The First Miss Indigenous Canada wrapped up as a over all success with 350 people in attendance and over four thousand people tuned in online as various Indigenous community were represented at the pageant.
What makes the pageant unique is its focus on community sisterhood as contestants participate in workshops based in Indigenous teachings.
Organizer and Director of the pageant Aleria McKay says she was blown away of the over all responds to the pageant as seating at the in person venue kept growing in size and hit full capacity.
The first Miss Indigenous Canada was crowned on July 28 and was awarded to Jessica McKenzie of Opasksweyak Cree Nation in Manitoba.
Along with being crowned as the first Miss Indigenous Canada, McKenzie was awarded Congeniality which is voted by fellow nominees for the person who they found helped them through their journey amongst their fellow contestants.
McKenzie expressed her gratitude for being nominated for the award.
McKenzie having grown up outside of her community plans to celebrate with her home community and her family.
Along with her new title, she hopes to keep her fellow contestants inspired in the accomplishments from the pageant by visiting their home community to inspire Indigenous women across Canada.
Along with the title of Miss Indigenous Canada and the Congeniality award other awards where added which highlighted contestants who demonstrated the foundations of the pageant.
Recipients of these awards are:
- Academic Achievement Award, Jaida Gregg, Thunder Bay ON
- Public Speaking Award, Ocean Bruyere, Winnipeg MB
- Traditional Knowledge Award, Jade Mukash, Whapmagoostui QC
- Sereen Nahmabin, Charitable Giving Award, Sarnia ON
- Community Service Award, Reegan Starr Maracle, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory ON
The Miss Indigenous Canada pageant when first announced received seven hundred applicates from across the country along and among the 36 chosen, three where from Alberta which include:
- Meghan Breed of Sturgeon County
- Mya McDowell of Bushe River
- Taylor Bottle of the Kainai Nation (Blood Tribe)
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