Ashley Callingbull facts for kids

Ashley Callingbull (born October 21, 1989) is a talented Canadian actress, model, and TV host. She has also won several beauty pageants. Ashley made history as the first Indigenous First Nations woman to be featured as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model. She was also crowned Miss Universe Canada 2024 and placed in the Top 12 at Miss Universe 2024. She even competed on The Amazing Race Canada 4 with her stepfather!

Life and Career Highlights

Ashley Callingbull was born on the Enoch Cree Nation land, near Edmonton, Alberta. Her parents are from the Cree people.

Early Life and Education

By the time she was 10 years old, Ashley had already won all the princess crowns in her community. She finished high school when she was 16. After that, she went to university to study science, communications, and arts, with a focus on acting and television.

Pageant Success and Advocacy

Ashley has represented Canada in many international beauty pageants. In 2010, she was Miss Canada for the Miss Friendship International Pageant in China. She also went to the Queen of the World Final in Germany that same year. In 2011, she represented Canada at Miss Humanity International in Barbados.

Ashley used her fame to speak up for important issues. During the Mrs. Universe competition, she wore a special dress. This dress was designed to bring attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women. It helped raise awareness for this serious issue.

Breaking Barriers in Modeling and Acting

In May 2022, Ashley made history. She became the first Indigenous First Nations woman to be featured in the famous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

She is also an actress. You can see her playing the character Sheila Delaronde in the TV series Blackstone.

Personal Journey and Achievements

Ashley Callingbull has shared that she did not have an easy childhood. She was mostly raised by her mother and grandparents. She says that growing up with these challenges made her a strong woman. It also made her appreciate everything she has today.

Speaking Up for Others

Ashley was drawn to the Mrs. Universe competition because it focused on helping people who have faced difficult situations. She felt she could connect with others and use her voice. She is glad to use her title to speak for those who might not be able to speak for themselves.

Her First Nation culture has also been very important to her. Ashley credits her culture with helping her heal and find herself.

Awards and Recognition

Ashley has received many awards for her work and as a role model:

• In 2015, she received the Role Model Award from the United Nations.
• In 2019, she won the Youth Award at the Indspire Awards.
• In 2016, she was added to the Circle Of Honour at the Esquao Awards.
• Ashley was also named one of the Top 10 Power women in Canada.

Family Life and Current Role

In June 2021, Ashley got engaged to hockey player Wacey Rabbit. They got married in September of the same year.

Today, Ashley Callingbull is an in-game host. She works for major sports leagues like the National Hockey League (NHL), the National Lacrosse League (NLL), and the Canadian Football League (CFL).

See also

In Spanish: Ashley Burnham para niños