An Alberta-born Cree model is now the face of a major Nike campaign that celebrates Indigenous culture.
Ashley Callingbull is a professional model originally from the Enoch Cree Nation west of Edmonton who was also the first Indigenous and Canadian woman to win Mrs. Universe in 2015.
She was selected by Nike to be one of the major faces for its N7 campaign, which was designed by a Navajo artist and celebrates Indigenous culture and heritage plants across America.
She said that while she has previously worked with Nike, this shoot was special to her because of its message.
“You never see a lot of Indigenous faces in one campaign, and for a campaign like Nike, so that’s pretty groundbreaking,” Callingbull said. “I feel like we’re breaking some glass ceilings.
“It’s important to see more Indigenous representation, especially mainstream. We aren’t really focused on, and the youth need someone to look up to,” she said. “If I’m going to be one of those people opening the door for them, then this is amazing.
“I want them to believe that we’re all capable of achieving our biggest dreams.”
Callingbull added that the shoot was actually done amid the COVID-19 shutdowns, which meant she actually modelled from her home, with her sister — a professional stylist — doing her hair and makeup.
The N7 shoes from the campaign that features Callingbull can only be purchased online by U.S. customers, but some of its N7 products can be found at Canadian Sport Chek locations.