Sports Illustrated makes history again with first Indigenous model

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is making history once again with its groundbreaking latest issue, which will feature an Indigenous First Nations woman on its pages.

The magazine announced on Monday that model and speaker Ashley Callingbull - who is a Cree First Nations woman from the Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada - would be appearing in its 2022 issue.

Callingbull was a finalist for SI's 2022 Swim Search, an annual casting call where models can put themselves forwards to be featured in the print magazine.

She took to her Instagram to share the exciting news with her followers, writing: "Mom I made history!"

"I’m the first Indigenous First Nations woman to grace the pages of Sports Illustrated and my heart is beaming with pride!" she continued, adding: "But most importantly, I will not be the last and I can't wait to see who's next."

In another post, Callinbgull continued to celebrate the historic moment, writing: "This is a huge moment for Indigenous women because now the door is open for others to walk through and own this space."

"I used to be a little insecure girl from the Rez that didn't even dare to dream big. Now I'm a strong, empowered and fearless woman making history," she added.

For her groundbreaking appearance in the magazine, Callingbull traveled to the Dominican Republic where she shot with renowned SI Swim photographer Yu Tsai.

Meanwhile, this isn't the first time 2022's SI Swim has made history. Over the past few months, the magazine has won praise for representing women from all walks of life.

This year is the first time in it's 58-year-history that the mag will feature a visibly pregnant model. Fitness influencer and soon-to-be-mom of two Katrina Scott will appear in the magazine with her gorgeous baby bump on full show.

It's also the first time they're representing mothers who gave birth via cesarean section. C-section mom and model Kelly Hughes will be featured in the issue proudly baring her C-section scare as she poses in a bikini.

The 2022 issue of SI Swimsuit is out now.

Featured Image Credit: REUTERS / Alamy