Indigenous Empowerment: Help Me Shine in Miss Auckland

KAPIMIKANCHI RUNAMUKANCHI MUSKUNAMIKANCHI

Though some denied our existence, that there no longer remains a descendant of the Incas; we still stand here. We are Inca Kichwa from Peguche, Ecuador. We dream of breaking barriers and bringing empowerment to Kichwa.

I come from a family who believe that with hard work and perseverance, our dreams can someday be brought to life by our descendants. My family village, Peguche, is enriched with liveness despite the oppression they face as an Indigenous community. It is extremely difficult for people to fulfil their heart's desires and break the ceiling. For this reason, I see competing for 'Miss Auckland' as an opportunity to shed a positive light on Indigenous peoples by representing my culture from the lens of a Kichwa Ecuadorian who also happens to be Kiwi. In light of my financial situation, Miss Auckland's entry fee is simply too expensive for me to cover by myself. I would deeply appreciate your help in making this aspiration a reality. Together we can bring a new element to the world of pageantry in Aotearoa. If I have the opportunity to potentially be a beacon of hope for my people then I will not let it go to waste.

Huyani,

Alymayu Lema