Former Miss Universe Canada winner Ashley Callingbull halted her hosting duties at the 2026 Miss Universe Canada pageant to address instances of cultural appropriation during the event. Callingbull, a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights, expressed her concerns as director Sonny Borrelli was about to announce the top 20 contestants.
During the national pageantry costume competition in Windsor, Ont., contestant Karisa Haverkamp donned a turquoise, black, and white feathered headdress with a red handprint on her cheek. Another contestant, Jasleen Kaily, wore an “Arctic Beauty” costume with braids, fringes, and a maple leaf cutout.
Callingbull, a Plains Cree from the Enoch Cree Nation, criticized the use of traditional and sacred Indigenous symbols in the costumes. She emphasized the importance of respecting and honoring Indigenous culture and called for education and understanding.
Miss World Canada 2022 Emma Morrison also condemned the costumes as culturally inappropriate and sexualizing Indigenous people. She highlighted the need for better Indigenous education to prevent such incidents.
Following the controversy, organizers of Miss Universe Canada issued a statement acknowledging the offense caused and pledged to implement guidelines for future pageants. Borrelli expressed regret for any offense caused and appointed Callingbull as the cultural liaison for the event.
Haverkamp and Kaily issued apologies on social media, acknowledging the impact of their costumes on the Indigenous community. The pageant is working on a comprehensive costume guide to ensure cultural sensitivity in future events.
The incident sparked discussions about cultural appropriation and the need for better representation and understanding of Indigenous cultures in beauty pageants. Callingbull and other Indigenous advocates stressed the importance of speaking out against cultural insensitivity and standing up for respectful representation.
