Girls runners-up for title of Miss Teen Canada

Two First Nations girls from Saskatchewan were among the finalists competing for the position of Miss Teen Canada 2012.  Nikita Kahpeaysewat, 16, of North Battleford, and Natahni Paquachan,15, from Wadena, were runners-up to Megha Sandhu of Montreal, who earned the title. Kahpeaysewat and Paquachan were among 10 finalists from Saskatchewan. Kahpeaysewat is a champion powwow dancer in both Canada and the United States. Paquachan used her platform to speak out against racism and the negative image set for young girls in the media. To compete for Miss Teen Canada-World, girls must be between the ages of 13-19 years. Contestants are judged on a number of criteria including personality, ability to communicate, stage presence, charm, academics, commitment to the community, beauty, fitness and confidence.