New pageant winner to use her title to speak out

Miss Blackfoot Canada 2010, Simone Smith, is not just another pretty face. The 19-year-old Fort Macleod resident can’t wait to add more pageants to her resume with the hopes of being a role model of overcoming issues that are heavily affecting the First Nations population, including herself.

“I was directly affected by suicide through my father, so I think it is really important through carrying a title to be a spokesperson for that kind of stuff,” said Smith, who recalled suffering through a rough period in her youth, which she referred to as her “dark stage.”

The high school senior lost her father to suicide in 2001 when she was 11 years old.

According to Health Canada, suicide and self-inflicted injuries are the leading causes of death for First Nations youth and adults up to 44 years of age.

Looking back on that time in her life she recalled having a low self-esteem and questioning her path. But as an accomplished teenager who is excited to begin college in the fall, Smith aspires to share her personal experience and help youth in her community hold on to hope.

“There is so much more to life than being in that dark part of your life …there is always light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

After winning her first crown when she was 14 — as the princess of her school on Piikani First Nation — she gradually gained confidence to continue to let her guard down and compete for additional titles.

“I never expected myself to be a princess,” admitted Smith, who was persuaded to compete in the competition that was held in February.  But after coming out of her shell and embracing her new found confidence, Smith now notices young girls who need the gentle push she was given to try something new.

“I always look at all these young girls on the reserve and think, ‘You’re so beautiful, you have so much potential,’ but their self esteem is low and they don’t think they can do it,” said Smith.

Positive thinking and determination is her philosophy when it comes to conquering unfamiliar territory. Smith’s newest goal came out of her most recent adventure.

She traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to attend the Gathering of Nations where the iconic pageant for most First Nations princesses took place, Miss Indian World.  Watching the contestants from around the world compete for the title, inspired Smith to continue with pageants and hopefully be a contender for Miss World within the next few years.

Her immediate goal is to use the $1,000 scholarship she received as part of her Miss Blackfoot title to attend Lethbridge College. She plans to enter into the fashion design and marketing program, with the goal of becoming a professional designer.

“I’ve always wanted to do modern clothing, like a cute halter top with Native designs,” said Smith, who currently designs her own regalia.

This summer, Smith has plans to travel the powwow circuit and visit new friends she made while in Albuquerque.