“Han mitákuyepi, anpétu kin lé mičhánte etan wówaglake. nahan napé čhiyúza pe. Wasicu čhažé kin Angelina Giago emáčiyapi na Oglála thíthunwan na Húnkpati henáos hémačha kšto. Makhóšiča kin Oglála oyánke el hemátanhan, lehanl Lawrence KS el wati.”
Angelina Giago, a proud Oglala Lakota and Hunkpati Dakota student, has been named Miss Haskell 2025-2026. Giago aims to represent the heart of what it means to serve both community and campus. She steps into the role with humility, purpose, and with a vision grounded in advocacy, culture, and support for fellow Native students.
Originally from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Giago is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science at Haskell Indian Nations University. Her long-term goals include earning a master’s degree in public administration and attending law school, but her passion is rooted in the here and now, uplifting her peers and protecting the rights and voices of Indigenous people.
“Being crowned Miss Haskell means so much to me,” Giago said. “Haskell has been a big part of my journey. I’ve grown here, found my voice, and met people who feel like family. Being trusted with this role is something I’ll always hold close to my heart.”
Throughout her time at Haskell, Giago has been a leader in several student organizations, including American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL), American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS). She also supports the TRIO program through her internship, where she mentors and empowers peers.
Her campaign for Miss Haskell centered on cultural connection, student success, and academic empowerment, all of which she hopes to continue uplifting during her term.
“I believe it’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up for your community and doing your best to represent our school in a good way,” she said.
In 2024, Giago helped organize a Women’s Tipi Raising Competition and a campus-wide Takápsičaŋna (Lacrosse) game, events she describes as powerful ways to reclaim space for Indigenous traditions and bring students together.
“The tipi raising honored the strength and knowledge of Indigenous women,” she said. “It brought a piece of home to campus.”
As Miss Haskell, Giago plans to foster student engagement and continue building inclusive spaces where culture and academics go hand in hand. One of her key initiatives will focus on helping students better prepare for life after graduation.
“We focus so much on graduating, which is important, but then what?” she said. “Some students don’t know where to start. I want to help bridge that gap.”
To new and future Haskell students, her message is simple and affirming: “You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You just have to keep going and stay true to yourself.”
As Miss Haskell 2025-2026, Giago brings more than a title; she brings a lived experience, a love for community, and a steady voice for those still finding their own.
