Ashley Callingbull, Cree, became the first First Nations woman from Canada to win when she was crowned Mrs. Universe in Belarus on August 29.
EDMONTON, AB-Ashley Callingbull, Cree, became the first First Nations woman from Canada to win when she was crowned Mrs. Universe in Belarus on August 29.
"We couldn't be prouder of Ashley," said Nola Wanuch, a councillor on Alberta's Enoch Cree First Nation, where Callingbull grew up.
Callingbull has received intense media attention following her win and something that brought criticism because some thought her win was receiving more media attention than the more serious issue of missing and murdered women. However, Wanuch disagrees. She says the new Mrs. Universe is bringing up the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada during her many media interviews. She also sees this as an opportunity to discuss her life growing up in poverty on the reserve near Edmonton.
Cree heritage
"I think having her as an advocate will definitely bring it to the forefront," she told CBC News. "She is definitely not afraid to speak out and tell you where she stands."
Callingbull had talked about wanting to use the pageant as a chance to showcase her Cree heritage. During the pageant parade, she wore a specially designed jingle-dress. In the talent competition, she wore a buckskin dress and chose to sing a traditional song.
