On Wednesday students at Westmount elementary school in Strathmore celebrated as the school hosted the Miss Westmount Princess and Westmount Warrior Pageant.

This also marked the first occasion the school held the warrior contest.

Serenity Pretty Young Man was crowned Westmount School Princess and Mateo Brown was crowned Westmount Warrior. Makelti Brown and Olivia Good Eagle were also contestants in the pageant.

Participants had a written component to complete, as well they were judged on public speaking and responded to impromptu questions and had a dance component.

There were a number of dignitaries from Golden Hills School Division present as well as friends and family of the contestants.

The panel of judges included Westmount School Grade 6 teacher Kate Boyd, Astokomii Smith Town of Strathmore Indigenous Liaison and former Calgary Stampede first nations princess, Elder Clarence Wolfleg Sr., and Christina Hoover from Golden Hills School Division director of learning and FNMI coordinator.

Drumming and singing were also provided by Spike Eagle Speaker Jr.

Smith told the students she was proud of each of them. “It takes a lot of courage,” she said. She told the contestants to not be discouraged. “It’s about your actions and who you are. Always be yourself,” she said.

A welcome address was given by the Westmount Chief Cera Goodin, before the explanation of the rules of the pageant by organizer Westmount School First Nations Metis Inuit Liaison Meagan Big Snake.

Spike Eagle Speaker Jr. spoke of the significance of the warrior and of the deed of his uncle and veteran Elder Clarence Wolfleg Sr.

“Our Warrior is a leader in the community and they protect,” he said.

Eagle Speaker Jr. explained that the role carries the responsibility to watch over and take care of their peers at the school. Special thanks were given to all of the community who came together to provide gifts, organize, and to fabricate regalia for the pageant.

The Miss Westmount Princess and Westmount Warrior contest was live-streamed on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/westmountschool/videos/368410805198840