Miss Universe Canada has crowned its first Indigenous title holder.
Ashley Callingbull, from the Enoch Cree Nation, near Edmonton, Alberta received the illustrious title of Miss Universe Canada in Windsor on Sunday.
Her historic win also makes Callingbull the first First Nations representative from North America to compete at Miss Universe.
“This monumental achievement celebrates Canada’s rich cultural diversity and the resilience of Indigenous communities. Ashley’s victory inspires young Indigenous girls everywhere, proving that their heritage is a source of strength and pride on the global stage,” Miss Universe Canada wrote on its Facebook page.
According to the organization, at 34, Callingbull is the first woman over 28 and the first married woman to win the title, “breaking barriers and setting new standards in beauty and grace,” its Facebook post continued.
Callingbull took to social media to express her gratitude, calling the win “surreal.”
“A girl from the Rez is going to represent Enoch Cree Nation, Treaty 6, Indigenous peoples and all Canadians on the Miss Universe stage,” she wrote on Instagram.
Fans wasted no time wishing her congratulations.
“It’s time for the rest of the universe to see what Indigenous brilliance is made of,” one Instagram user wrote.
“So proud of you Ashley!!! Continue to knock down barriers and make dreams come true,” another person commented.
“Congratulations, making history in Canada,” someone else said.
Callingbull has received multiple awards for her activism including the Youth First Nations Award from Indspire for outstanding achievement across Turtle Island, and being inducted into the Circle of Honour at the Esquao Awards for her role as an Indigenous female leader and activist.
She has also been recognized for her community service by the United Nations with the Role Model Award on Global Dignity Day, held annually on the third Wednesday of October.
On Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, Callingbull was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal for her dedication to public service to family, community and her country.
The Miss Universe 2024 pageant will be held in Mexico in November, where the current Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, will crown her successor.
