Ashley Callingbull

Height: 5’10
Hometown: Enoch Cree Nation, AB
Languages: English, Plains Cree
Occupation: Actress/Model/TV Host

Ashley Callingbull is an actress, model, host and First Nation’s activist from the Enoch Cree Nation. She is an actress on Blackstone, Tribal, The Great Salish Heist and was a contestant on the Amazing Race Canada. Ashley is also an international motivational speaker and has been a keynote speaker at Harvard University, TED Talks and WE Day.

Ashley’s hard work and charity work was recognized as she received the Top 20 Under 30 Award in Canada and was named as one of Canada’s Top 10 Power Women. Ashley received the Youth First Nations Award from Indspire which recognizes outstanding achievement across Turtle Island. Ashley was honoured to be inducted into the Circle of Honour at the Esquao Awards which recognizes Indigenous female leaders and activists. For her community work Ashley received the Role Model Award from the United Nations on Global Dignity Day. On the 70th Anniversary of Her Late Majesty, Ashley was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for her dedication of public service to family, community and her country.

This past year Ashley was announced as the first Indigenous First Nations woman to become a Sports Illustrated Model. Ashley is currently an In Game Sports Host for the Canadian Football League, the National Lacrosse League and the National Hockey League. She also recently signed her first book deal with Harper Collins publishing and will be a published author in Fall 2024.

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I love being an ambassador for charitable organizations and am passionate for travel. Nothing is more fulfilling than being able to give back to the community and step out of my comfort zone while exploring the world. It’s humbling and so rewarding to shine light into someone else’s life and create beautiful life-long experiences. In my spare time, I love lounging about with my amazing husband and playing with our highly energetic dogs!

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

I am trained in ballet, jazz, pointe and contemporary Jingle dress at powwows. I am also a trained actor and have been featured in numerous television series, films, voice over series and dramatic plays on stage. I also do western horseback riding.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

I grew up dancing ballet, jingle and competed in Track and Field. I’m currently an In Game Sports Host for the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks. I also host within the Canadian Football League for the Edmonton Elks and the National Lacrosse League for the Saskatchewan Rush.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

My grandmother (Kokum) has had the most influence on my life because she saved me in so many ways. As a medicine woman (healer), my Kokum taught me everything about our culture and how it gives one the strength, to overcome any obstacle that comes our way. She taught me the importance of giving back to the community because helping others heal is also a powerful form of self-healing. Her wisdom has made me humble, thankful for life and passionate for the legacy I am leaving behind.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

I am grateful to have conquered some personal accomplishments that have broken barriers and made history. In 2015, I became the first Indigenous-Canadian woman to win the title of Mrs. Universe and in 2022, the first Indigenous woman to become a Sports Illustrated model. My heart bursts with pride, because conquering these goals have allowed me to break glass ceilings and stereotypes by being the first to shine the beautiful, rich culture of Indigenous representation. However, the most important thing for me is leaving a LEGACY. Once I break those glass ceilings, I want to ensure that I push the glass aside, so that other women can confidently shine in that light. I am honoured to be the first to break these barriers, but I know that I won’t be the last. The door is now open, and I am determined to keep it that way.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

I was able to compete on the Amazing Race Canada with my dad and did things, we never thought we were capable of. All we had were two backpacks and each other. During the race, I learned the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to see what you are truly capable of. I never thought I would bungee jump off a gondola in the mountains, fly a warplane by myself or eat live bugs. This reality series helped me move past my fears, overcome extreme obstacles, and gave me a new perspective of living life to the fullest. Although we finished in 3rd place, travelling the world with my dad and making everlasting memories is something that I would never trade for anything else.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

