Two contestants in the Miss Universe Canada pageant have drawn criticism for their choice of national costumes, which were described as Indigenous-inspired. Karisa Haverkamp and Jasleen Kaily wore outfits that sparked accusations of “cultural appropriation” from Indigenous leaders and pageant figures.
Haverkamp wore a feathered headdress, typically associated with respected Indigenous leaders, and had a red handprint painted on her face, a symbol for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement. Kaily's costume, titled “Arctic Beauty,” included an all-fur dress, mukluk boots, and braids.
Ashley Callingbull, the first Indigenous woman to win Miss Universe Canada in 2024 and a co-host of the Aug. 4 event in Windsor, Ontario, publicly addressed the controversy. "It's 2026. We should know better," Callingbull stated on stage, emphasizing the importance of education and learning in the process of reconciliation. She expressed shock and disappointment upon seeing the costumes, questioning their approval.
Callingbull, a member of the Enoch Cree Nation, shared her concerns with pageant organizers, calling the outfits "heavy on my heart." She highlighted that traditional or sacred items should not be used in such a context. Miss Universe Canada later issued an apology on Facebook, stating that if any costume caused offense, it was unintentional. The organization acknowledged the need for "deep care, respect, and continuous evaluation" in costume design and thanked Callingbull for her input.
Pageant organizers announced they would implement a "comprehensive Costume Guide" with updated standards for future competitions and have invited Callingbull to serve as an official liaison for the costume segment. Haverkamp and Kaily both issued apologies on social media, acknowledging the hurt their costumes caused and expressing a desire to learn from the experience.
In 2015, Miss Universe Canada faced a similar controversy when a contestant wore a totem pole costume, which the pageant then called a "a misunderstanding."