Kiauna Cote is preparing to represent her communities, Ochapowace First Nation and Chacachas Treaty Nation , on the national stage in the Miss Indigenous Canada program. The 27-year-old stood in front of a sign honouring Margaret Bear, the long-serving chief of Ochapowace. She wore a cream-coloured sweater, a ribbon skirt and sandals, but what most caught the eye was her sash. It read “Miss Indigenous Canada: Ochapowace First Nation: 2026.” Out of roughly 100 applicants from across Canada, Cote was selected to represent her two communities, competing alongside 19 other delegates to make it to the program’s final showcase on July 24. The Miss Indigenous Canada program is designed to celebrate Indigenous youth through community service, leadership development, cultural involvement and youth empowerment. “I come to notice that [Miss Indigenous Canada] was more than beauty,” she said. “These women were about culture, community, connection and uplifting each other.” Her uncle, Chief Charlie Bear of Chacachas Treaty Nation, said Cote has consistently shown leadership and a willingness to help others. “She’s a great example,” Bear said. “She has a voice, and every time something comes out of her mouth, it’s always good. It’s always in the name of peace, sharing and getting along.” One of the program’s requirements is fundraising for a charitable organization. Cote said she has raised about $10,000 for Sunshine House, a Winnipeg-based charity chosen by the reigning Miss Indigenous Canada. “We have a saying in our family: It’s not what the community can do for you, it’s what you can do for your community,” she said. Cote, a proud Cree and Saulteaux woman, is entering her final year of law school at the University of Saskatchewan. She is also a volleyball coach, podcaster and advocate for education and Indigenous leadership. She also recently volunteered to provide the opening remarks for the Bang-A-Drum fundraiser hosted on Chacachas. Bear said Cote remains involved in community meetings and initiatives despite her busy academic schedule. “She’s done some work behind the scenes that helps us with organizing some of our sessions,” he said. “Any way she can contribute, she does.” As a future lawyer, Cote hopes to use her education to advocate for Indigenous peoples and help address barriers within the justice system. “As Indigenous people, we are so underrepresented in the legal system,” she said. “Helping to strengthen my voice is helping me become a better advocate.” She added that Indigenous approaches to justice often focus on healing and restoration, rather than punishment alone. “We often think justice is punitive,” Cote said. “But First Nations have a holistic view. It’s not just about making sure someone’s punished. It’s about having that healing component.” She said the Miss Indigenous Canada pageant has allowed her to grow personally while raising awareness about issues important to Indigenous communities. Throughout the competition, Cote said she has carried the stories and support of her family, community and ancestors with her. “I don’t just come here as Kiauna Cote,” she said. “I come here with all the stories of not only my family, but my friends, my relatives and my ancestors.” Bear believes Cote has the qualities needed to succeed, regardless of the outcome. “There’s leadership all over her,” he said. “Whatever she chooses, she’s going to put 100 per cent into it.” “I couldn’t do that without my community, my friends, my family and all the support I have behind me,” Cote told CTV News. Delegate are also competing for the People’s Choice Award. The delegate with the most votes will get an automatic spot among the Top 10 finalists. The Miss Indigenous Canada final showcase will be livestreamed on YouTube on July 24.
