Photo: Kiauna Cote from Ochapowace First Nation is a 2026 Miss Indigenous Canada Delegate (Photo supplied)
BY: Danielle Dufour
Kiauna Cote from Ochapowace First Nation has been selected as a delegate for Miss Indigenous Canada representing Saskatchewan.
“I was very honoured to be one of the 20 selected,” said Cote.
She applied for the competition after following Miss Indigenous Canada over the past two years and seen how this program wasn’t the Western idea of what a typical pageant is.
“These were real women that were Indigenous from the communities, their whole messaging is to give back. It’s about culture,” said Cote. “I really aligned myself of the values that this pageant has promoted.”
Cote grew up participating in sports and academia.
“It’s not really me,” said Cote. “I was never a dancer, but something pushed me in January when the deadline was going to come to an end, I just submitted my application and hope for the best.”
This 27-year-old law student is in her last year of studies at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law and will be articling in the spring with Regina Legal Aid.
“I want to take my law career back home,” said Cote. “I do believe this will be the province that I will mainly practice in and be home and around my people.”
The competition requires all delegates to fundraise for the chosen charity. This year, all funds raised will be donated to Sunshine House in Winnipeg, a community drop-in resource centre focused on harm reduction, health promotion and social inclusion.
In between going to school and commitments to her volunteer work, Cote along with her family have raised over $10,000 since March of this year with a lot of hard work.
“I really took a hold of this opportunity,” said Cote. “We did food sales, bingos, draws, steak nights.”
Her family has experienced great loss after two of her siblings passed by suicide.
“For me and my family to come together and fundraise, we’re at a time of mourning, we are all in a state of grief,” said Cote. “We’re managing well. The fundraising part, taking that time to get together and do something bigger, and Sunshine House is a charity we all can align with, so it’s helped strengthen our family morale.”
Over the years, Cote was taught to help others and said, “It’s not what your nation can do for you, it’s what you can do for your nation.”
“I love to volunteer and give back my time,” said Cote. “My main value is just what can I do to help bring positivity into the community.”
One way she accomplished this was by hosting a barrier free youth volleyball tournament.
“I grew up playing volleyball,” said Cote. “Now I’m transitioning from a player to a coach and it’s very fulfilling.”
If Cote wins Miss Indigenous Canada, she said, “It’s going to mean the absolute world. I do believe I could be Miss Indigenous Canada, not because of who I am, but the people I have behind me. The circle I surround myself with is nothing by love and support. I will bring them into the rooms that I am.”