Former Miss Universe Canada winner Ashley Callingbull made a bold statement during the 2026 Miss Universe Canada pageant by addressing what she identified as cultural appropriation incidents. At the moment when director Sonny Borrelli was set to announce the top 20 contestants, Callingbull seized the opportunity to speak up.
Callingbull emphasized the importance of learning and moving forward from cultural missteps, stressing the need for education and understanding in the journey of reconciliation. The incident in question occurred during the national pageantry costume competition in Windsor, Ont., where 35 contestants vied for the crown.
Two contestants, Karisa Haverkamp and Jasleen Kaily, drew criticism for their costume choices. Haverkamp wore a feathered headdress and a painted hand on her cheek, while Kaily donned an “Arctic Beauty” outfit with culturally significant elements. Callingbull expressed her dismay in an interview, highlighting the sacred significance of Indigenous headdresses and the need for respectful representation.
Following the incident, Borrelli acknowledged the need for guidelines and cultural liaisons moving forward. He expressed regret for any offense caused and announced Callingbull as the new cultural liaison. Both Haverkamp and Kaily issued apologies, acknowledging the hurt caused and committing to greater awareness and respect.
Miss World Canada 2022, Emma Morrison, also criticized the costumes for their cultural insensitivity and sexualization of Indigenous culture. Morrison emphasized the need for better Indigenous education to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Miss Universe Canada organization issued a statement expressing regret if any costumes caused offense and outlined plans for a comprehensive costume guide to prevent similar issues in future pageants. Despite the apologies and commitments to learn from the experience, the incident underscored the ongoing need for cultural sensitivity and respect in public representations of Indigenous culture.
