Former Miss Universe Canada Halts Pageant Mid-Competition to Call Out Contestants’ Costumes for Cultural Appropriation

In a recent Miss Universe Canada competition, Ashley Callingbull, the first First Nations representative to hold the title, spoke out against cultural appropriation during the national costume event, which drew significant attention and controversy. The incident unfolded on August 8 during the competition, where Callingbull paused the proceedings to address two contestants whose costumes were deemed disrespectful to Indigenous cultures.

Callingbull, a Plains Cree woman from the Enoch Cree Nation, took the opportunity to highlight the importance of cultural respect within the context of the pageant. As the event’s host, she interrupted the announcement of the top 20 contestants to express her concerns. “I wanted to acknowledge something,” she began, emphasising her pride in being the first Indigenous First Nations Miss Universe Canada. She explained that her role carried the weight of responsibility, especially in light of the cultural missteps observed during the competition.

The controversy ignited during the national costume segment, which took place earlier on August 4. Two contestants, Karisa Haverkamp and Jasleen Kaily, faced backlash after sporting outfits that included elements traditionally associated with Indigenous peoples. Haverkamp was seen in a costume featuring a feathered headdress and facial paint, while Kaily donned a two-piece outfit with fringes and traditional mukluks.

Upon reviewing the costumes, Callingbull promptly contacted the Miss Universe Canada team to address her concerns. “They heard exactly what we need to do to change,” she commented, indicating a willingness to learn and grow from such errors. Callingbull’s intervention was supported by a shared understanding within the Miss Universe Canada organisation of the need for growth and education around issues of cultural representation.

In the aftermath, both contestants issued public apologies for their respective outfits. Haverkamp expressed regret for any hurt caused within the Indigenous community and reflected on the significance of her own heritage. She stated that while she wished to honour her great-grandmother, she recognised the impact of her costume choices. Kaily echoed similar sentiments, admitting her original intent was to honour Indigenous culture rather than disrespect it.

The Miss Universe Canada organisation also responded to the situation with a formal statement, acknowledging the feedback received regarding the costumes. They expressed their intent was never to offend and emphasised a commitment to thoughtful representation in the future. “We are actively implementing a comprehensive Costume Guide,” the organisation announced, which will provide clear guidelines to prevent misrepresentation in upcoming competitions.

Despite the missteps, Kaily noted that there had been a lack of clear guidelines regarding cultural appropriation in the pageant. “Miss Universe Canada didn’t really have any guidelines on appropriation or anything that we can or cannot do,” she explained. This gap seemed to underscore the need for better educational resources surrounding the complexities of cultural representation in future events.

Ashley Callingbull’s leadership in this instance has garnered commendations for promoting awareness and dialogue surrounding cultural sensitivity. Callingbull stated that as the pageant continues to evolve, it must embrace a culture of understanding and reconciliation to foster respect for all communities represented within the contest.

The forthcoming implementation of the Costume Guide is a step towards ensuring a more inclusive environment, where the cultural significance of attire is regarded with the seriousness it deserves. Going forward, Miss Universe Canada is keen to provide a platform that respects and celebrates diverse heritages, fostering pride rather than appropriation.

As discussions around cultural appropriation continue to grow, the incident serves as a pivotal learning moment for both contestants and organisers alike. It highlights the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and the responsibility that comes with representing cultures within public forums.