Emma Morrison — a Chapleau Cree First Nation — is now the first indigenous young woman ever to win the title of Miss Teenage Canada. And it was only her second time competing in a pageant.
This past May, Morrison won her first pageant and was crowned Miss North Ontario. She fell into the competition after the pageant director had found her and sent her a message on Facebook.
She used her winnings from that pageant to enter Miss Teenage Canada, in which more than 50 participants compete from around the country.
The 17-year-old said it felt pretty surreal to win such a big title, having come from such a small community of people.
“Now this little, small town girl has accomplished such a big task,” Morrison told CBC News, “And it makes me so happy.”
During the pageant, the indigenous teen focused on self-acceptance and self-love. And now that she’s won, Morrison says that she feels like she has a voice.
"I want to stand up for all Canadians, regardless of gender, race, personal identity or preferences," she said.
Chapleau is a township in Northern Ontario with a population of less than 2,000 people. The area is home to three First Nation Communities: Brunswick House First Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation and Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation.
"It shows that no matter where you come from, you can set your goals high and big and work hard, and you will succeed,” Morrison said.