Hailey
“Knowing how many barriers and stereotypes I’ve already overcome encourages me to keep going. I know I will have success in this lifetime.”
Despite the biases and barriers Hailey has had to overcome as a young Indigenous woman, she continues to navigate life with determination and empathy. She is someone who is always willing to listen and learn, whether it is from others, in class, or about her culture. The hardships Hailey endured as a teenager motivated her to focus on her studies, determined to create a better life for herself. Now she is a university student, on a quest to connect to the Cree, Métis, and Ojibwe cultures that make up who she is. Just last year, Hailey became the first Indigenous Canadian to compete in the Miss Globe Beauty Pageant. Not only has Hailey increased worldwide visibility of Indigenous Canada, but she has paved the way for an entire generation of Indigenous youth. Meet Hailey. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
H: Hello my name is Hailey Hamelin Wilson I am a Cree woman, university student, pageant queen, model, and activist for women's rights.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
H: I am definitely a very empathetic person, I take the time to listen and help others. I’m also the type of person who can fit in with and make friends with almost anyone. I am also very determined when it comes to my goals and desires in life. I know what I want and nothing will stop me from getting it.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
H: My favourite thing about myself is my heritage and my cultures. On my mom's side I am a Cree and I’ve always sort of known the Cree lifestyle and traditions since I grew up on reserve. My dad is a Métis so that means someone who is of First Nations and European descent. It wasn’t until a few years ago when I really decided I wanted to learn more about Métis culture. My dad's side of the family started their reconnection journey a couple years ago also, and that was when I found out my grandfather is Ojibwe. Since then I’ve been doing my best to learn about Ojibwe customs, so I can get a better idea of who I am.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
H: Although I am only 20 years old I have lived a lot of life and been through many different experiences. Growing up as an Indigenous person I have had to face many challenges in the world and in my home life. Growing up I had to deal with a lot of trauma that was put on me, and most of the time I only had myself to depend on in these situations. When I was 16 I was practically on my own and all I had to keep going was school because that was the only thing that I knew was going to get me a better life.
Fast forward to today, I’ve learned to heal and let go of everything that I faced when I was younger, and sometimes when I’m having a rough day I remind myself that I can do anything because at this point I’d been through it all.
Growing up in a small town with small minded people has also motivated me to do things that I didn’t see or even think others would do. In 2021 I became the first Indigenous Canadian to compete at the miss globe beauty pageant which was so amazing. For me that was a huge milestone because people around the world don’t even know indigenous Canadians exist. So it was super accomplishing knowing that I can educate and share my culture with the world.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
H: To my younger self I’d definitely tell her that sometimes things are going to be tough, but never let go of the faith you have in your creator. We are all put on this earth for a purpose and a reason, and it is our life journey to fulfill that. Times do get difficult and we do get barriers thrown in our way to knock us down, just remember that these challenges are going to make us stronger.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say if they were here now?
H: Honestly there are so many amazing women who inspire me everyday, my family, friends, pageant sisters, but if I have to choose someone it would have to be myself. I choose myself because although many women are admirable there is nobody that has gone through the experiences I have. Sometimes if I’m having a bad day I look back at my life and how much I have accomplished thus far. Knowing how many barriers and stereotypes I’ve already overcome encourages me to keep going. I know I will have success in this lifetime.
