How much does it cost to enter?

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 pageant

• 5 night stay at host hotel

• Official MIC Contestant sash

• MIC Competition Sash

• Prizes

• Gift Bags

• Workshops

• Guest Speakers

• Tours & Activities

• Round trip transportation from pageant activities to host hotel

• Digital copies of official pageant week photos 

Entry Fee Does NOT Include:

• Travel Expenses

• Wardrobe

• Hair & Makeup

• Personal Expenses

• Final show tickets

Why is there an entry fee?

The Miss Indigenous Canada Organization is a not-for-profit group, and we require entry fees alongside support from our sponsors and donors in order to make the pageant possible. Entry fees cover approximately 40-50% of the expenses required to run a multi-day event and produce our final show at the level of professionalism 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 pageant that outlines how their entry fees were used.

What areas of competition are there?

Contestants are assessed in the following categories: interview, cultural presentation, essay, community scrapbook, and overall impression, which all make up the preliminary score. During the final show, the top scoring contestants will be judged in the prepared statement and final question competition. Further information on judging, requirements, and more will be provided in the Miss Indigenous Canada Contestant Handbook.

Where/when will the pageant be held?

The activities and competitions of the Miss Indigenous Canada Pageant will be held on Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario from July 20th-24th 2026. The program will begin Monday evening and conclude after finals on Friday night. A detailed itinerary will be provided prior to arrival.

What does the pageant week entail?

Pageant week is a fun filled, retreat-style event that includes workshops, activities, guest speakers, museum tours, formal dinners, opportunities for bonding, rehearsals, and the final pageant. Contestants will have the chance to make friends, share about themselves, their cultures, their communities, and learn from others.

How do I apply?

Visit the “Apply Now” page, and fill out your information. You will receive an email with further instructions on completing a detailed application. Once your application is accepted, you will have the chance to attend a virtual training session with a member of the Miss Indigenous Canada committee and the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Do I need to have pageant experience?

You do not need experience to enter! We are not a beauty pageant, and we focus solely on character, community service, cultural involvement, and ambassadorship. All you need is a good attitude, a passion for community, and a love for your culture.

Do I need to be an “expert” on my community/culture to enter?

Miss Indigenous Canada is not a contest of who is the most connected, knowledgeable, or traditional. We are looking for youth who love their communities, their cultures, and are looking for an opportunity to grow and learn. We welcome Indigenous youth at any point in their journeys. We believe that your Indigenous experience is valid and important, and this ties into representing all Indigenous folks and experiences across the country.

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 pageant. One of the main reasons this pageant was founded is the fact that there are not many Indigenous specific pageants outside of a handful of community specific, regional competitions, meaning that many Indigenous folks do not have opportunity to participate in culturally focused pageants. Additionally, there are no competitions 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 competition 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 in the competition while also allowing folks from various and diverse Indigenous groups to compete.