Celilo Miles

[Mea Culpa]

height: 5'11"/180cm
bust: 33"/84cm
waist: 27"/69cm
hips: 36"/92cm
shoe: 10.5US/8.5UK/41.5EU
hair: brown
eyes: brown
agencies: IMG (NY)
instagram: @celiosm


Hailing from the indigenous Nimíipuu tribe, Celilo was born and raised in Idaho near her tribe’s aboriginal territory. Growing up, she and her family traveled constantly with each season. She cites the peaceful and enlightening state of Wyoming as one her favorite destinations.

As a model, Celilo was discovered at a scouting event near her hometown at the age of 14. Currently based in New York City, she was most recently featured in The Impression magazine, shot by David Lipman.

When she’s not modeling, Celilo spends her free time in the gym and also enjoys cultural activities native to her tribe, such as beading and making baby moccasins, as a form of meditation. She describes herself as a ‘gatherer’ and aspires to use her collected stories and knowledge to evolve as a young woman and use modeling as a platform to help and inspire others.

imgmodels​

 

[Mea Culpa]

Celilo Miles: A Free Spirit with a Smile to Make you Melt!
Updated: Feb 24, 2020

Celilo became a Kate girl the moment she walked into our casting studio. She was tall and beautiful of course but as you all know, here at Kate we love our girls insides! She is sweet, kind, wickedly funny and taking NYC by storm! We are so excited she shared her story with us!

Photo courtesy of @Celilosm (instagram)

Tell us your story. Where are you from? How did you get into modeling?
I was born and raised in Moscow, Idaho. I’m from the Pacific Northwest. My mom helped me get in to modeling. She heard about a scouting event on the radio and dragged me in. The event was called Proscout and it took place in Seattle, Washington.

You're a proud member of the Nimiipuu Native American community. How has growing up Nimiipuu shaped you and how does it influence your life as a model?
I’m a Nez Perce enrolled tribal member member. We are also known as the Nimiipuu people. Growing up Nimiipuu has been a blessing. I know where I come from and my heritage. As a Nimiipuu model I carry myself with pride. I’m not only representing myself, but my family and Tribe.

What would you like people to understand about your heritage that maybe they don't currently understand?
I would like people to understand that my tribe and along with many other indigenous peoples live in two worlds. We live a modern lifestyle, but try to practice and incorporate our culture in our lives in any way we can. This includes hunting, fishing, gathering, beading and learning the history and language. Also people need to understand that tribes are sovereign nations.

What is your funniest/craziest modeling moment/memory?
I don’t really have an ultimate funny moment in modeling. Sometimes I’m awkward. But the fun and crazy stuff happens behind the scenes. Craziest moments are during NYFW.

Where do you call home currently and what's your favorite thing about that place?
Jersey City is currently my home. But my heart is always in the PNW. I love Jersey City, because it’s cheap living and I have some amazing roommates. We all come from different backgrounds and work fields.

What is your favorite thing about NYFW?
My favorite thing about NYFW is the hustle. As stressful as it is I always like to look back on the accomplishments. Each season I acquire new skills as a model. Modeling is always changing and you have to adapt in NYC.

What is your favorite thing about modeling? Why? What is one thing you thing should change? Why?
My favorite thing about modeling is being able to express myself as a piece of art. Modeling is an art form and it’s enjoyable when you collaborate with other great artists. I think the fashion industry should be more accepting of all body types and not put a label on the body. It’s slowly changing, but designers have more power to change the industry. Everyone should be confident with their own individual body and not have to compare themselves to a celebrity advertisements.

What are your passions, jobs, hobbies, outside of modeling?
My passions are working out. I have found running to be my stress reliever. I also enjoy hiking and driving in the country. Fishing with my family every summer has been one of the best things in my life. I enjoy being with my siblings and parents. Outside of modeling I have worked for my Tribe under the Environmental Restoration and Waste Management program. Also worked one summer as a Wildland Firefighter for my Tribe.

What was your favorite thing about working with Atelier Kate? Or about their philosophy/company?
My favorite thing about working with Atelier Kate was working with a wholesome designer and her team. Atelier Kate doesn’t just promote new trends for a season, they promote fashion from a wholistic perspective. This company cares about the earth and people that produce the garment.

If you can be remembered for one thing what would you want it to be?
I would want to be remembered for being a Nimiipuu model and more than that: an independent woman willing to take risks and go after her dreams.
atlierkate.com

 

[Mea Culpa]

CELILO MILES (25 / Model)

papermag

What have been some of your biggest obstacles growing up and how have you overcome them?

My biggest obstacles have been growing up in a family plagued by alcoholism and addiction. I love my family dearly and would never wish to be born into another family. I am proud to be a Nimiipuu Aayat (Nez Perce Woman). As a child my environment was very volatile. I grew up seeing domestic, emotional and mental abuse. Growing up in a family of alcoholics and addicts has caused trauma in my young adult life. I moved to New York City not only to model, but to heal and start a new chapter of opportunity. In part, Indigenous people deal with historical trauma and this is a main driver in why Indigenous people suffer from depression and addiction. My brother Aaron Jr. Miles also known as Lepit Hisemtuks (Two-Moons) is a victim of this and passed away at the young age of 23 years old from an overdose. I've had to learn how to heal myself and love deeply to overcome the obstacles in my path. I knew if I didn't choose love then I would never overcome my hardships. I take everything one step at a time and each day I wake up focused on gratitude for the small things in life. It isn't always easy but I am on a journey to build a life that makes me feel proud and safe.

What advice would you give the next generation who wants to follow in your footsteps?

I would tell the Indigenous youth to always stay true to who you are and where you come from. As Indigenous people we have the right to exist and this means you don't need to assimilate to succeed in life. I would also tell Indigenous youth that New York City doesn't run on "Indian time." For those who don't know what Indian time is, well it usually means thirty minutes to an hour late. Follow your dreams and don't ever give up. We can all get lost on the journey of life but at the same time we can just as easily find our path and purpose.