Fort Nelson woman is finalist for Miss Indigenous Canada

FORT NELSON, B.C. — The next woman to wear the crown of Miss Indigenous Canada could hail from northeast B.C.

Taylor Behn-Tsakoza is among 19 finalists in the competition, which is geared “toward young Indigenous leaders of tomorrow” with an aim to “foster an environment where young Indigenous women can grow,” according to its website.

The competition is open to First Nations, Métis and Inuit women with a verifiable community affiliation and display “good characteristics” of a First Nations ambassador.

Contestants must also be at least 18 years old and no older than 30 years of age by pageant weekend, which will include workshops, tours, guest speakers and activities.

A member of Fort Nelson First Nation, the 29-year-old promoted her candidacy with a short film about herself and her upbringing on YouTube which was produced in 2022.

With the event in only its second year, Behn-Tsakoza could be the first woman from Treaty 8 territory to win the award.

Behn-Tsakoza said the potential to inspire future generations of young First Nations’ girls is “exciting.”

“There’s only seven [nations] in Treaty 8 territory,” said Behn-Tzakoza. “There’s 204 First Nations in B.C. I know we lack a lot of resources and opportunities up here because we’re not close to any big centres where folks might have a better opportunity getting these things.

“I just feel like everything I’ve done, I’ve always tried to tell other youth, don’t let that stop you.”

With a penchant for hockey, she recently competed in the Kilrich Yukon Native Hockey Tournament with the first all-women’s entry from FNFN.

She also works with the Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal project as a community liaison and research coordinator, and is earning her master’s degree in Indigenous land-based education.

As part of her thesis, she completed a land-based wellness program for young women in her community.

“I have a lot of passions, and so I always try to find ways that I can bring them together,” said Behn-Tsakoza.

She says she hopes her campaign will “encourage” other young women in her community, but admits it’s a “little nerve wracking”.

Contestants will be preliminarily scored based on six categories, including interview, cultural presentation, essay, community scrapbook and overall impression, which will be placed in a preliminary score.

Finalists will then head to Ontario. The pageant will take place on the Six Nations of Grand River Reserve located near Hamilton from July 23rd to 26th, 2025.

For a full list of contestants and how to support Behn-Tzakoza, visit the Miss Indigenous Canada website.