Lauren Bear, from Muskeg Lake, is one of three successful applicants from Sask. (submitted/Lauren Bear)

By Nigel Maxwell

Outstanding people

Miss Indigenous Canada competition will include strong representation from Sask.

Apr 17, 2024 | 3:00 PM

The Miss Indigenous Canada competition will be held in Ontario this summer, and three women from Saskatchewan have been selected to be a part of it.

Lauren Bear is from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and in addition to being a proud mother, is also pursuing a nursing degree and owns her own lash business. When asked what it means to her to be a part of this competition, she said she’s very excited.

“It’s such an incredible opportunity and I’m really grateful for it because I get to represent my family, my community and people here on Treaty 6 territory,” she said.

The online application process wrapped up earlier this month and was open to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women who had a verifiable community affiliation and were between the ages of 18 and 30.

The areas of competition include an interview, personal essay, traditional presentation, and a community presentation.

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Bear, who grew up in her home community and enjoys dancing powwow, wrote her essay on the importance of culture, tradition, and language revitalization and retention for Indigenous peoples.

“It’s important that we keep that alive because that’s who we are,” she explained, adding her desire to be an inspiration for Indigenous youth.

In September, Bear will begin her second year of nursing. When asked what drove her down this career path, she cited a desire to help people.

“Being Indigenous we are more prone to facing health disparities and once I obtain my degree, I hope to take that back to my community and work for my people and serve as their registered nurse,” she explained.

Khoniss Wuttunee is from Red Pheasant First Nation but currently resides in Saskatoon where she works an as Indigenous student advocate at a high school.

The 25 year old is also a proud mother to a little girl.(Facebook)

In 2020, she received her Bachelor’s of Education degree. She is also a representative of The National Youth Council – Four Directions Youth Mental Wellness Circle and has a background in performing arts; being involved in theatre, and training in dance and music.

“Through this experience, I will be focusing on life promotion and youth empowerment through cultural revitalization, wellness, and creativity. I can’t express how grateful I am to have this opportunity to represent myself, my family and my nation alongside other strong, Indigenous women,” she said.

Also representing Saskatchewan is Alexis Isnana from Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation. She recently finished her Indigenous Social Work degree and is currently employed as her band’s program coordinator and work closely with youth.

“I grew up among my people and it means a lot to me that I am able to use my education as my tool to give back to my community by helping my people, and working alongside them. As a university student and future social worker, working within my community has given me the opportunity to continue to be connected with my community members, language, and, culture,” she said.

The pageant will be held July 27 at the Gathering Place by the Grand in Ohsweken, Ontario. Due to the travel costs associated with competing, all the women are busy fundraising. Their profiles can be found through the competition’s social media page.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell