On April 20th, Aaliyah O’Watch was selected as the 2025 Miss FNUniv Ambassador, a prestigious role that celebrates and promotes the values and initiatives of First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and the Spring Celebration Powwow.
Aaliyah O’Watch, a proud member of the Carry the Kettle and George Gordon First Nations, has been selected as the 2025 Miss FNUniv Ambassador at the 2025 Spring Celebration Powwow, held in Regina, SK, on April 19 and 20, 2025. As she embraces this new position, Aaliyah is also ardently pursuing her studies in the Indigenous Education Program at FNUniv. She is known for her commitment to preserving and teaching the Cree and Dakota languages. She aspires to be a role model, emphasizing the principles of wâhkôhtôwin (kinship) and mâmawi-isîhkcikêwin (collaborative cultural work).
Aaliyah plans to attend many powwows and events throughout her time as Miss FNUniv Ambassador.
The FNUniv community thanked outgoing Ambassador Calista McArthur-Moser for her representation at the University and the Spring Celebration Powwow, and Morgan Bellegarde for crowning the new Ambassador. They also acknowledged Tamara Missens, the first runner-up, for her excellent performance throughout the contest.
The Miss FNUniv subcommittee thanks the dance and interview judges—SGEU Sponsor representative Mannie Amyotte, Sage Spiedel, Carrie McNabb, and Memory Delorme-Antoine. The Miss FNUniv subcommittee acknowledges the drum group Northern Cree for singing in the dance contest portion of the pageant and the honour song after the new Miss FNUniv crowning on Sunday. Also acknowledged for their part in the Miss FNUniv Ambassador pageant are Elder Margaret Rockthunder for her prayers, and Clifton Goodwill for his role as announcer.
The Powwow Committee looks forward to working with Aaliyah throughout the coming year!