Ashley Callingbull was crowned Mrs. Universe on Saturday in Belarus. Callingbull made history as she became the first native woman and the first Canadian to win the Mrs. Universe title.
Mrs. Universe 2015 is from Alberta’s Enoch Cree Nation http://t.co/W1vvpSx3VQ pic.twitter.com/XDCz5dQ7qp
— CBC News (@CBCNews) August 30, 2015
First Nations woman @AshCallingbull fights stereotypes to win #MrsUniverse crown http://t.co/Gs0GIxUdnu pic.twitter.com/8SGRmv6rHi — CBC Saskatoon (@CBCSaskatoon) August 31, 2015
Callingbull is 25 years old and she belongs to the Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada. The beauty titlist is also a motivational speaker, actress, model and dancer. She is also a finalist of Miss Universe before she married and became Mrs. Ashley Callingbull-Burnham.
With its theme Domestic Violence and Reflection Over Children Mrs. Universe 2015 centers on the issue of domestic violence and how it affects both women and children.
The 25-year-old Mrs. Universe, at an early age, had experienced poverty and witnessed how her mother suffered an abusive relationship with her step-father.
She said she had an “incredibly difficult childhood” but it was her mother who taught her how to be grateful for everything she has. She was raised by her mother and grandparents.
“Things that occurred in my childhood were incredibly painful and it is very hard to discuss. It was difficult to grow up the way I did, but it made me appreciate everything I have and most importantly made me the strong woman I am today.”
She is proud of her roots and is honored to be the representative of the community that raised her.
Callingbull said she will use her position to help Canada address the issue of abduction and murder of native women. The proud Cree member also urged indigenous people, through social media, to participate in their country’s national election next month.
“Representing First Nations on the international stage was the best feeling in the world, ” the proud Mrs. Universe 2015 shared on her Facebook.
Callingbull currently appears in Blackstone, an Aboriginal Peoples’ Television Network show.
