Celilo Miles facts for kids

Celilo Miles, born in 1995, is a talented Native American fashion model. She is a proud member of the Nez Percé tribe. Before becoming a model, she worked as a wildland firefighter in Idaho. In 2017, she moved to New York City to follow her dream of modeling.

One of her most famous modeling jobs was for Victoria's Secret in 2022. She was part of their "Love Campaign," which celebrated women from many different backgrounds. Celilo is one of the first Native American models to be featured by the company in its long history.

Early Life and Beginnings

Celilo Miles grew up in Lapwai, Idaho, on the Nez Percé reservation. She loves nature and spent her childhood fishing and picking huckleberries with her family.

When she was 12, a modeling agency noticed her and invited her to an audition. As she grew up, she also enjoyed playing basketball. Her older sister inspired her to become a firefighter for her tribe.

In 2017, Celilo moved to New York to start her modeling career. She hoped to model for a big brand one day. While in New York, she worked other jobs, like at a steakhouse. A difficult personal challenge in 2019 led Celilo to move back to Idaho. There, she returned to her work as a firefighter. A few months later, Victoria's Secret called her with a modeling offer for their 2022 "Love Cloud Campaign."

Celilo's Career Journey

Modeling Milestones

Celilo's modeling journey began when she was 12. She attended a scouting event in Moscow, Idaho. Later, at another event in Seattle, Washington, more modeling agencies recognized her unique background and talent. This led to many calls from agencies.

At 14, she signed with her first agent. Early in her career, Celilo felt pressure to lose weight. She was asked to fit the very slim body standards of the modeling industry. These standards were not healthy or sustainable for her. Because of this, she took a break from modeling. She went back home to focus on firefighting.

In early 2022, Celilo returned to modeling. She joined Victoria's Secret for their "Love Cloud Collection." This was a special campaign for her. She felt comfortable because she was free to be herself. She did not have to change to fit any beauty standards.

Wildland Firefighting Work

Celilo Miles is an enrolled member of the Nez Percé tribe. They are also known as Nimiipuu. Her older sister, Selina, inspired her to become a firefighter when she was young. Celilo is passionate about protecting her homeland and community.

She interned for the Nez Percé Environmental Restoration and Wasteland program. By 2016, she became part of her tribe's 20-person fire crew department. Celilo felt that firefighting was a strong calling for her. By the summer of 2020, she had completed her fourth full fire season.

Education and Future Plans

As of 2022, Celilo Miles is studying communication at Arizona State University. She continues to model part-time while she studies. Celilo also plans to transfer to the University of Idaho. This would allow her to be closer to her family.