Full Breakdown
Miss Universe Canada Faces Backlash Over Indigenous-Inspired Costumes
8/12/2026, 4:41:10 AM
The Controversial Costumes
During the national-costume segment of the Miss Universe Canada competition, two delegates presented outfits that incorporated elements traditionally associated with Indigenous peoples. Contestant Karisa Haverkamp wore a feathered headdress—an item historically reserved for respected Indigenous leaders—and painted a red handprint across her face to signal solidarity with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement. Jasleen Kaily appeared in a fur dress and boots (mukluks) styled as “Arctic Beauty,” with two braids, a practice that can hold deep cultural meaning for First Nations communities.
Reactions from Indigenous Leaders and Contestants
Former titleholder Ashley Callingbull, a Plains Cree woman from the Enoch Cree Nation, interrupted the final broadcast to call the outfits cultural appropriation and expressed disappointment that such representations were allowed on stage. Both Haverkamp and Kaily issued public apologies on Instagram, stating that their intentions were to celebrate rather than disrespect Indigenous culture and acknowledging the hurt caused.
Pageant’s Official Response
Miss Universe Canada issued a statement asserting that any offense was unintentional and pledged to “learn from it” and improve future presentations. Pageant director Sonny Borrelli announced the creation of a “comprehensive costume guide” to set clear standards for upcoming cycles and invited Callingbull to serve as the official liaison for the costume segment. The co-host, speaking alongside Callingbull, accepted “full responsibility” for the oversight and committed to corrective action.
Past Concerns About Cultural Appropriation
The organization has previously faced criticism. In 2015, entrant Paola Nunez Valdez wore a totem-pole-inspired costume that the pageant described as a “misunderstanding” related to her Dominican heritage, prompting earlier calls for cultural consultation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There was cultural appropriation that was done toward indigenous people,” — Ashley Callingbull
- “I acknowledge and recognise that my outfit for the national costume caused hurt and offence to people in the indigenous community,” — Karisa Haverkamp
- “If any costume caused offense, hurt or misunderstanding, please know it was never our intention.” — Miss Universe Canada
