Ashley Burnham, a member of Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta, was just crowned Mrs. Universe 2015 at an event held in Minsk, Belarus. She is the first First Nations woman and the first Canadian to win.
Burnham, whose maiden name is Callingbull, is a model and actress.
She posted about the win on her Instagram account: "I'm so proud to say I am now the new @mrsuniverse2015 !!! 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!"
The Mrs. Universe pageant, for married women, is not to be confused with the Miss Universe Pageant. That pageant is held in January.
Her win has resulted in an outpouring of congratulations from First Nations people and organizations.
Congratulations to @AshCallingbull Mrs Universe 2015 very proud of her win as the 1st First Nations woman to hold the title #beautiful
@AshCallingbull Congratulations Miss Universe!!! Native Pride & PowerHouse of a Role Model!!!!
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CONGRATS to Enoch Cree Nation's own @AshCallingbull on being crowned Mrs.Universe 2015!@APTNNews Incredible! #proud
CONGRATULATIONS to this Native Beauty, Ashley Callingbull #MissUniverse #Native #Cree #Canada #Lululululu 🙌👏👏👑 https://t.co/sTD66Z3nuA
It's a good day to be cree #Indigenous #mrsuniverse2015 #cree #treaty6 @AshCallingbull
Some noted that Burnham often wears traditional First Nations clothing in photo shoots and at pageants.
The new @mrsuniverse2015 is Cree! @AshCallingbull Here she is rockin' mocs. #Reaproppriation WINS #NotYourMascot
