High hopes for Aboriginal woman in competition

Twenty-three-year old Leslie Gauthier will be competing along with 51 other delegates for the title of Miss Universe Canada 2006 in Montreal on March 18.

Gauthier said she always had a passion for modeling and fashion, so competing in this pageant "just seems like a perfect fit."

When she is not practicing her runway walk or deciding what gown to wear for the pageant, Gauthier is studying for exams and completing assignments to obtain a business management degree.

She recently completed the two-year Business Management diploma program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, and is currently attending the Edmonton campus of the University of Lethbridge.

She said once she completes the four-year program she hopes to establish her own business, though she's not exactly sure what type of business it will be. Gauthier said it would have to have a fashion component to it.

"I haven't really honed in on a particular business that I would like to start up but fashion would be involved in some way whether it is a clothing boutique or a hair salon," said Gauthier.

Each year, Miss Universe Canada delegates are chosen through a series of local and regional casting calls and pageants held in different areas across Canada.

Gauthier applied for this competition online and eight months later received a call to go to Calgary for an interview with the director of the pageant.

"They asked questions they know people will have an opinion about," said Gauthier. "To sum it up, I think they are looking for a well-rounded individual."

Gauthier, if she wins, may not go to the same places as the current Miss Universe Canada has gone to, but she is excited about the travelling component of holding this title.

"I think just the experience through travelling and being in the public view would definitely be an experience of a lifetime," said Gauthier. "I know there is a lot of community work that you have to do and going around and speaking at different events and I also know there's a lot of involvement with AIDS awareness and I'm prepared for all of that."

If Gauthier is chosen for the position, then she will move on to compete for the Miss Universe title. However, if she doesn't win she said she would look at the whole experience as a positive and motivational experience.

"I want to use my personality to support good causes for the community," said Gauthier. "In our community I see a negative image of Aboriginal people and I would just like to turn that image around and make it a positive one and show people the good side of our culture and how there are successful Aboriginal people in Canada and we do contribute a lot. I know that I would love to show that I'm proud of who I am and that I'm proud of being Aboriginal. I just think this is a great opportunity for myself to gain experience in public relations and to develop my skills as a future business woman."

Gauthier said the response from her parents has been supportive and encouraging.

"I just feel a real sense of pride that Leslie has developed the confidence to step into a competition like this," said Lynn Gauthier, Leslie's mother. "I do think that Leslie has a really good chance of getting this title."

Gauthier is confident that her daughter will go far, whether or not she is crowned Miss Universe Canada.

"I think she can break some trails for Aboriginal girls," said Lynn. "I think she will overcome some of the barriers that have been out there for Aboriginal people, especially women."