About two dozen young women from across North America are preparing to take part in this year’s Miss Indian World pageant.
The annual event is held in conjunction with the Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
First Nations University student Emery-Rose Assiniboine is representing Saskatchewan this year.
Emery-Rose says she has been involved in powwow dancing since she was a small child and as a teenager she started thinking about entering the pageant.
She started off by submitting a written essay to the MIW organizers and selling raffle tickets at the FNUC Spring Powwow.
Fundraisers have also been held to help cover the cost of the trip.
Assiniboine says the activities are divided into several segments and start off with a personal interview for each of the contestants.
“We have a talent presentation which I’m very excited for, I’m utilizing the Nekaneet Cree Nation and the history of their horse dance and we also have a couple of public speaking presentations the Friday of the pow wow,” she said.
This year’s Miss Indian World will be crowned on Saturday, April 30.