For those of you who’ve been following the Karen Yellowtail story from way back, you will know that Ashley Callingbull, the Canadian First Nations (Cree) actress, model and beauty queen, is the inspiration behind this character.
As soon as I read Ashley’s story and how she never but never gave up and aimed for the stars no matter what, I knew that she had to be the source of Karen’s strength and light. Last night in Minsk, Belarus, Ashley won the Mrs Universe 2015 title, the first Canadian to do so, and the first First Nations woman to win an international beauty contest.
There is more than beauty to Ashley Callingbull. There is intelligence and generosity and a genuine desire to improve the lives of children who are having a similar start in life as she did. And her success enables her to help whenever and wherever she can. It is rare in this world…