As the Miss Six Nations pageant unfolds this week, the victors of five age divisions are set to be announced on Friday at the Six Nations Fall Fair, showcasing the thriving presence of Indigenous languages. This year marks a milestone as contestants were given the choice to conduct their interviews in Onondaga, Cayuga, and Mohawk (Kanienʼkéha), with 10 opting for this linguistic diversity, as highlighted by Dakota Brant, a fair board member and pageant program director.
Brown emphasized the significant growth in language revitalization over the past decade, providing a platform for individuals to use their native languages beyond personal or educational settings. The pageant represents a pioneering initiative within the Six Nations community, offering Indigenous languages upon request, aimed at fostering a cultural norm for younger generations, as expressed by Brown in a dialogue with CBC Hamilton.
The pageant comprises five age categories, commencing with Little Miss Six Nations for children aged five and above and culminating with Miss Six Nations for adult participants. The event welcomes members from the Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit communities. Contestants undergo various segments based on their age group, including private interviews, stage walks, impromptu questions, and community or cultural presentations.
Brant, a Kanienʼkéha speaker actively involved in language immersion education, found it feasible to recruit judges fluent in the required languages, reflecting the expanding community of language reclamation advocates. She highlighted the shift from language loss concerns to a growing population of first-language speakers, underscoring the increasing prevalence of younger speakers within families, marking a positive trend within the community.
The reigning Miss Six Nations, Huntre Jamieson, has championed Indigenous language revitalization during her tenure, actively promoting Kanienʼkéha and Cayuga languages. Jamieson’s advocacy extends to community language teaching and pursuing a Mohawk bachelor’s degree at Six Nations Polytechnic, leveraging her platform to emphasize the importance of functional language use in daily life.
Jamieson emphasized the evolving perception of Indigenous languages from historical stigmatization to contemporary desirability within the community, attributing this transformation to healing initiatives that acknowledge the cultural significance of language. She highlighted the availability of immersion programs catering to diverse age groups and proficiency levels, illustrating the community’s progress in reclaiming and preserving Indigenous languages.
The culminating segment of the Miss Six Nations pageant, featuring the crowning of winners, is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday at the Six Nations Fairgrounds located at 1738 Fourth Line Rd.
