Meet the 3 Mi'kmaw women competing to be Miss Indigenous Canada

From their small communities in Mi'kma'ki, to the bright lights of anational pageantstage, these threeMi'kmaw women are vying to be crowned the first-ever Miss Indigenous Canada.

Twenty-six Indigenous women from communities across Canada have been selected from more than 700 applicants to compete in this pageant in the Haudenosaunee territory of Six Nations, Ont.

Miss Indigenous Canada isn't a traditional beauty pageantthe focus is more on internal characteristics. Contestants are judged on things like character, community service, cultural involvement and ambassadorship.

The pageant officially began on Wednesday and the winner will be crowned on Saturday evening.

Many in Mi'kma'ki, the traditional and current territories of the Mi'kmaq, will be watching to see if one of their three representatives will be crowned Miss Indigenous Canada.

Allison Grace Lambert

A first-time pageant contestant, Allison Grace Lambert is originally from Esgenoopetitj First Nation in New Brunswick and is currently living in Elsipogtog First Nation with her two daughters.

Lambert is part of the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Youth Council and is passionate about mental health and wellness.

She has an educational background in psychology and criminology, and is currently working towarda bachelor of interior design degree.

"I honestly feel like my ancestors guided me to speak on what I need to say, because it's really important to speak on mental health, especially where a lot of people might feel afraid to speak on those types of things," said Lambert.

She said she's empowered to be surrounded by so many other Indigenous women in a pageant setting and that she is finding comfort within the group.

"I'm so grateful just to get to know different people, hear their stories and share mine. Through that, I was able to meet genuine individuals. I feel like I gained a sisterhood."

Magan Basque

Magan Basque is no stranger to the pageant lifestyle. She made history when she was the first Indigenous winner of Miss Canada United World in 2023.

Basque saidshe's always been interested in competitive pageantry and enjoysmentoring youth at Indigenous pageants in different communities.

From Eskasoni First Nation, she is a proud mother of her son,Deluca, and is passionate about advocating for Indigenous people and raising awareness aboutissues like missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and truth and reconciliation.

Her philanthropic efforts include an initiative she created called "Culture for a Cause" where she sells traditional beadwork earrings and donates the funds to causes such as the Native Women's Association of Canada and We Matter.

"I want to make a difference in the Indigenous communities to inspire hope, inspire healing, to create a positive path for future," Basque said.

She said it's nice to finally have the opportunity to take part in a pageant of this scale with all Indigenous women.

"We're all culturally connected and we all have similar experiences. It's really nice."

Emma Prosper

The second-youngest participant in thepageant, Emma Prosper is proudly representing her home community of Pictou Landing First Nation, N.S.

"It still feels like it's not even real even though I'm here," said Prosper.

The third-year St. Francis Xavier sociology student says after winning best gown in a small-town pageant, friends and family encouraged her to apply to be a contestant in the Miss Indigenous Canada event.

When she got the email saying she had been chosen to compete, Prospersaid she screamed.

"I'm here being surrounded by all these amazing Indigenous women.I feel so empowered.I just get chills every time I'm with them."

She said she's happy that out of all the applicants, so many Mi'kmaw women were selected.

"Knowing that three of us from Mi'kmaki were chosen just warms my heart. I feel more at home. It's amazing."

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