A young woman from Red Pheasant Cree Nation is among the contestants in the upcoming Miss Indigenous Canada Pageant.
Khoniss Wuttunee, 25, said she is thrilled about taking part in the event.
“It was really exciting and kind of unexpected,” she said of being selected. “For me, I did it [applied] not really on a whim but to get myself out of my own comfort zone, and to challenge myself to do something. So, it’s just a good feeling to be chosen.”
A total of 26 contestants will be taking part from across Canada, three of whom are from Saskatchewan.
This won’t be Wuttunee’s first time taking part in competitions. She ran in a Powwow Princess Pageant when she was younger for a Youth Assembly position.
But, she said, “pageant-wise, at this capacity, this is my first time doing something like this.”
Wuttunee and her family are currently fundraisers to help cover the cost for the trip.
Some of those supporting her are Red Pheasant Cree Nation Chief Cody Benson.
“I’ve known him growing up,” Wuttunee said. “It was heartwarming to have my community support me in that way, and for him to offer his full support.”
In 2020 Wuttunee received her Bachelor of Education degree. She currently resides in Saskatoon where she works as an educator and Indigenous Student Advocate at Nutana Collegiate high school. She is also the representative of the National Indigenous Youth Council – Four Directions Youth Mental Wellness Circle.
Wuttunee also has a background in performing arts; being involved in theatre, and training in dance and music.
For the competition, she plans to showcase her interest in what she calls “Life Promotion,” encouraging young people to not give up, and seek help if they are feeling depressed or are struggling. Wuttunee has lost friends to suicide and hopes to do whatever she can to help other young people at risk.
“Mental health and youth suicide has been a hard thing in my life,” she said.
With “life promotion,” Wuttunee aims to focus on the good parts of life, and “finding ways to keep kids here, keep kids safe, keep them hopeful.”
She also wants to focus on the different kinds of ways to help support and “uplift youth.”
“[I’ll highlight] a big focus on reconnecting to culture, and through the Arts and creativity expressing themselves.
For Wuttunee, promoting strong Indigenous women is also an important focus in her life.
When she graduated from North Battleford Comprehensive High School in 2016, she was involved in many activities.
“I was really active in my time in High School in dance and theatre, and in volunteerism in the community and in the surrounding reserves,” Wuttunee said.
She recalls winning some awards in high school including two for drama and one related to culture.
As a young Indigenous woman, it’s important for Wuttunee to do what she can to promote her culture.
“I was taught growing up that it’s the foundation for my entire life,” she said. “Every step I take, I know that step is rooted in my culture, my beliefs, my customs and my worldview. I know it’s just a way of life. That’s carried me through everything I’ve done. I think it’s pretty much the key of what made me successful, culturally and in all other senses, like professionally.”
Today, Wuttunee takes part in cultural activities, practicing ceremony, and taking part in smudges to stay connected to her culture.
“I like to wake up and be grateful for the day,” she said. “It’s a personal thing; it’s the way I was taught to live.”
Wuttunee said if she wins the competition it will be a bigger opportunity for her to represent everything she stands for, and it will offer her the chance to travel and meet people.
“I know I have a voice, but it will give me the opportunity to reach more people,” she said.
Wuttunee is also the mother of a little girl. She said she is making sure her daughter knows more about her culture at Red Pheasant Cree Nation.
“We go home to spend time with my parents, and do our crafting and community [activities] with our family,” Wuttunee said.
The pageant will take place from July 25 to 27 at the Gathering Place by the Grand in Ohsweken, Ontario, located near Brantford.
The event also includes workshops around leadership and self development, Wuttunee is looking forward to.
“It’s a way to lift each other up and give us skills to become leaders,” she said.
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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com
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