I thrive on the never-ending lessons of self-evolution. Once I set a goal for myself and accomplish it, I create new ones. I’ve learned to never set limits for myself because life is what you make of it. I have been fortunate enough to step into many different worlds on this personal career path. Being an actress is one of the most fulfilling careers I have had. One incredible highlight was walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival to promote my latest film. I am looking forward to attending more festivals this upcoming season and plan to continue this path of storytelling. As a model it is important for me to work with brands and organizations that align with my values and raise awareness and funding to charitable organizations. One of my goals is to have my own charitable foundation that will create more opportunities for at-risk youth. As an In Game Sports Host, Writer and soon to be Author, it is vital for me to use my voice and share our stories because representation needs to be seen. I am currently working with different sports teams and organizations to shine light on representation for women in the sports world.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

I personally feel like I am already living the dream simply because I am doing what I love. I’m opening the doors for others, while using my platform to inspire so many people on a global scale. However, one dream remains, and that is to earn the title of Miss Universe Canada. I want to use this title to not only create opportunities for others, but to be the transformational leader that Miss Universe organization is looking for. I am strong, capable and I want to show everyone who has a dream and see themselves within me, that no goal is too big to conquer. Living the dream is also about sharing it with others and helping make their dreams come true as well.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

Growing up, I didn’t have the typical happy childhood because I lived through intergenerational trauma. This is something that is sadly common for Indigenous peoples because of the negative, traumatic effects of Residential Schools. I unfortunately had to live through poverty and abuse. Once my mom and I escaped from that life we were able to return to the Enoch Cree Nation where my grandparents welcomed us with open arms and essentially, saved our lives. My grandparents were both a medicine man and woman, that have a sweat lodge and practice traditional ceremonies. Being immersed in my culture and traditional way of life is what kept me on the right path. Because of my grandparents’ unconditional love and strength, I learned to always keep my chin up and overcome adversity with a happy heart.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

One of my most interesting jobs was being a janitor. As a summer student I took on this role at a charity organization and was honestly, just happy to being part of it. Working as a janitor taught me to never judge people by their professions because hard work is valuable, honourable and is still a career that provides. I’ve learned something from every job I’ve ever had, but this one taught me patience, humility, and the value of hard work. I carry this outlook with me in every workplace I enter.

List any volunteering you have done.

I started volunteering when I was 14 years old after losing my baby sister Ambee to Trisomy 18. She was cared for at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton and I witnessed first-hand the service and care the Family Network provided for our family and many others. I knew this organization was changing lives and I wanted to be a part of that positive change. I ended up volunteering for the hospital then became the Youth Representative for the Stollery Family Centered Care Network. It was truly fulfilling, knowing that I was bringing joy while helping other families and children during their challenging times. Since then, it has become a part of my life mission to give back whenever and wherever I can. I have volunteered for the Cancer Association, Lung Association, Variety Children’s Charity, SOS Children’s Villages, Discovery House, WIN House, YMCA, MADD, Fight the Violence, Soup Kitchen, White Buffalo Youth Lodge and the Enoch Elders Drop-in Center.

What is your most unusual talent?

I can make strange cartoon voices and do impersonations. I would argue that my impression of Gollum from Lord of The Rings and Yoda from Star Wars is dead-on! This is my geeky side which I fully embrace as one of my best qualities.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

I have had the privilege to travel and live abroad in many fascinating places. However, I would say that living in Romania was truly eye opening due to a huge language barrier, while being on the other side of the world away from my family. Fun fact: I lived in Transylvania which was only 45 minutes away from Dracula’s real castle. Overall, I gained a lot of life skills from experiencing different cultures and living in different parts of the world.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

I hope to continue making history by being in different spaces meanwhile using my voice for positive change whether it be in acting, modelling, sports, philanthropic work, or the pageant world. I want to be the game-changing role model for our next generation and give them the motivation to unapologetically, chase their dreams. The sky is the limit, and the possibilities are endless!

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

It would be my absolute honour to make history once again, by becoming the first Indigenous woman to win the title of Miss Universe Canada. I want to share with the Universe, the power of Indigenous Representation and the positive ripple effect that creates. I am CONFIDENT, that I can bring Canada back to the Miss Universe stage in an impacting way.