‘ ! Satelite Leith Mateaidteetsdaecies seiteaecade Mite aiken teed aa ’ a Pe eee eee rp rE wren © Fee decent tae tome Sunday, July 20, 1997 ~ North Shore Nows ~ 18 north shore news im takes new approach aneden OO Layne inineanill notes NEXT Friday, the Squamish Nation will hold its seventh annual Princess Pageant. The invitation-only event “will be held in conjunction - With Squamish Nation Days, The judges will not be crowning your typical beauty ” queen, say the pageant’s organizers, , “This is not just walking ‘out there in a paddle dress and getting a crown,” says Flo Williams, who, with sister _ “Samaya Jardey, is coordinat- ‘ing this year’s event. Williams, 45, is new to the pageant scene, A medical “assistant by trade, she’s taken ‘, ton as a summer project ..., before returning to Capilano | _ College in September to pur- " sue a degree in, psychology. Jardey, 36, is also studying at Capilano College, She's also a » model and actress, who .. signed up with Blanche : Macdonald when’ she was 13, :,” But never a beauty queen. neaty pageants! I don’t even like the word!” she says: between bites of french toasr . during our morning meeting at the Tomahawk, “Lt makes me think about high heels and bathing suits,’ What attracted these strong womert to the pages was the chance to take it toa new level, Beauty, says Jardey, is important for the contestants to maintain but it's not what it’s all about, The girls, aged nine to 16, get a crash course in cosmet- ies and hygiene as well as “The Squamish Nation is as strong as its women.” -— Flo Williams runway modelling and public spedking but it doesn’t stop there. During their six weeks of * training for the pageant, they explore their history and cul- ture and meet strong, suc- cessful native women like - Wendy Grant-John. of the Assembly of First Nations and documentary film-maker Dana Claxton. _ .. Teachings are based on , the medicine wheel, which stresses the need for balance on four levels — the emo- . ’ tional, mental, spiritual and » the physical. It’s a sizable wy commitinent for these girls who would otherwise be enjoying a carelree summer, “They meet five days a week plus they have hone: work,” says Williams, Porty five girls signed up. There are now 28 who will compete, Kleven-year-ald Rosie Baker has stuck it out because she wants to win, But even if she doesn't she thinks the pageant has been a good experience, she says; “Yeah, Ive had lots of fin, It keeps me busy,” At 15, Siobhan Joseph is a beauty pageant veteran, This is the sixth year in the Princess Pageant for the Howe Sound Secondary stu- dent. A former Junior Queen, the Squamish resident has enjoyed preparing for this year’s pageant. “We have workshops, we've met agents and actress- es,” she says over the phone from Squamish. She’s also making new friends and learning about Squamish Nation history. Williams and Jardey view ~ the pageant as a forum for these girls to build their self- esteem. And that can benefit the entire community. “The Squamish Nation is as strong as its women,” Williams explains, “If we have strong, healthy women they will be good mothers and their children will grow up heaithy.” What that does is start a N {Value 1 41997 infiniti lucury AWD utility, a sj luxury options induded, sun roof, and feather interior. “B-Only 7 left? . CELT 1997 terfiniti 130 Luxury intermediate sedan, 190 HP. V6, front whee! drive, all luxury options ‘included. Only 6 left! 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I'm a recovering school is almost the Joss of alcoholic myself. These young, our language, alcoholism, women are living in that sexual abuse, physical abuse, same vicious cycle.” Friday’s pageant winner is expected to be drug and alcohol-free and maintain her des for one full year. efore receiving her mone- tary gift -- a GIC that is ear- marked for post-secondary education, spausal abuse and lateral vio- AL] STBUNDS. NOVATION . SALE .. ... we're clearing our showroom to renovate! » rNTERIORS fi Floor model furnishings * Display Fabrics * Display Drapery © Accessories ¢ Pictures Save on updating your Home-too! DRAPERY & UPHOLSTERY SAVE UP TO 25” OFF Sale Ends July 31/97 : "Your Home-Your Way” 7 ana. ~~ PARK ROYAL 925-1411 “May OPTICAL Quality Crafted Eyewear *Trom out Rew! Tag selection. Selection may vary by Hore, png Some rexirictions sppty_ Complete deta in-store. 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