Lannie Houle

Height: 5’6
Hometown: Goodfish Lake, AB
Languages: English
Occupation: Spirit North Non-Profit

Lannie Houle, a remarkable woman who proudly represents her Indigenous heritage as a Plains Cree and Sylix Okanagan. Born and raised in Goodfish Lake, AB, and Vernon, BC, Lannie now calls Kelowna, BC, her home. Since she was young, Lannie showed incredible dedication to sports and excelled in AAA/JR. A hockey and elite fastball. Her talent and hard work led her to run for Team Canada at the World Indigenous Games, where she won a silver medal and competed in multiple international Nike races. Later, Lannie attended the University of Concordia and the University of Alberta, competing in cross-country and indoor track.

Currently, Lannie works with Spirit North, a non-profit organization where she is able to use her athletic success to make a positive impact in Indigenous communities across Alberta and British Columbia. Lannie has the privilege to inspire Indigenous youth to live up to their full potential through sport, culture and land-based teachings. Lannie’s generosity is truly inspiring; she has given away over 1,500 pairs of running shoes donated by local stores. With these shoes, she organizes running and walking groups so that everyone can lead a healthy lifestyle with proper footwear. Lannie also coaches local sports teams, makes appearances at cross-country and track events, speaks at schools, charity events, and sports panels. She motivates the younger generation, teaching them that with faith and hard work, anything is possible.

Lannie’s athleticism, confidence, and positive mindset makes her an exceptional contestant and role model. She has previously represented Canada at the international level, gaining valuable experience that will surely help her in the Miss Universe pageant. With her determination and belief in herself, Lannie is confident that she has everything it takes to make Canada proud on the Miss Universe stage.

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I am huge on being involved within my community, whether that’s through coaching local sports teams or volunteer opportunities. The most enjoyable thing in my life, is being able to teach/coach my gift of running to younger kids in Indigenous communities. If I’m not doing that you can find me somewhere on a golf course. I recently started competing in golf and its taught me a lot about mental strength and patience.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

• Fancy Shawl Dancer
• Mental health wilderness first aid
• Personal trainer
• Children’s fitness instructor
• XC running/skiing coach
• Fastball coach

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

• Golf
• University of Concordia XC Running/ Indoor Track
• Nike International road races
• Major Midget AAA/ JR.A Hockey
• Elite fastball

I grew up in a very competitive sports family so it was only natural that I worked very hard in order to play at the highest level. Playing sports have instilled my work ethic, confidence and making meaningful relationships that transferred into my daily life.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

Ashley Callingbull former Mrs. Universe 2015 has been a huge influence in my life. Ashley has taught me how representation truly matters and the importance of Indigenous sisterhood/empowerment has lit a new fire within me to reconnect with my Indigenous culture and use my platform to amplify and empower not only Indigenous people but everybody.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

My proudest accomplishment is my gift of running long distance. Running has given me the ability to represent Team Canada at the WIG games in Brazil, attend University, and run for Nike at multiple International races all of those opportunities have given me the ability to set up running/walking groups where everyone receives a free pair of running shoes. Throughout the 5 years of hosting these running groups, I gave away over 1500 shoes. Using my gift of running for more than just competing is my proudest personal accomplishment.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

The most unique thing about me is that I was the final torchbearer for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. I got to light the cauldron in front of 10,000 people in my hometown of Vernon, BC. After that, I did a media tour around the Okanagan. I was only 13 years old.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

I currently work with Spirit North which is a national charitable organization that uses land-based activities to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous youth, empowering them to become unstoppable in sport, school and life. My goal is to continue my outreach on as many communities as possible by being a positive role model and challenging myself to keep improving daily to be the best possible person so I can continue my work.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

Although it’s true that my current job would be considered my dream job. Being Miss. Universe Canada would be an amazing platform to expand my work not only in Indigenous communities but across Canada and being able to travel around the world that would be my dream job.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I was fortunate enough to grow up in two different places Goodfish Lake, Alberta and Vernon, British Columbia surrounded by both of my families. Goodfish Lake is a small Indigenous community in Northern Alberta that I am so proud to call home as I get older, I grow more appreciation for being raised there. Goodfish Lake is a family orientated place where we can always count on one another to show up in a time of need or cheer on the local sports teams. It takes a village to raise a child and I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for all the love and support, I receive from my family and community. Vernon is where I spent my older years at and currently live today. I’ve made some of my best friends here and continue to appreciate the beauty of the Okanagan. I love golfing, hiking and boating during the summers and skiing in the winter.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

My most interesting job was I worked with an organization that encouraged female participation in sport and physical wellness by making the environment inclusive by all skill level and working on self-esteem/confidence.

List any volunteering you have done.

• AMA Go Run Girls!
• Moccasin Mile
• Run and walking clubs
• Coaching local softball teams/ track and field
• Community Evangelical Church
• Indian Residential School Survivors society
• Edmonton Soup Kitchen

What is your most unusual talent?

Although I think most of my talents are conventional I think my most unusual talent would be my ability to be ambidextrous.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

San Francisco Nike Women’s Half Marathon Championships because I was able to experience it with my mom and I placed 15th overall. It was my first international race which made it extra special to have my mom with me and my family watching online. After the race, we explored San Francisco for a couple days before I flew out to Brazil for another race.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In 10 years, I hope to have my own non-profit that helps support youth in being fully confident and prepared to follow their dreams whether it’s through sports, music or academics. A lot can happen in 10 years so no matter where I end up, I hope I lived to my full potential up until that point and still strive to be a better person every single day.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

If being crowned Miss Universe Canada it will give me the opportunity to use my platform to open up doors of diversity, inclusion and leadership to empower women of all backgrounds. Showcasing that with hard work, faith and stepping out with confidence you can make your dreams a reality.