Fort Nelson woman gets third runner up in Miss Indigenous Canada

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Taylor Behn-Tsakoza from Fort Nelson First Nation finished as third runner up in the Miss Indigenous Canada pageant in Ontario. (Taylor Behn-Tsakoza, Facebook)

BRANTFORD, ONT. — She came close, but a member of Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) ultimately fell short in her bid to be crowned Miss Indigenous Canada (MIC).

Taylor Behn-Tsakoza was among 19 contestants vying for the crown, ultimately finishing third runner up in the competition on July 26th in Ontario hosted by the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve.

The crown went to Gena Boubard of Manitoba’s Sagkeeng First Nation. According to a press release from the event, each of the top five contestants received cash prizes.

Behn-Tsakoza however took home the competition’s cultural knowledge award, later posting to social media acknowledging she was “so proud” being able to take part in the event.

“I want to extend the biggest, most sincere ‘mussi cho’, thank you to everyone who supported me on this crazy fulfilling journey,” said Behn-Tsakoza on her candidacy Facebook page on July 26th.

“From my sponsors, friends and family around the world and the MIC team – it’s because of you I could be here. Your belief in me and what I stand for has carried me farther than you may ever know. To my new sisters, thank you for everything.”

The 29-year-old announced her intentions to enter the competition earlier this year.