Cultural Appropriation Controversy at Miss Universe Canada

During the Miss Universe Canada pageant, two contestants faced backlash for wearing costumes that incorporated Indigenous imagery, leading to claims of cultural appropriation from a former titleholder.

Carisa Habekamp and Jasleen Kiley showcased their outfits in the national costume segment of the event on August 4 in Windsor, Ontario. According to reports, Habekamp donned a feather headdress, which is traditionally worn by respected Indigenous leaders in North America. She also featured a red handprint on her face, representing the movement for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Kiley’s attire, called “Arctic Beauty,” included a full fur dress, mukluk boots, and two braids. The choice of these costumes ignited significant discussion.

Ashley Callingbull, the first Indigenous woman to win the Miss Universe Canada crown back in 2024, addressed the situation during her co-hosting of the final. She interrupted pageant director Sonny Borrelli to express her concerns. “Sometimes mistakes happen. It’s 2026. We should know better,” she said, emphasizing the importance of education and reconciliation in moving forward.

Callingbull, who hails from the Enoch Cree tribe, expressed her shock upon seeing the costumes. “This is not real. I couldn’t understand that something like this was happening,” she remarked, questioning who approved the costumes for the stage. She expressed deep frustration, stating that traditional and sacred elements should be treated with the utmost respect.

After witnessing the controversy, Callingbull communicated her feelings to the contest organizers, stating she aimed to educate them on the gravity of the situation. “I felt like I was educating them and giving them hell at the same time… it was heavy, putting a strain on my heart,” she added.

The competition’s website labeled the national costume category as a “celebration of Canadian culture and heritage combined with creativity,” highlighting the need for costumes that reflect respect and understanding of their origins. On Friday, Miss Universe Canada issued an apology for any distress caused, clarifying that offending or misleading anyone was never their intent. They acknowledged that future designs require careful evaluation.

Callingbull, in response, emphasized that cultural appropriation is unacceptable. She noted that new guidelines and contacts would be established to ensure better navigation of these sensitive issues in the future.

Aslihan Morar was crowned Miss Universe Canada and is set to compete in the Miss Universe pageant on November 26 in Puerto Rico. Similar controversies have surfaced in past competitions, including a 2015 incident involving a contestant who wore a totem pole costume, which was later described by the pageant organizers as a misunderstanding related to her heritage.