Miss Indian Canada competition planned

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ALBERTA - It has been a long time since Canada's First Nations had an Indian princess to represent them on the national stage. That is about to change.

Grab up a pen and block out June 16 to 18 when we'll see the introduction of a Miss Indian Canada competition as a highlight of the Canadian National Powwow, said Janet Trottier, the princess pageant co-ordinator. The pageant is only open to girls aged 16 to 24, she said.

"We're delighted to play host to the Canadian National Powwow princess competition," said Trottier. "What a great way to begin the new century."

The contestants will be judged on traditional talent and speaking ability, a personal interview with the judges, dancing skills and the sale of raffle tickets, just as they are in the Miss Indian World competition in Albuquerque.

Pat Piche, one of the pageant committee members who is a fashion designer and who once held the princess title for Alberta, is thrilled at the prospects of crowning a Miss Indian Canada. "It'll be great PR for the Indian bands and communities to support their local winners," she said. "Should their local girl win the national crown, it'll give them even greater exposure."

Piche hopes Alberta will lead the way in providing some good competition for the pageant. She said the deadline for applications is set firmly for May 15 and she encourages contestants from anywhere in Canada to apply and compete for this "first-ever" Canadian powwow title. Those interested in further information can contact Vivian Jenkins at (780) 645-4288.