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Jackson a delegate in Mrs. Canada Globe pageant

Despite losing her brother to suicide, while also living in an abusive relationship, Barbara Dumigan Jackson has overcome many obstacles in her life, while also raising three children.
Barbara Dumigan Jackson, 29, is the mother to three children, and will also be competing in Regina in the upcoming Mrs. Canada Globe pageant. Jackson is originally from the
Barbara Dumigan Jackson, 29, is the mother to three children, and will also be competing in Regina in the upcoming Mrs. Canada Globe pageant. Jackson is originally from the area.

Despite losing her brother to suicide, while also living in an abusive relationship, Barbara Dumigan Jackson has overcome many obstacles in her life, while also raising three children.

Along with working on completing her after degree in education at Kings University, and successfully completing her Bachelor of Arts degree at Concordia University, Jackson is now a delegate for the Mrs. Canada Globe pageant, and will soon be competing in the largest pageant she has taken part in so far.

Jackson has had an interest in taking part in fashion shows and pageants since she was a teenager, participating in events in Saddle Lake while growing up. But at 19 years old, Jackson was unable to participate in many of the pageants available to her, following the birth of her first child.

Over the past decade, the pageant scene has been changing, and there are now opportunities for women of all backgrounds to compete, and spread awareness about important causes, through the publicity that comes with participating in pageants.

“For me, it’s not about winning . . . I’m not doing the pageant just to win,” says Jackson, when speaking about the upcoming event, which will be held in Regina. Instead, participating in the pageant is Jackson’s way of showing other women that they too can achieve their dreams, despite the challenges they may face.

It’s also about “being a voice in my indigenous community,” says the 29-year-old aspiring junior high teacher.

For Jackson, it was a traumatic situation that resulted in her wanting to change the path her life had taken. Her brother committed suicide, and she realized that it was the abusive relationship she was in that kept her from seeing him near the end of his life.

“It’s been nearly nine years since I lost my brother Melvyn to suicide. It’s been so long since I saw his beautiful smile and handsome face. He was loved by many, and I wish he knew that,” says Jackson. “Suicide effects us all, there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of him.”

His death also showed Jackson how valuable life was.

“Sometimes, good things happen out of bad things.”

At the time, Jackson was pregnant with her third child. So, she made the decision to be an example for her children. She also didn’t want her children growing up thinking the abuse she was experiencing was acceptable.

Jackson says being connected to her culture has been a key to her success. She participates in powwows with her children, she talks to elders, and the family takes part in other traditional ceremonies.

Jackson can also put her name behind a number of important causes. In June, she will be hosting the fourth annual Homeless Dreams Awareness Run, which is sponsored by the Running Room Canada. Jackson has always led an active lifestyle, and continues to do so, while also running after her busy children.

She also will be hosting her second annual Making Strides to Help Save Lives suicide prevention walk in just a few weeks, on March 6, in Edmonton. Jackson’s brother inspired the event.

“I wish my brother gave us the chance to help him. He was always happy and never had a frown. He always wore the biggest smile, so it was very hard to see the signs, and it was too late.”

Through her involvement with the Mrs. Canada Globe pageant, Jackson is proud to be able to represent her indigenous communities of Saddle Lake and Goodfish Lake, even though she now lives in Edmonton.

Supporting causes that help youth, helps people struggling with addiction, those living in poverty, experiencing depression, who live at-risk lives, or are simply hurting, are all important to Jackson.

All proceeds raised through the pageant in Regina will be donated to a women’s shelter there, she adds.

Leading up to the pageant, Jackson will be co-hosting a fashion with another delegate of the pageant, Sheena Papin Mary Kay, at Concordia University on March 20. Proceeds from that event will go to the Globe and W.I.N. Foundation. The W.I.N. Foundation’s goal is to empower people to create change in their lives, and specializes in offering healing and empowerment programs.

“I think it's a beautiful thing to raise awareness and empower those who are struggling to leave abusive, unhealthy relationships while celebrating with our survivors. Abuse comes in many forms - physical, mental, spiritual and emotional and effects men, women and youth,” says Jackson. “Always remember that there is a way out, there are people who care that are willing to help, no one deserves any type of abuse, everyone deserves to be happy, and never forget it's never to late to start again.”

Also in preparation of the pageant in April, Jackson will have to prepare a speech, continue to be involved in her community, and perhaps most daunting for the lifelong athlete – learn to walk in high heels.

“I’m kind of nervous about it,” she says, with a laugh. But, her teenage daughter will be there to offer her support and expertise, since she too has been involved in the pageant scene.

“She’s one of my biggest inspirations,” says the proud mom.

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