Two Quebec contestants partake in first Miss Indigenous Canada Pageant

Contestants from all over the country will participate and be given the opportunity to be crowned the first Miss Indigenous Canada.

It’s a self-development and leadership program for young Indigenous women across the country. 

Over 700 have applied to be a part of it, and 26 were selected – including two from Quebec: Kahentísa’s Alfred and Jade Mukash.

Alfred is a Kanien’kehá:ka woman who is a member of the bear clan from Kahnawà:ke. She’s a full time student at the Kanien’kehá Ratiwennahní:rats Adult Immersion Program, advocating for resurgence of the Kanien’kehá (Mohawk) language. 

“It’s a huge opportunity to showcase yourself,” said Alfred. “Be like a good role model for younger girls.”

As an avid beader, she’s partaken in multiple art shows, exhibitions, markets and creating regalia, specializing in traditional Iroquoian raised beadwork.

She also dances in both jingle dress and smoke dance.

Mukash is a member of the Eeyou Istchee, Whapmagoostui First Nation. She’s a talented artist and youth advocate with over 10 years of experience. 

She’s serving as a Youth Representative at the Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association (CWEI) and works alongside the association to represent the youth in Eeyou Istchee at various events. 

Mukash focusses on raising awareness on the positive impacts of traditional and ceremonial lifestyles in her community. 

As an advocate for proper healthcare in remote communities, she works part-time in healthcare administration as her contribution to the movement that’s close to her heart. 

“Especially for the mental health of indigenous youth. That’s where I really want to focus on is, you know, kind of showing them that there’s always an option to go back to your roots, which is our ceremonies,” said Mukash.

She also has professional experience in acrylic painting, drawing, graphic design, and performing arts.

Miss Indigenous Canada’s mission is to empower and encourage young Indigenous women to develop leadership skills, give back to their communities, and connect to their cultures.

“It’s not a beauty pageant,” said Mukash.

“It’s more of like, you know, learning about ambassadorship qualities that we all have and kind of going into more creating that connection and, you know, learning more about ourselves too,” she added.

For the pageant, which will last three days, contestants will partake in a retreat-style event filled with workshops, tours, guest speakers, and several activities. 

The final show takes place on July 27 on Six Nations of the Grand River territory in Ontario. Whoever takes the crown, Alfred and Mukash are excited to be a part of the experience.

“We’re all part of it and we’re all going to be so happy for the winner,” said Alfred. “It’s just like a little sisterhood of it.”