Yinggarda, Nyul-Nyul and Minung woman Tiarna Wynne was crowned Miss NAIDOC Perth (Boorloo) on Saturday night, taking the crown in a competition full of strong contenders.
The 22-year-old, who is a mother of a ten-month-old boy, said she was shocked when she heard her name called out and credited her family who has provided continual support.
“I got quite emotional when being awarded (the crown) because, to me, it’s not just me standing up there giving a speech and taking this award," she said.
"I’m doing this on behalf of my family. Also, for our mob and our community.
“It just reflects everyone in my life and all my loved ones that have supported me, I was like yep I did it for all of you and my angels up above I did it for you guys as well.”
Nine finalists were chosen to participate in the six-week non-profit program that helps to empower young First Nations women.
Finalists participated in workshops that focused on increasing awareness of First Nations issues and assists with self-confidence, mentoring, leadership skills and helps the young ladies write a strategic plan to achieve their goals.
The competition is judged by points that are accumulated from each workshop determining the winner and runner up.
Ms Wynne, who currently lives in Fremantle, said she wants to work with young people to improve school attendance in her hometown of Carnarvon and hopes to raise awareness in order to reduce alcohol and substance abuse in the Aboriginal community.
The 2021 Miss NAIDOC finalists, with winner Tiarna Wynne fourth from the left. Source: Supplied: Miss NAIDOC Perth
She said the Miss NAIDOC Perth program changed her life from the very first workshop and would like to see similar initiatives.
“I feel like we do need more of these programs provided not just intact with NAIDOC Week, any time of the year, it would be great. And you know not just Miss NAIDOC we can give something to our men too and our youth,” she said.
“I want this to be my starting point for my journey. I want to study and get involved as much as I can within the community.”
Daisy Humphries was named the Runner up for this year's competition, Kae Cox took out Miss Photogenic while Kiahara Jacobs-Hampton was voted Miss Kwobodok (Noongar - beautiful).
