Dokis First Nation’s Nathalie Wajashk-Restoule enters Miss Indigenous Canada
By Kelly Anne Smith
DOKIS FIRST NATION—Dokis First Nation’s Nathalie Wajashk-Restoule will participate in Miss Indigenous Canada 2026 set for July 25 on Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario.
Miss Indigenous Canada is an ambassador and leadership development program geared towards First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth. Miss Indigenous Canada accentuates community service, leadership, cultural involvement, youth empowerment, and authentic representation.
Wajashk-Restoule was crowned Ms. Regional Canada in 2022 at the Mrs. Ms. Regional Canada Empowerment Pageant in Sudbury. She explains what now draws her to Miss Indigenous Canada.
“I am someone who is always open to growth and learning opportunities. Experiences like this allow you to stretch yourself, build confidence, and continue striving for greater things. Miss Indigenous Canada, in particular, feels like part of a movement. One that is inspiring and rooted in something much deeper than competition. It is a platform grounded in Indigenous identity, leadership, and community. I am especially excited about the sisterhood that will come from this experience. When something is built from an Indigenous perspective, it honours not only who we are as individuals, but our families, our communities, and the presence of our ancestors.”
Wajashk-Restoule has worked in her community of Okikendawt, Dokis First Nation, teaching Anishinaabemowin at the school for close to five years. Her students are from JK/SK to Grade 4.
“It has truly been one of the greatest gifts of my life. The opportunity to teach came unexpectedly. I was not fully fluent nor formally trained as a teacher. I trusted my heart and stepped into the role. Since day one, I have been learning alongside my students. I carry so much pride for them. They inspire me daily to be better and do better. Every day, we celebrate being Anishinaabe. I have seen firsthand how powerful it is when our children reconnect to their language and identity.”
Nathalie advocates for healthy youth and says she often speaks about healthy living with her students and the young people she works with.
“Living a healthy life means finding balance: mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Health looks different for everyone, but what allows it to thrive is self-awareness. It means checking in with yourself, making space to reflect, and being gentle with your spirit. When our youth learn early that their well-being matters in all four directions, they grow into stronger, more confident adults.”
Encompassing culture for herself and her family is vitally important to Wajashk-Restoule.
“My connection to my culture literally saved my life. It grounds me. It teaches me how to live with kindness, humility, and purpose. It gives me the strength to give back to my family and community. Prioritizing culture does not always mean travelling far or attending every event. For me, it is about weaving it into daily life, giving thanks, saying prayer, smudging, sharing tea, singing, spending time with Elders, speaking the language, and going out onto the land. Anishinaabe worldview is not something separate from life. It is life. And it’s everywhere.”
Recently, Nathalie commented on a social media post that she had immense gratitude for her new red Jingle Dress.
“It meant so much to me because my parents gifted it to me for my 30th birthday. Turning 30 felt like stepping into a new chapter. When I danced in that dress, I thought about my parents and everything they have done to support me.”
She explains the significance of being a Jingle Dress Dancer.
“Being a Jingle Dress Dancer is both a responsibility and an honour. As it is a healing dress, I’ve witnessed the power of prayer. I have witnessed what it can do for others and I have experienced healing myself through it. When I dance, I dance for those who can’t.”
Nathalie gave a call out for sponsors on social media and has had several local and regional businesses reach out.
“I am incredibly grateful for their support. I have also personally connected with businesses in my community! This part of the journey reminds me how much support surrounds me. I am honoured to promote and represent the businesses that stand behind me. They will be recognized in my platforms and included in the official program book as well.”
Nathalie says her community has always supported her in everything she does.
“I am so proud to say I am from Okikendawt, Dokis First Nation. I plan to put my best foot forward, stand tall, and represent my community with pride and gratitude.”
The language teacher looks forward to the social aspects of the contest.
“Networking and meeting other incredible Indigenous women are things I truly look forward to. I am excited for the personal elevation that comes from stepping into something new. When you are open to learning, you never lose. You gain wisdom, experience, and growth. I am excited to see the new version of myself that will come from this journey.”
Nathalie says her platform for Miss Indigenous Canada 2026 is rooted in language and cultural revitalization.
“This is not just something I speak about. It is work I live every day. I have witnessed the power of our language to restore confidence, identity, and pride within our youth and community. There are many layers to this work, but hearing the beautiful sound of Anishinaabemowin spoken again is what fuels my spirit. Also, I am very excited for my cultural presentation on the Miss Indigenous Canada stage. I will give you a little hint: you might just see Miss Nathalie in action.”
Miss Indigenous Canada has pre-program training, a program week, and the ambassador competition. Training consists of workshops, self-paced learning modules, and mentorship opportunities. The program week is a retreat-style event with workshops, guest speakers, museum tours, and formal dinners. The ambassador program includes an essay, interview, community scrapbook, and cultural presentation during the showcase finale.
Many activities are virtual prior to the main events from July 20-25. The program begins Monday evening and concludes after finals on Friday night.