Story perspectives

Miss Universe Canada Halts Finals Over Indigenous Costume Appropriation

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Miss Universe Canada 2024 titleholder Ashley Callingbull halted the Aug. 8, 2026 finals to flag cultural appropriation.
She said the Aug. 4, 2026 national-costume round used Indigenous elements inappropriately.
Contestants Karisa Haverkamp and Jasleen Kaily wore Indigenous-inspired items—including a feathered headdress, red hand paint, mukluks, braids and a maple-leaf cutout—and later posted Instagram apologies.
Miss Universe Canada pledged a comprehensive Costume Guide and appointed Callingbull as cultural liaison.

History

Historical Context

Canada first observed National Indigenous Peoples Day on 21 June 1996 after Governor General Roméo LeBlanc acted on a Royal Commission recommendation and a 1995 conference chaired by Elijah Harper. The June date led the Northwest Territories to make it a statutory holiday in 2001 and, in 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged a name change. That legacy shaped Miss Universe Canada 2026 winner Ashley Callingbull’s costume-appropriation protest.

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Story summary

Miss Universe Canada 2024 titleholder Ashley Callingbull halted the Aug. 8, 2026 finals to flag cultural appropriation.
She said the Aug. 4, 2026 national-costume round used Indigenous elements inappropriately.
Contestants Karisa Haverkamp and Jasleen Kaily wore Indigenous-inspired items—including a feathered headdress, red hand paint, mukluks, braids and a maple-leaf cutout—and later posted Instagram apologies.
Miss Universe Canada pledged a comprehensive Costume Guide and appointed Callingbull as cultural liaison.

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