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First Canadian Mrs. Universe setting an example for First Nations youth

Aug 31, 2015 | 12:28 PM

Saskatchewan powwow princesses are commending a role model—this year’s Mrs. Universe.

The highly regarded pageant competition, held in Minsk, Belarus on Saturday, was full of firsts.

Ashley Burnham, 25, formerly Ashley Callingbull, was crowned the winner, making her the first Canadian and first First Nations woman to win the pageant.

Burnham is originally from Enoch Cree Nation, west of Edmonton. According to her Facebook bio, by age 10 she had consecutively won all Enoch’s princess crowns.

Now, she is an actress, model and motivational speaker. 

Mercedes Ben, 14, is also a recently crowned princess. She won the title of Miss Wanuskewin 2015 on August 27 at this year’s Wanuskewin Powwow. She was at the Mistawasis Powwow, near Leask, on Sunday.

That’s where she heard the news about Mrs. Universe.

“I think it’s really amazing how she’s First Nation, and she’s the very first because we need a lot of First Nations (people) starting to do stuff like that,” said Ben. “I’m just really happy for her, she deserves it.”

Ben said being crowned on Thursday was a special moment. 

“They called ages 13 to 17 to come and dance,” said Ben. “We had to dance three songs and they wrote down our numbers, and I was picked.

“I was happy, and I was shocked, because I didn’t know I’d be representing Miss Wanuskewin.”

After winning Miss Wanuskewin, Ben is already looking towards winning more crowns.

“One day I want to represent Miss Indian World and I’m getting there step by step slowly,” said Ben. “Each day I’m getting higher and higher.”

The Miss Indian World Pageant is the largest and most cultural pageant for young First Nations women.  Contestants compete in public speaking, an interview, a presentation, traditional dance and an essay.

The winner spends her year traveling extensively throughout the United States, Canada and internationally.

According to the pageant website, “Miss Indian World is a role model to young and old and helps to educate and demonstrate the beauty and diversity of Native American culture as well as represent the Gathering of Nations throughout her travels.”

According to Ben, getting that crown would be the highest honour.

“It would mean everything to me because that’s my dream goal,’ said Ben.

Not only does she see Burnham as a role model, but she knows she’s a role model to young girls as well.

“I think that a lot because they always come up to me and ask me how I got (the title),” said Ben. “I dance for the people, I dance to heal.”

Dayna Moore, Northern Lights Casino senior powwow princess, said going on tour after her win has been a great experience.

“I’ve been to a lot of powwows with the crown, and had fun,” said Moore.

She also said she looks up to Burnham.

“It’s pretty cool, and amazing,” said Moore. “I would love to be there.”

Since Burnham’s Mrs. Universe win on the weekend she has been receiving major media attention. So far, she’s been using the platform to discuss her difficult childhood and her social work aimed at helping First Nations youth facing similar challenges.

With files from the Canadian Press. 

asoloducha@panow.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha