# Miss Indigenous Canada

Miss Indigenous Canada is a national beauty pageant in Canada exclusively for women of Indigenous Canadian background. Women of First Nations, Inuit and Métis background represent their communities in a competition which focuses on their character, community service, cultural involvement, and ambassadorship for their communities.
Four categories are performed: interview, personal essay, traditional presentation and community presentation. The highest scorers are then placed in a final question competition to determine the winner. The inaugural winner for the 2024 competition was Jessica McKenzie of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

## Background

Miss Indigenous Canada was founded by Aleria McKay of the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation, a former Miss Teenage Ontario in 2018. It primarily focuses on connection to community and culture, with competitors being judged on their ambassadorship, character, community service, and cultural involvement. During the competition, participants are judged in four categories: an interview, personal essay, traditional presentation, and community presentation. The highest scoring individuals are then judged in a final question competition to determine the final winner. Charles Lefebvre writing for CTV News described the competition as "not a beauty pageant, but instead focused on Indigenous traditions, culture and leadership." The event was created in order for young Indigenous women to celebrate their abilities and achievements, make connections, work to serve their communities, and promote cultural involvement and connection.
Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) women with a verifiable community affiliation between the ages of 18 and 30 years of age are eligible for the competition. The competition is inclusive of married women and two-spirited individuals. A component of the competition is to raise funds for the We Matter Campaign, which focuses on supporting Indigenous youth. Participants are required to raise a minimum of $100 for the organization as a charitable donation.
The contest lasts for three days, the initial pool of candidates is narrowed down to five finalists. The inaugural sash and crown was designed by Kymberly Farmer.

## History

The first Miss Indigenous Canada was held on the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve, beginning July 24, 2024 and lasted for three days. The first day consisted of workshops, activities, guest speakers, and museum tours. 700 individuals had applied to the pageant, and 26 were selected to compete. The victor was Jessica McKenzie of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, her victory was celebrated by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. McKenzie's presentation focused on her grandfather, a residential school survivor, photographer, trapper, and radio producer. The first runner-up was Meiyah Whiteduck of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, the second runner-up was Sarah Lewis of Curve Lake First Nation, and the third runner-up was Sereena Nahmabin of Aamjiwnaang First Nation. Six additional awards were given to contestants: academic achievement to Jaida Gregg (Lac Seul First Nation), public speaking to Ocean Bruyere (Sagkeeng First Nation), traditional knowledge to Jade Mukash (Whapmagoostui), charitable giving to third runner-up Sereena Nahmabin, congeniality to victor Jessica McKenzie, and community service to Reegan Starr Maracle (Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation).

## Titleholders

| Year | Represented | Miss Indigenous Canada | Location | Entrants |
| 2024 | Opaskwayak Cree Nation | Jessica McKenzie | Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario | 26 |