Miss Universe Canada criticised over Indigenous costumes in national segment

Miss Universe Canada faced criticism after two contestants wore costumes representing Indigenous culture during the pageant’s national costume segment, prompting a public response from former winner Ashley Callingbull and statements from organisers on the same day.

The incident occurred during the national costume portion of the competition when Karisa Haverkamp wore a feather headdress and a red handprint on her face, and Jasleen Kaily presented an all-fur outfit with mukluks and two braids. The feathered headdress is traditionally reserved for highly respected Indigenous leaders, and the red handprint is associated with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement.

Following the segment, Callingbull, a Plains Cree woman and the first First Nations winner of Miss Universe Canada, interrupted the final she was co-presenting to say the outfits constituted cultural appropriation after she saw the footage. She told organisers the statement they issued lacked a direct apology and questioned how the costumes had been approved.

Miss Universe Canada acknowledged it had received feedback about some outfits and said in a statement that any offence or hurt caused was unintended. Pageant director Sonny Borrelli said the organisation accepted “full responsibility” for the error and committed to learning from it.

Organisers announced they will introduce a comprehensive costume guide to establish guidelines and standards for future pageant cycles. Borrelli also invited Callingbull to serve as the costume segment’s official liaison going forward. Callingbull thanked organisers for engaging with her concerns and said that traditional or sacred items should not be permitted on stage.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The controversy prompted immediate internal changes by Miss Universe Canada, including a public statement, a commitment to a formal costume guide, and an invitation to Ashley Callingbull to act as liaison for the costume segment, all announced during the pageant’s final when the issue was raised.

Organisers framed the national costume segment as a celebration of Canadian culture and heritage and said each delegate must showcase a costume inspired by Canada’s traditions, symbols and history; following feedback, they signalled clearer standards will be set.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Two contestants wore outfits referencing Indigenous cultural items during the national costume segment.
• Ashley Callingbull publicly criticised the outfits as cultural appropriation and questioned how they were approved.
• Miss Universe Canada accepted responsibility, pledged a comprehensive costume guide and invited Callingbull to be the costume segment liaison.