The Miss Universe Canada 2016 pageant was held June 11th and over 60 ladies were vying for the title. One delegate from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Melinda Henderson, was the only aboriginal contestant this year. She ended up making the Top 20 and also won the People's Choice Award! Congratulations!
Here's a little but more about Melinda from the Miss Universe Canada website.
Melinda Henderson is a strong, resilient, Anishinabek woman who has faced adversity throughout her life and works hard towards her goals and ambitions. Melinda was born in Winnipeg, MB, and grew up in both Thunder Bay, ON, and Lethbridge, AB. She is from Sagkeeng First Nation, MB and North Spirit Lake First Nation, ON. Melinda has grown a patriotic appreciation of Canada because of how frequently she relocates and the many different scenery and cultures she has been exposed to.
Melinda is Ojibway and Cree and is proud to be representing Aboriginal people at the Miss Universe Canada pageant. Over the years, she has been learning more about her culture and traditional way of life and applies them in her everyday life. She believes the traditions of Aboriginal people can provide a healthier environment and save the planet.
Thunder Bay Live also had a great interview with her back in May.
