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other Indigenous Peoples that it was possible and that we could be on international stages carrying the teachings and art of our ancestors proudly. I continued the growth of the #everydaypeacebuilder platform as I began my reign as Mrs. Unity World Canada 2023-2024. With this, the global travels and the community interactions multiplied. I spent even more time sharing my story and the crown with communities around the world during this reign. I was so nervous as we approached the world competition in India this October. I knew I had done my best to prepare but regardless, the competition was tight. I worked hard all week and did my best, despite the very recent losses in our family with the deaths of two family members, including my papaa (dad). My heart was hurting but I knew I had to show up fully for my papaa. He would want me to.The moment they called me as part of the two finalists for Mrs. Unity World Elite, the world seemed to slow down. I found myself moving the centre of the stage, clasping hands with Mrs. India, who had become a very dear friend, and we kept looking at each other, sending love to each other.The moment they called my name as the winner will live in my heart forever. I closed my eyes and just let myself be fully present to the cheers, the joy and the crown being place on my head. I felt my ancestors cheering me on, my communities yelling for joy and my family holding me tight. I knew I was part of something significant %u2013 the winning of a world title for a M%u00e9tis girl on an international pageant stage in India! I am so very proud to be in the esteemed ranks of the women I shared the stage with, including Mrs. India and I am so very, very proud to know that I am part of something historic.Q: During your pageant reigns, you have highlighted M%u00e9tis culture on the global stage. Why is it important for you to showcase your heritage?A: It is documented that in Canada it was stated, %u201cThe great aim of our legislation has been to do away with the tribal system and assimilate the Indian people in all respects with the other inhabitants of the Dominion as speedily as they are fit to change%u201d by Sir John A. MacDonald, the first prime minister of Canada.There is nothing more important one can do that to show up proudly as an Indigenous person today, to share the complexities of our histories and our experiences and to share what our ancestors kept safe for when the world was ready for us to re-surface. We have been here all along. We are the Original Peoples and we now get to do things like be on pageant stages proudly as who we are. For so long, our culture was a source of shame and in my family, it was something that was hidden for safety, to protect ourselves and to preserve what we could of our culture. My grandmother likely never imagined a day where she would get to talk about who she was, practice her culture freely and be celebrated for it %u2013 let alone get to wear a crown and be proudly M%u00e9tis. Systems don%u2019t change unless people take action. We are those people. I hope I am helping to create change globally that includes greater leadership for Indigenous Peoples and greater representation in all systems.Q: Can you share an example of a project that you found particularly impactful in your work with Indigenous communities worldwide?A: Early on in my career, when I was working on a project India, centred on Tibetan refugees, I was deeply impacted by the lived experiences shared with me. One night in particular will stick with me forever. I was sitting with one of the youth, looking up at the stars and he said, %u201cI can never go home. I carried my sister across those mountains right there and I can see the same stars I saw from the other side. But, I can never go back there. Not that I can see in the foreseeable future.%u201d This made me realize the criticality of belonging and what home means. For Indigenous Peoples, the forced movement and systemic degradation and erasure of cultures has been monumental. I believe that by working where we can to create change, this creates ripple effects around the world. When one Indigenous person stands up, there is always a community of Peoples with you and this adds strength and hope for the darkest of moments.MOSTMAGAZINEMOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 61 59