Ashley Callingbull, a proud member of the Enoch Cree Nation, has just made history.
She’s the first Indigenous woman to be crowned Miss Universe Canada, and her reaction to the win melted all our hearts.
“Rez kids really can do anything! This win is for all the dreamers out there. I can’t wait to proudly represent Canada at Miss Universe in Mexico!”
If you’re a local, you might already know that Ashley is no stranger to breaking barriers.
She hails from the Enoch Cree Nation, located just west of Edmonton, and has made a significant impact across various fields.
These days, she’s a familiar face as an in-game host for major sports leagues like the NHL, CFL, and NLL.
She’s also had notable roles in TV series such as APTN’s Blackstone and Tribal, and she’s earned accolades for her community activism and advocacy.
Ashley’s journey to Miss Universe Canada has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Back in 2015, she broke new ground by becoming the first Canadian and Indigenous person to win Mrs. Universe.
Most of us have heard of Miss Universe, but Mrs. Universe is an annual international event for “the most honorable married woman”. The event is open to married, divorced, and widowed women from nations on all continents around the world, who are between the ages of 18 and 55, have a family and career, and are involved in a “significant cause”
The win was on thing but it was how she acted during the competition that made her stand out even more.
“Pageant girls were told not to be political whatsoever,” says Callingbull. “I spoke up for all Indigenous people and I spoke about all the issues that needed to be heard because it wasn’t about my success, it was about what I did with it,” she told Optimyz Magazine.
Using the Platform for Good
She considers publicly “calling out the government” on issues surrounding murdered and missing Indigenous women, the foster care system and the lack of clean water in First Nations communities her most significant achievement.
Fast forward to 2022, and she made history once again as the first Indigenous woman to grace the pages of Sports Illustrated, a significant milestone in the recognition of Indigenous beauty and talent.
Now, with her latest achievement as Miss Canada Universe, she’s set to compete for the Miss Universe title in Mexico this November.
Ashley shared her excitement and gratitude in a heartfelt social media post, saying, “This is the most surreal feeling. I’ve been chasing this dream for years, and I’m still in awe that it really came true.”
She emphasized the importance of representation, noting, “Representation truly matters because when one of us wins, we all win.”
Ashley’s accomplishments are not just a source of pride, but also a beacon of hope for Albertans and Indigenous communities across Canada, inspiring them to strive for their dreams.
Her journey is not just about personal success but also about paving the way for future generations and showcasing the diverse talent and strength within Indigenous cultures.
As she prepares for the Miss Universe competition, we’re all cheering her on as she continues to make history on the global stage!
