Swimsuit

Ashley Callingbull Made History During Her SI Swim Debut in the Dominican Republic

The Canadian model became the first first Indigenous First Nations woman to appear in the annual magazine.

Ananya Panchal

Ashley Callingbull

Ashley Callingbull was photographed by Yu Tsai in the Dominican Republic. 

Swim Search finalist Ashley Callingbull certainly made a splash with her SI Swimsuit feature last year. The 2022 open casting call alumna was photographed by Yu Tsai in the Dominican Republic, becoming the first Indigenous First Nations woman to appear in the magazine. 

The Canadian model is an actress, public speaker, jingle dress dancer and broadcast journalist. As a host for the Canadian Football League, she shines on screen and is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the league—as well as in the modeling industry.

“It [is] such an honor to work with a brand that is all about amplifying women’s voices and creating real positive change on so many levels. It would also be absolutely life-changing and could help me continue my advocacy work with women and youth on a larger scale. I can’t express in words how happy it would make me,” Callingbull shared with SI Swimsuit before her photoshoot. “My favorite [brand] memory is when Tyra Banks graced the cover for the first time. I looked at it and instantly saw a powerful woman. At the time, I was a young insecure girl finding my place in the world and there was no Indigenous representation in magazines. But seeing this woman who lived up to her own standards of beauty and looked powerful doing it, gave me goosebumps. It gave me the drive to think that I could also break barriers someday.”

Below are five of our favorite photos from the 34-year-old’s breathtaking and history-making feature in the Dominican Republic.

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Ashley Callingbull was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear.

Ashley Callingbull

Ashley Callingbull was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Toxic Sadie Swimwear

Ashley Callingbull

Ashley Callingbull was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by HAUS OF PINKLEMONAID

Ashley Callingbull

Ashley Callingbull was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by HAUS OF PINKLEMONAID.

Ashley Callingbull

Ashley Callingbull was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by INDAH.

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Ananya Panchal
ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When she is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, Panchal can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast. Panchal has a bachelor’s in communications and journalism from Boston University.

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