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Miss Universe Canada has vowed to implement changes after its 2024 pageant winner, Ashley Callingbull, called out cultural appropriation by contestants.Before the top 20 contestants were announced during the Aug. 8 Miss Universe Canada finals, Callingbull asked for the music to be turned down so she could "acknowledge something" while she was on stage with National Director Sonny Borrelli.Callingbull, who is Plains Cree and from the Enoch Cree Nation, described being the first Indigenous First Nations Miss Universe Canada as "such a huge honor" but added, "Sometimes there are mistakes that are made.""During the costume competition, there was cultural appropriation that was done towards Indigenous peoples. And I saw this right away," she told the crowd. "I wasn’t there. I just saw it on video. But my first reaction was to call Sonny and the Miss Universe Canada team, and immediately they responded."As part of the national costume competition Aug. 4, Karisa Haverkamp donned a feathered headdress and Jasleen Kaily wore mukluks for footwear as they strutted on stage, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Haverkamp also reportedly had a red painted hand on her cheek, used as a symbol for missing and murdered Indigenous women.This stage of the annual competition is "a celebration of Canadian culture and heritage, combined with creativity," according to the organization's website. It adds, "Each delegate must showcase a unique costume, dress, or outfit inspired by Canada’s traditions, symbols, and history.""It’s 2026. We should know better, but most importantly, a part of reconciliation is that we educate and learn and understand and move on from these things in a good way," Callingbull continued. "With Sonny, he took action by listening to me and making sure that there will be guidelines that will be implemented, cultural liaisons, so that every culture, every year, will be honored with respect and pride."Borrelli then announced that Callingbull would be a cultural liaison in future competitions.Miss Universe Canada promises 'a comprehensive costume guide'In an Aug. 7 statement shared on social media, the organization said that "If any costume caused offense, hurt, or misunderstanding, please know that it was never our intention.""The national costume segment is intended to celebrate creativity, heritage, and identity. However, we recognize that every design requires deep care, respect, and continuous evaluation," the message continued.After thanking Callingbull for "her guidance, advice, and assistance on how best to address and resolve this moving forward," they noted Miss Universe Canada is "actively implementing a comprehensive Costume Guide" to "ensure this does not happen again." This will "establish clear guidelines and standards for all future pageant cycles to ensure every presentation is thoughtful and respectful."How Miss Universe Canada contestants responded to cultural appropriation allegationHaverkamp took to Instagram that same day to "acknowledge and recognize that my outfit for the national costume caused hurt and offence to people in the Indigenous community.""I am proud of my own great grand mother and her resilience and how much she was there for my dad and desired to share that with Canada and the world," her statement said. "I appreciate what I have learned from this experience and continue my commitment to stand up and speak for all women who have lost their voice because of violence, trauma and oppression."Kaily reportedly wrote in an Instagram story that "My intention was never to disrespect or misrepresent Indigenous culture" but rather to "recognize and celebrate one of the First Peoples of Canada," according to the CBC and the BBC.On Aug. 8, Aslihan Morali was announced as Miss Universe Canada 2026. She will compete in the Miss Universe pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Nov. 24.
