
Ashley Callingbull (Courtesy Photo)
- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Native News Online interviewed Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Ashley Callingbull on a recent edition of Bidaské.
Ashley is from Enoch Cree Nation near Edmonton, Alberta. She is a former Mrs. Universe, and the first Indigenous woman from North America to win that title.
Ashley spoke candidly about her life and career: “I came from living in poverty and overcoming abuse, to having to find myself to learn to let go of things in the past, so they don't control my future. I had to learn to love myself again. And once I did that, I found my passions in life, and I chase happiness. And now I have all these amazing things going for me. And I'm able to amplify other people's voices as well. So for me, it's all about the legacy I'm going to leave behind. And for me, I just want it to be positive, always.”
She also spoke about the legacy of Indian Residential Boarding Schools in her family, as well as a forthcoming memoir and her work launching a jewelry line that will help Indigenous community programs.
Check out the full interview below, and be sure to subscribe to the Native News Online YouTube channel.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Federal Court Holds U.S. Accountable for BIA Officer’s Sexual Assault of Native Woman
From Earth to Sky: Bridging Indian Country and the Aviation Industry
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.