First Nations woman from Alberta crowned Mrs. Universe 2015

EDMONTON — A woman from the Enoch Cree Nation has made history by becoming the first First Nations woman to be crowned Mrs. Universe.

Ashley Burnham, nee Callingbull, won the 2015 pageant Saturday night in Belarus.

“I’m so proud to say I am now the new MRS Universe 2015 !!! I am the first First Nations woman to win this title! I am also the first Canadian Delegate to win as well!! Sooooooo happy right now!” she wrote on her Facebook Page after winning the crown.

Burnham said she is extremely pleased to see all the support she’s received, particularly from the First Nations community.

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“A lot of First Nations people are supporting me because I am the first First Nations woman to win, but they’re also supporting the pageant because it doesn’t judge you on your looks. There is no swimsuit competition, it all judges on your charitable work and the work you do within communities,” Burnham said.

“The platform of the pageant is domestic violence and reflection on children.”

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The Mrs. Universe event is open to married women between the ages of 25 and 45. According to the event’s website, the award “is for the most honorable married woman.”

According to her Facebook Page, Burnham, 25, is a graduate of NAIT’s Television Program. She was the second runner up in the Miss Universe Canada 2010 Pageant.