Association (AISA) and Native student life at OU, LeForce said she felt empowered to reclaim this part of her identity. “Until then, I felt like a part of me was missing. I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of this community who encouraged me to embrace my culture.”
When asked how it felt to be named Miss Indigenous OU, LeForce shared, “It felt completely unreal. It’s been such a joy to bring this honor back to my family, especially the older folks who didn’t do many cultural activities like wear Choctaw clothes or speak our language. They couldn’t proudly be Choctaw in their day, so I’m so proud and grateful to be able to represent our culture here at OU.”
Congratulations to Cole and Leandra on this well-deserved recognition!