Meiyah Whiteduck is representing Pikwakanagan First Nation at Miss Indigenous Canada. (Miss Indigenous Canada photo)
The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation is being represented at the first-ever Miss Indigenous Canada pageant, being held July 24-27.
Meiyah Whiteduck is one of 26 contestants competing at the event at Six Nations of the Grand River, Ont.
Whiteduck is Bear Clan, raised with strong family and community values that drive her to learn and engage in traditional teachings to pass down to future generations.
According to her pageant profile, she has spent her life supporting Indigenous youth in her community and urban settings. She is dedicated to learning and practicing traditional crafts, including beading, sewing, and quillwork and is the founder of Whiteducks Creations.
She is active in the pow wow community, dancing Jingle and Fancy Shawl and is also a singer and hand drummer in the Pikwakanagan Wildflowers drum group.
In her current position as an Indigenous Student Worker, she supports Indigenous students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 by providing cultural support to assist their overall wellbeing.
“I truly appreciate the opportunity to represent my community and to demonstrate to Indigenous youth that anything is possible! I look forward to embarking on this new journey alongside my fellow contestants from across Turtle Island, with whom I will be sharing and gaining knowledge and stories,” she wrote on social media.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)