By Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Nation Waswanipi\u2019s Esquay Masty proudly represented Eeyou Istchee at the third annual Miss Indigenous Canada pageant, hosted July 24 by Six Nations of the Grand River reserve in Ontario. While the title was ultimately won by Brooke Metchewais from Cold Lake First Nation, Masty achieved a place in the prestigious top five. The five-day program was filled with workshops, cultural tours, formal dinners and other activities supporting the development of community leaders. During the final showcase, Masty\u2019s eloquence spotlighted her ability to be an ambassador for Indigenous youth across the country. \u201cYou do not need to be on Chief and Council to be a leader,\u201d asserted Masty in her semi-final speech. \u201cYou are already a leader. For me, leadership is not going… <\/p>\n
By Patrick Quinn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Nation Waswanipi\u2019s Esquay Masty proudly represented Eeyou Istchee at the third annual Miss Indigenous Canada pageant, hosted July 24 by Six Nations of the Grand River reserve in Ontario. While the title was ultimately won by Brooke Metchewais from Cold Lake First Nation, Masty achieved a place in the prestigious top five. The five-day program was filled with workshops, cultural tours, formal dinners and other activities supporting the development of community leaders. During the final showcase, Masty\u2019s eloquence spotlighted her ability to be an ambassador for Indigenous youth across the country. \u201cYou do not need to be on Chief and Council to be a leader,\u201d asserted Masty in her semi-final speech. \u201cYou are already a leader. For me, leadership is not going... <\/p>\n