Meet the 12 finalists for this year’s Miss and Mr NAIDOC Perth

This weekend will see 2023’s Miss and Mr NAIDOC Perth awarded, with 12 impressive First Nations finalists in the running for the crown.

The 12 finalists are Raquel Cross, Jorja Hart-Barnes, Erika Fernandez, Cherralee Mary-Jane Clark, Jade Dalgety, Vai-Lee Nelson, Sacha Ogilvie, Teija Morrison, Corey Czirr, Ignatius Hunter, Kienan Davis, and Jayden Helwig – all of whom took part in an intensive six-week leadership and empowerment program.

The program, co-founded by model and activist Shannon McGuire and NAIDOC Perth chairperson, Aunty Glenda Kickett, is aimed at strengthening the finalists’ cultural connections and sense of self confidence, and includes a series of workshops and cultural activities, as well as mentoring.

“To see them grow, particularly in the last few weeks since the cultural day. They’ve just come out of
their shell and blossomed. You can hear and see how proud they are of their culture and their Country where they come from,” said Kickett, a Whadjuk and Ballardong Nyungah Elder.

This year’s Crowning Night event is even more special, falling on Saturday June 3: the final day of Reconciliation Week. Head to the Eventbrite to grab your own ticket to the Crowning Night, or you can learn more about individual finalists on the Miss NAIDOC Perth Facebook page.

Image Credit: Supplied / Ryan Murphy