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- Toronto Star
Meet Miss Indigenous Canada, a new kind of pageant winner
Aug. 17, 2025
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By Leanne DelapSpecial to the Star
This year's Miss Indigenous Canada, Gena Boubard, represents a new way to think about wearing a sash. 'In the past, there was a strong focus on external beauty, but here they are looking for substance — for how involved in community you are, for leadership,' said Boubard, a 24-year-old Anishinaabe from Sagkeeng First Nation in Treaty 1 territory.
The makeup artist, model and advocate for Two-Spirit youth, who has previously competed in Miss World Canada, was crowned on July 26. 'Being a part of the pageant was beautiful. The way we supported each other was very powerful.'
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Leanne Delap is a Toronto-based freelance contributor for the Star, where she writes about fashion and culture.
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