May 30, 2022

Enoch Cree Nation’s Callingbull named Elks in-game co-host

The Edmonton Elks have landed another big name free agent, this time adding Enoch Cree Nation’s Ashley Callingbull as a game day host.

Callingbull, who became the first indigenous woman to win the Mrs. Universe title in 2015, will be one half of the Green and Gold’s in-game hosting team, pairing up with CISN Country’s Chris Scheetz.

“Being a proud member of Treaty Six, I’ve always been a fan of Edmonton’s sports teams. I’m excited to join one of my hometown teams with the Edmonton Elks,” Callingbull said.

Callingbull made her new position official Monday morning, joining Alberta Mornings with Brooklin and Jacob on the Windspeaker Radio Network, which broadcasts across the province.

“Having Ashley be a game day voice of the Elks is not only a source of pride for Enoch, but all Treaty Six First Nations,” Enoch Cree Nation Chief Billy Morin said.

An actress and model, Callingbull was born in Enoch Cree Nation and became well-known to Edmontonians and Canadians through her Miss Universe title, and appearance on the popular reality TV show The Amazing Race Canada. Callingbull featured in season four (2016) of the series, finishing third alongside her father Joel.

Callingbull also recently made history, becoming the first indigenous woman to grace the pages of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition. 

Fans of the Elks can welcome Callingbull to the team this Friday when she makes her debut at The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium against the Calgary Stampeders (7:00 p.m. MDT) in the team’s #StandWithUkraine game.

“As a community-owned team, one of our Club’s goals is to develop meaningful opportunities that help build our community and provide practical ways for others to climb the ladder we’re helping to create,” said Elks President and CEO Victor Cui.

“Ashley’s appointment is a great opportunity to show children what inclusion means and how it can benefit us all.”

Friday’s game is in support of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), as Edmontonians come together in a moment of shared solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

For more details on #StandWithUkraine, please click here.