Mya McDowell: Miss Canada United World 2026, The Importance of Community, and Handling Grief

Today, I sit down to talk to Mya McDowell. Mya and I met about a year ago, when I attended an event she spoke at. I remember thinking how impressive she was not just for the work she was doing, but for how she managed to get to where she was despite all the hardship she endured growing up. In this episode, we dig into that journey. The challenges that shaped her, the role of culture and identity in her life, and how she has turned those experiences into something meaningful for herself and for the next generation.Mya McDowell is a Registered Nurse, model, advocate, and Miss Canada United World 2026. Originally from Dene Tha’ First Nation in Northern Alberta, Mya’s journey has been shaped by culture, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of representation and storytelling.Mya is passionate about creating space for Indigenous youth to see themselves reflected in positions of leadership, health, and visibility. Her initiative, Healing Through Storytelling, combines her experiences in nursing, advocacy, and pageantry to uplift youth through resilience, culture, and connection.Today, Mya continues to build a career that brings together healthcare, advocacy, modelling, and public speaking while preparing to represent Canada internationally. Her story is one of self-determination, growth, and using every chapter of her journey to create something meaningful for the next generation.Follow Mya's journey:Instagram:@[email protected] Facebook: Miss Dene Tha' - Mya McDowellIf you like this podcast, engage with it! I'd love to hear your feedback in the comment section. Subscribe if you want to see more of this content.