Q&A Interview with Ashley Callingbull
Q&A Interview with Ashley Callingbull
Story and edited by David Whitney
Photography by SOKO Photography
Of all your remarkable accomplishments, what stands out?
After becoming Miss Canada I was able to use my voice and title to travel and work with youth across the globe. I was able to experience different cultures, have life changing experiences and it opened my eyes to what more I can do in my short life. I also think being the first (First Nations) woman to become Miss Canada is a bonus.
If I’m not traveling or doing youth work I’ll wake up and train at the gym at 7am, have breakfast, shower and get ready for work. I work in Communications at the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation. I work with youth and adults that are looking for sponsorship in four different sectors -- Arts, Education, Sports and Health. I’ll drive home at lunch listening to Motown on the way, have a healthy lunch and then back to work. At the end of the day I like to go home and relax with my fiancé and my puppy, Mr. Papagiorgio. We will either have a healthy supper, go out to a movie or Netflix our night away. Relaxing days like this are my favorite.
Your fondest memory growing up?
I loved that I grew up at my Mossum and Kokums house with my Mom. My grandparents were very spiritual and helped people all their lives. Growing up I got to take part and experience what it’s like to be in touch with the Creator and live your life for others. Every memory with them were my happiest memories as a child.
Of your worldly travels, any country or experience that stands out?
It’s really hard to pick one place because I was blessed to experience numerous countries. It’s a toss-up between China and the Northwest Territories in the Arctic. China was definitely a culture shock for me and I’ll never forget it. I really loved how involved they were in their culture and how they welcomed me to learn more about it. I got to travel all across China and I can tell you that it’s different everywhere you go. You can be in the Gobi Desert where it’s cool and go sand tobogganing, in Beijing where it’s so congested with people, or the southern part of China where it’s tropical. I was in China for over a month and got to experience a new way of life and it really made thankful for the life I have in Canada.
I went to the Northwest Territories in the Arctic Circle to work with youth and never thought I would go home feeling like a piece of my heart was missing. It’s a different world in the Arctic because everyone is so welcoming and makes you feel like you’re a family member. They live their lives simply, day by day with constant happiness. This was my most humbling trip because I met people and made memories that will never compare to any other trip. I left a piece of my heart in the Arctic and I definitely plan on going back to visit someday.
Being Canadian, any notable, perhaps humorous differences of Canada and America, in your travels?
Americans always laugh when I say “Eh”. I didn’t realize how much I would say it at the end of my sentences until they would mention it. When I’m hanging out with my Native friends from the States I always get a kick out of different sayings they have compared to mine. Like for example I say “errrrr, not even, wahhhh wahhhhh,” hahaha EH.
Can you share of your volunteer work with the First Nations youth?
I have been volunteering since I was a young girl at the Elementary, Junior High, High School and University levels. I would speak to the youth, sharing my story of counseling sessions, acting workshops, modeling workshops and hosting events. I would use my speaking skills to travel and raise funds for different organizations and schools. I also worked at soup kitchens and homeless shelters by cooking and cleaning, bringing clothes and blankets and gifts for the First Nations youth.
You have suffered the loss of close family members. Can you share with our readers what inspires you in the midst of such loss? What keeps the fires burning to continue at such a young age, with your education, modeling, film and speaking career?
Loss of family members is a tragedy for me. When I lost my sister I was confused and uncontrollably emotional. When I lost my grandmother, the woman who helped raise me, I felt lost and empty. I didn’t know how to grow or move on, so I held onto the heartbreak and wouldn’t live my life. Over time it took a lot of strength for me to realize that just because they’re no longer living their lives doesn’t mean I can’t live mine anymore. I then pushed myself to be the best that I can be. I realized that my happiness and hard work would make them happy and proud in the spirit world.
With the theme, "Living To Be 100", of this issue, any particular regimen or habits you'd like to share, to perhaps help in making this a reality?
I believe eating healthy and daily exercise will help you live a longer life. I train in the mornings with my personal trainer and eat a healthy breakfast, lunch and supper. Eating healthy and exercising definitely puts me in a happier mood and pushes me to keep going. But I’m not going deny that I do spend my cheat days at KFC. Haha. It’s good to indulge every so often but not to the point where it has a bad effect on your life.
Of all your accomplishments, what has been the most personally rewarding?
The most rewarding accomplishment would be making my family proud. Their happiness is my happiness. After everything I’ve ever done and every place I’ve ever gone, I always go home to my family. I believe having such a loving and supportive family is a gift that rewards me in so many ways where accomplishments cannot.
Anything or place you've not yet done or seen, that you would like to?
I would love to go to Brazil and Argentina. I would love to visit the beautiful city of Rio and skydive to get my own view of the city. I would also love to see the majestic Iguazu Falls in Argentina.
Where do you see yourself 25 years from now? And if you should tarry to 100, how would you like people to remember you?
I turn 25 this year so I’ll be hitting 50! I’ll be half way to 100 J I see myself having done a lot of more youth work, more sponsorships, more community involvement and definitely more travels. I’m getting married next year so I’m assuming I will also be a mother by then and soon to be Kokum! I would like people to remember my humor, strength and family values. I know I could say, “I hope they remember all my accomplishments” but I would rather they didn’t. I would rather be remembered for who I was and not what I did.
Any words of encouragement for our young aspiring readers?
Live and Love Fearlessly. That is a quote I created for myself. I believe you should never let fear stop you from pursuing your dreams. I believe you should love yourself for who you are, your flaws, your personality and what the Creator has blessed you with. Anyone is capable of what they put their mind to.
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