Ashley Callingbull, the first Indigenous Miss Universe Canada, has recently shared her experience following a significant moment during the Miss Universe Canada 2026 pageant, where she confronted cultural appropriation on stage. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 36-year-old former beauty queen detailed what led her to make such a bold move and the mixed reaction that followed.
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During the lead-up to the pageant held on August 8, 2023, Callingbull had been reviewing footage from various segments of the competition. It was during this preparation that she came across videos of two contestants, Karisa Haverkamp and Jasleen Kaily, who were seen wearing costumes that bore a striking resemblance to traditional Indigenous attire. The sight of these outfits struck a nerve. “I felt like a slap in the face to the Indigenous community,” she remarked, emphasising the importance of respecting cultural heritage.
In the days that followed, Callingbull engaged in discussions with the Miss Universe Canada team, suggesting the establishment of a cultural liaison role to ensure that Indigenous perspectives were adequately represented. She expressed her willingness to step into such a position for Cree people specifically while stressing the need for a broader approach involving multiple voices from diverse cultures. The organisation swiftly addressed the incident, expressing regret over any offence caused and confirming their intention to implement a comprehensive Costume Guide to prevent future misunderstandings.
Despite this initial response, Callingbull felt compelled to take further action. “Words can go so far, but actions speak louder than words,” she conveyed, revealing her uncertainty as she approached the final segment of the competition. A fortuitous interruption occurred when the teleprompter failed, providing her with an unexpected opening to voice her concerns publicly.
She seized the occasion, stating, “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 described her decision as one rooted in the desire to amplify her message to the largest possible audience, particularly for those in the Indigenous community who needed to hear it. The overwhelming support she received from contestants and audiences affirmed her belief that speaking out was necessary.
Reflecting on her actions during the pageant, she felt a duty to address the issue. “When people try to silence you, you should keep going,” she encouraged, recalling wisdom imparted by her grandfather during her youth. This pivotal moment from her childhood instilled in her a sense of responsibility to advocate for change, especially in the face of injustice.
In the aftermath of her revelation, Callingbull reported an outpouring of support alongside some troubling reactions. Although she appreciated the encouragement she received, she was also met with backlash, including harsh criticism and hateful messages. She bravely acknowledged this hate, including threats against her life, and remained unfazed in her mission to educate effectively. “You can’t argue with stupid,” she quipped regarding the negativity directed her way.
Despite the emotional challenges of this situation, Callingbull remains grounded and focused on the broader impact of her advocacy. “I can’t control what life throws at me, but I can control how I react to it,” she asserted, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. Her hope is to foster a lasting change within the pageant world and beyond, aiming for a future where cultural sensitivity is ingrained as standard practice.
Overall, Callingbull is pleased that her actions have sparked important conversations. She looks forward to seeing improvements in the dialogue surrounding cultural appropriation and hopes that her message inspires others to educate themselves further. “I’m glad people are finally listening,” she concluded, acknowledging the personal toll of the experience while remaining steadfast in her commitment to advocating for her community.