‘It feels surreal’: Fort Nelson’s Miss Indigenous Canada entry talks on readying for pageant

BRANTFORD, ONT. — After months of preparation and legwork, a Fort Nelson Indigenous woman’s chance to be crowned in a beauty pageant has finally come.

Taylor Behn-Tsakoza is a member of Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) and announced her intentions to pursue the title of Miss Indigenous Canada earlier this year.

Now at the event in Ontario, she says the experience “feels surreal” so far, with the event beginning on Wednesday, July 23rd with orientation.

“Beforehand I was riddled with nerves, and was thinking ‘what am I doing?,’” said Behn-Tsakoza. “‘What was I thinking a year ago when I saw the application?’

“After meeting the girls [and] having an opportunity to just give a quick intro, it feels a lot better knowing that we’re finally here. It’s happening.”

Behn-Tsakoza is one of 19 finalists in the pageant, by paying entry fees of $1,600 and having an initial screening by organizers to enter the contest.

The event’s website says it is geared “toward young Indigenous leaders of tomorrow” with a goal to “foster an environment where young Indigenous women can grow.”

Although gaining initial support through the FNFN community, Behn-Tsakoza looked further afield for additional backing, receiving it from parties including Halfway River First Nation and its economic arm Halfway River Group, and Sage Creek Oilfield Services in order to make her ambition become reality.

Wearing the sash of Miss Fort Nelson First Nation, Behn-Tsakoza told Energeticcity.ca she has already made friends with other contestants upon arrival.

She added that group chats and Zoom meetings fostered camaraderie among the finalists before face-to-face interaction.

“We recognize this as an opportunity to connect with one another,” said Behn-Tsakoza. “That’s what sets this aside from other pageants. [Some are] just solely looking for that crown and that’s it, and then you go home at the end of the day. But I think a lot of us are committed to that sisterhood that we’ve been forming over the months.”

Contestants will be preliminarily scored based on six categories, including interview, cultural presentation, essay, community scrapbook and overall impression.

But, primary to Behn-Tsakoza, is the event’s commitment to “community, connection and leadership.”

“This is looking beyond external beauty,” said Behn-Tsakoza. “[It’s] really looking at ‘how well do you represent your community?’ One of the elements we are judged on was a scrapbook, of what is FNFN? What are we? Where are we? This is what judges are looking for.”

The final ceremony will be streamed live online on Saturday, July 26th, something youth in Behn-Tsakoza’s home community will be watching.

She feels being a role model for girls in FNFN can be a “heavy torch,” but is excited about the opportunity. 

“It’s one that I really do [carry] with honour,” said Behn-Tsakoza. “Growing up, I wanted those role models, and I needed them, so [I could see how] to be able to give back to the community.  

“[This is] just one example of how I try to. There [are] other young folks that have gone through that lived experience that I had. I’m just so grateful I can be one of those people for them.”

The second annual Miss Indigenous Canada pageant ceremony will be streamed online on Saturday, July 26th. The event is hosted by Six Nations of the Grand River reserve.

More details can be found on the Miss Indigenous Canada website.