Ashley Callingbull, First Nations woman, wins Mrs. Universe, fights stereotypes
The resume was already impressive.
Ashley Callingbull, a young woman from the Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta, is an actor who has landed roles on network TV shows. Now, Callingbull has made history as the only First Nations woman to ever claim the title of Mrs. Universe.
But, as she told Saskatoon Morning host Leisha Grebinski on CBC Radio, do not dismiss her as a "pocahottie."
"I don't wear headdresses; I don't do any of that. That's not me."
The term "pocahottie" is derogatory, and refers to First Nations themed styles of dress that is often revealing and not culturally appropriate.
"I want to represent our culture properly, in the right way," said Callingbull. "It made me genuine and unique from the other contestants."
Callingbull brought her culture to the pageant both in dress, and talent. She wore a customized jingle dress in Canadian colours with maple leaves, and danced. For the talent portion Callingbull sang a traditional round dance song while playing a hand drum. She also chose the work of a First Nations designer, and wore a white buckskin gown at the pageant.
It was important for the European audience to see authentic Cree culture, Callingbull told Saskatoon Morning.
"They don't know that those things are sacred and I shared all of that with them and they were amazed and felt more educated on our culture and that's something I'm very proud of."
Mrs. Universe vows to keep speaking out
The 25-year old actress, and former Miss Canada winner is also proud of the message she is sending to young aboriginal women in this country.
"There is such a huge stereotype on First Nations people that we can't succeed, we can't make it big-time, but I did, I made history," Callingbull said. "Anyone can do that too, they just have to stop the fear from holding them back."
Callingbull herself struggled with adversity. Her childhood, she said, was marked by poverty and sexual abuse, topics she does not shy away from. In fact, she told CBC Radio in Saskatoon that she will use her historic title of Mrs. Universe to strengthen that voice and urge people to begin paying attention.
"The murdered and missing aboriginal women in Canada that's pushed to the side way too much and I'm bringing that up in all of my interviews."
"I'm hoping to talk about the upcoming election and how all First Nations people should vote."
