The Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) is hosting a bingo fundraiser today, January 25, 2026, to support a local candidate’s bid for the national stage. The event takes place at the Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium in Sugar Cane, British Columbia, and will raise funds for a representative preparing to compete in Miss Indigenous Canada 2026.
Doors for the fundraiser open at 11:30 a.m., with games officially starting at 1 p.m. Organizers say entry is $40 for a full package of bingo cards, and participants will compete for cash prizes throughout the afternoon.
Proceeds are intended to help cover the candidate’s travel, registration, and regalia (traditional clothing) costs as they prepare to attend the national Miss Indigenous Canada competition, a program that emphasizes youth leadership, cultural involvement and community service rather than conventional beauty-pageant criteria.
The national pageant was founded in 2024 and has continued to gain recognition as a platform for Indigenous youth to showcase culture and leadership. By attending the bingo, residents will be contributing to the candidate’s travel and community-service project costs as she/they prepare for the national finals.
The gymnasium is a regular hub for community gatherings in Sugar Cane, which leaders say are important for keeping the community connected. Organizers expect a strong turnout from Williams Lake and surrounding areas across the Cariboo to support the local representative.
