Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions. If you have a question not listed, you can contact the Miss Indigenous Canada Committee here.
How much does it cost to participate?
All contestants are required to submit a non-refundable entry fee of $1800.
Entry fee includes:
All meals and snacks during the duration of the program
5 night stay at host accommodations
MIC Community and competition sash
Prizes & gift Bags
Workshops & guest speakers
Tours & activities
Round trip transportation from program activities to host accommodations
Digital copies of official program week photos
Entry Fee Does NOT Include travel expenses, wardrobe, hair & makeup, personal expenses final show and gala tickets.
Why is there an entry fee?
The Miss Indigenous Canada Program is a grassroots collective, and we require entry fees alongside support from our sponsors and donors in order to make the program possible. Entry fees cover approximately 40% of the expenses required to run our program and produce our final showcase at the quality we work to attain.
We work to ensure entry fees are spent responsibly and go back into making this an enriching experience for all of our participants. For transparency, participants receive an expense report at the conclusion of the program that outlines how their entry fees were used and the financials of the program.
What does the program entail?
The Miss Indigenous Canada program consists for three main components; pre-program training, program week, and the ambassador competition. Pre-program training consists of workshops, self-paced learning modules, and mentorship opportunities. Program week is a fun filled, retreat-style event that includes workshops, activities, guest speakers, museum tours, formal dinners, and opportunities for bonding. The ambassador program consists of a personal essay, personal interview, community scrapbook, and cultural presentation during the final showcase.
Where/when will the program be held?
The pre-program activities take place virtually in the months leading up to program week. Program week will be held on Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario from July 20th-25th 2026. The program will begin Monday evening and conclude after finals on Friday night. A general itinerary will be provided prior to arrival.
What categories are delegates assessed in?
Participants are assessed in the following categories: personal interview, cultural presentation, personal essay, community scrapbook, and overall impression, which all make up the preliminary score. During the final show, the highest achieving participants will be assessed in the prepared statement and final question rounds. Further information will be provided in the Miss Indigenous Canada Delegate Handbook.
How do I apply?
Applications are open annually from September through January. When the application period begins, visit the Apply page and review all instructions and required materials. Complete and submit the application form using the link provided. Applications are competitive: we receive about 100 submissions each year and accept only 20 participants. Please read all instructions carefully and ensure your application is complete before submitting.
Do I need to have pageant/modelling experience?
No. Miss Indigenous Canada is not a beauty pageant or a modelling program. You do not need any prior pageant, modelling, or stage experience to participate. Our program is a leadership and personal development experience focused on community leadership communication skills, and personal growth. We welcome Indigenous youth whether or not this is your first time stepping into a leadership-focused program or you’ve had previous experience in similar spaces. What matters most is your willingness to learn, show up as yourself, and engage with the program. We are here to support you in building confidence, skills, and community, not to evaluate you based on appearance, prior titles, or pageant experience.
Do I need to be an “expert” on my community or culture to enter?
No. Miss Indigenous Canada is not a contest of who is the most connected, knowledgeable, or traditional. We are not looking for “experts” on culture or community. We are looking for Indigenous youth who care about their communities and cultures, and who are interested in growing, learning, and deepening their connections in ways that are meaningful to them. We welcome participants at any point in their personal and cultural journeys. We believe that every Indigenous experience is valid and important. Our program reflects and represents the diversity of Indigenous identities, communities, and lived experiences across the country, and there is no single “right” way to be Indigenous.
How do you verify Indigenous identity?
We have adopted the similar processes to many organizations when approaching verification of Indigenous identity. Applicants who have status or are a member of a Métis or Inuit organization can submit their proof of status/membership. Applicants who do not have a status or membership card can submit a letter explaining their background and belonging alongside a supplementary letter from their community leadership.
Why do you use the word “Canada” if many Indigenous peoples do not identify as Canadian?
This was thoroughly considered prior to the creation of this program. One of the main reasons this program was founded is the fact that there are not many Indigenous specific ambassador programs outside of a handful of community specific, regional competitions, meaning that many Indigenous folks do not have opportunity to participate in culturally focused programs such as this. Additionally, there are no similar programs specifically geared to Indigenous peoples who reside in Canada. The political climate and political identities of Indigenous Peoples in Canada are complex and unique, and gearing the program to those who experience these complexities is one of our goals. The use of the word is purely to represent the geographical and historical representation and background of those who will participate while also allowing folks from various and diverse Indigenous groups to compete.