Former Miss Universe Canada winner Ashley Callingbull stopped the 2026 pageant mid-event to denounce multiple instances of cultural appropriation on stage, according to statements and interviews gathered by CBC Indigenous. Callingbull interrupted host duties when contestants appeared in traditional Indigenous garments, prompting immediate apologies from organizers and commitments to establish formal costume guidelines.
Contestants Wear Unauthorized Indigenous Regalia at Windsor Pageant
During the national pageantry costume competition held on Aug. 4 in Windsor, Ont., 35 contestants competed for the crown. Contestant Karisa Haverkamp walked on stage wearing a turquoise, black, and white feathered headdress paired with a small red painted hand on her cheek, according to CBC Indigenous. Another contestant, Jasleen Kaily, wore a two-piece “Arctic Beauty” costume featuring brown fringes on the thighs, two braids, and a maple leaf cutout on the back. Both outfits can be found on e-commerce websites Etsy and Fashion Nova, where headdresses are marketed for music festivals and themed parties.
Host Ashley Callingbull Intervenes Live On Stage
Callingbull, who won Mrs. Universe in 2015 as the first Canadian and first Indigenous woman to hold the title, told CBC Indigenous that her jaw dropped when she saw the outfits. Just before director Sonny Borrelli announced the top 20 finalists, Callingbull addressed the audience directly. “Sometimes there are mistakes that are made,” Callingbull stated on stage, emphasizing that education and understanding are vital parts of reconciliation. Callingbull noted that Borrelli assured her that cultural liaisons and strict guidelines will govern future events.
Pro Tip: Recognizing Cultural Appropriation
According to Indigenous advocates and former titleholders like Emma Morrison, sacred items such as feathered headdresses and symbols related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) should not be used as fashion statements or pageant costumes without proper consultation and cultural respect.
Organizer and Contestant Apologies Follow Public Outcry
Following backlash from Indigenous communities, pageant director Sonny Borrelli issued a public statement on stage acknowledging the harm caused. “On behalf of all of us at Miss Universe Canada, it was not our intent to offend anybody and if we did, we take full responsibility, we will learn from it,” Borrelli stated, adding that Callingbull will serve as their cultural liaison moving forward. Contestants Haverkamp and Kaily also released statements via Instagram acknowledging that their outfits caused hurt and offense, while Miss World Canada 2022 Emma Morrison criticized the use of MMIWG imagery as inappropriate for a competitive stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the interruption at the 2026 Miss Universe Canada pageant?
Ashley Callingbull paused her hosting duties to address contestants wearing feathered headdresses and traditional Arctic-style garments during the Aug. 4 costume competition in Windsor, Ont.
How did Miss Universe Canada respond to the criticism?
Director Sonny Borrelli apologized on stage, announced that Callingbull will become the organization’s cultural liaison, and stated that a comprehensive costume guide is being implemented for future events.
What did Indigenous advocates say about the costumes?
Emma Morrison and Aleria McKay criticized the outfits as culturally inappropriate and inappropriate representations of Indigenous women and historical struggles.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on implementing stricter cultural guidelines in national pageants? Share your perspective in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on cultural representation in media.
Keep reading