Sarah Lewis of Curve Lake First Nation was selected as a top-three finalist for the inaugural Miss Indigenous Canada pageant.
The pageant, described as a self-development program for young Indigenous women ages 18 to 30 that focuses on leadership and cultural involvement and connection, was held from July 24 to 27 in the Hamilton area, on Haudenosaunee territory of Six Nations of the Grand River.
Lewis, a 28-year-old spoken-word artist who served as the City of Peterborough’s first-ever poet laureate in 2021 and 2022, was one of 26 contestants representing First Nations communities across the country who were selected from 700 applicants.
The final day of the pageant, held Saturday (July 27) at the Gathering Place by the Grand in Ohsweken, was a public event that narrowed down the field of 26 to five finalists, Lewis among them.
The Miss Indigenous Canada sash and crown — designed and created by Kymberly Farmer of Sage and Cedar Studio — went to Jessica McKenzie of Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
Now living in Toronto but originally from The Pas in northern Manitoba, the 30-year-old McKenzie encourages cultural revitalization through traditional beading workshops.
Recognized on APTN, Women of Influence, and the Globe and Mail, McKenzie champions the importance of Indigenous art to community and culture, mentors Indigenous youth in career exploration, and donates to various Indigenous initiatives across the country.
During the July 27th event, Lewis was selected as second runner-up to McKenzie and was awarded a $300 cash prize. Earlier during the event, she had the opportunity to perform her original poem “Coming Home” to the audience.
On Facebook, after congratulating McKenzie on her “well deserved” title, Lewis said she was “extremely grateful and honoured to have been given the opportunity to take part in this journey.”
“The powerful, kind, creative Indigenous women I’ve met have inspired and encouraged me to keep doing this good work for our communities,” Lewis added. “Pageant or not, this is not the end of our journeys and I can’t wait to see how we continue to support our communities.”
Coming in as first runner-up was 24-year-old Meiyah Whiteduck of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, with 28-year-old Sereena Nahmabin of Aamjiwnaang First Nation as third runner-up and 26-year-old Emily Kewageshig of Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation named fourth runner-up.
In addition, six awards were handed out to contestants: academic achievement to Jaida Gregg (Lac Seul First Nation signatory to Treaty #3 of Nishnawbe Aski Nation), public speaking to Ocean Bruyere (Anishinabe Nation, Sagkeeng First Nation, Peguis First Nation), traditional knowledge to Jade Mukash (Eeyou Istchee, Whapmagoostui First Nation), charitable giving to Sereena Nahmabin (Aamjiwnaang), congeniality to Jessica McKenzie (Opaskwayak Cree Nation), and community service to Reegan Starr Maracle (Mohawk Nation, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte).
VIDEO: Sarah Lewis performs “Coming Home” at Miss Indigenous Canada
