Hinauri Nehua-Jackson | Canada | Walking Between Cultural Transformation, Tradition & Innovation
- EA
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 13
Award Winning Diversity & Inclusion Advocate | Youth Support Worker
Public or Motivational Speaker | Fashion Model & Coach | Founder
Indigenous Rights, Urban Indigenous Rights, Truth & Reconciliation Advocate
Miss Queen Alberta 2025
Hinauri Nehua-Jackson is a proud Indigenous leader of Māori and Korean descent, raised in Cree culture—and everything she does is rooted in the teachings, strength, and spirit of her ancestors. From an early age, she was immersed in ceremony, language, and community—guided by the traditions of her Māori, Korean, and Cree heritage. These sacred teachings shaped not only her identity but the foundation of how she leads: with authenticity, compassion, and fierce cultural pride. She wasn’t raised to follow—she was raised to rise. And rise she has. Hinauri’s journey is a living testament to what happens when heritage meets bold vision. A changemaker, mentor, model, and global advocate, she blends fashion, diplomacy, youth empowerment, and storytelling into one vibrant tapestry of impact. She is a cultural force who walks in multiple worlds—each step grounded in purpose, each word a call to action. In 2025, Hinauri made history as the first Asian and Māori woman crowned Miss Queen Alberta, representing Treaty 6 Territory with elegance and strength. But her crown symbolizes far more than pageantry—it is a platform for unapologetic representation, meaningful conversations, and real change. She uses her voice to spark dialogue around identity, leadership, and Truth and Reconciliation, proving that beauty is amplified when it’s rooted in purpose. A powerhouse in the modeling world, Hinauri has graced the pages of Vogue, Elle, and Complex Canada, walking runways with confidence and pride. But beyond the lights and lenses, her modeling journey is about cultural expression and empowerment. She mentors Indigenous and racialized youth, helping them enter the industry with both professionalism and self-worth—teaching them not just how to walk, but how to stand tall.
As a Youth Support Worker at the Canadian Native Friendship Centre, Hinauri became a beacon of trust and transformation. She increased youth participation by over 120%, creating culturally safe, inclusive spaces where Indigenous youth felt seen, valued, and empowered. Her presence wasn’t just impactful—it was life-changing for those who needed someone to believe in them. In 2024, her unwavering dedication earned her the Youth Catalyst Award, not only for what she’s accomplished, but for how she leads—with integrity, empathy, and an unshakable commitment to uplifting marginalized communities. Her leadership is not about titles—it’s about transformation. Every project she leads is driven by lived experience, community care, and a deep responsibility to her ancestors and future generations.
That same year, she launched Truth With Action, a digital platform designed to bring Canada’s 94 Calls to Action to life through community-led, accessible, and inclusive approaches. Its logo—representing welcome from every direction, gender, and culture—captures the spirit of allyship, justice, and healing. For Hinauri, reconciliation isn’t a buzzword—it’s a daily practice.
Her creative brilliance shines through Nehua Designs, a fashion brand she founded in 2018 that fuses Māori and Cree aesthetics into wearable art. What began as a family passion has evolved into a national celebration of identity and cultural storytelling, with her designs showcased across the country and paired with powerful performances steeped in story, spirit, and ceremony.
On the international stage, Hinauri is a fierce advocate for Indigenous rights and youth leadership. She is the National Youth Representative of Alberta on the Indigenous Youth Council of Canada, representing urban Indigenous youth across the country and speaking at global forums in Switzerland, the United States, and Australia. In partnership with Initiatives of Change Canada and Lewis Cardinal, she co-founded the Global Indigenous Dialogue & Council, uniting Indigenous youth and elders in sacred circles of listening, learning, and leadership. Together, they are building a global movement that doesn’t just include Indigenous voices—it centers them.
She is also the founder of Edmonton Indigenous Fashion Week, a platform that uplifts local talent, showcases cultural excellence, and reclaims fashion as a tool for decolonization and celebration. Through it all, her impact remains rooted in connection, creativity, and community.
Academically, Hinauri is as sharp as she is passionate. She holds credentials in National Diplomacy and Social Justice from the Canadian Centre for Cultural Diplomacy, Global Diplomacy from the University of London, and has completed Indigenous Canada at the University of Alberta. She is also a certified First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse, equipping her to lead with both advocacy and empathy—two pillars of her work.
Whether she’s training youth at Toronto Kids Fashion Week, guiding emerging leaders at the QBOW Conference, or commanding global rooms with poise and presence, Hinauri Nehua-Jackson is walking in her calling—and inviting others to do the same. She is not just building platforms—she’s building bridges. She’s not waiting for change—she’s creating it. And she’s not walking alone—she’s paving a path so others can follow, rise, and shine in their full power.
Her journey is still unfolding, but her message is already clear: Your culture is your strength. Your difference is your power. And your presence is your purpose. Hinauri Nehua-Jackson is a name the world won’t forget—and this is only the beginning.
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