Former Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull Says Pageant Needs ‘More Diversity and Inclusion’ After Costume Controversy (Exclusive)

Ashley Callingbull, a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights and the former Miss Universe Canada, has sparked a significant conversation about cultural appropriation following her remarks during the Miss Universe Canada 2026 finale. The pageant came under fire for allowing contestants to wear traditional dresses considered sacred to Indigenous communities, leading to a public apology and subsequent policy changes aimed at preventing similar situations in the future.

During the pageant’s finale on August 8, 2026, Callingbull delivered an unexpected and impassioned monologue addressing the instances of cultural appropriation she had observed. This incident involved contestants Jasleen Kaily and Karisa Haverkamp, who later expressed remorse for their participation. In a statement released earlier, the Miss Universe Canada organisation acknowledged the feedback regarding the costumes and apologised for any offence caused, emphasising that such was never their intention.

Despite the pageant’s initial response, Callingbull felt compelled to raise the issue further during the televised event. She articulated the need for significant changes within the pageant community to foster true diversity and inclusion. In her post-finale reflections, she emphasised that it could not fall solely on her to act as the voice for Indigenous peoples, highlighting the importance of involving a broader representation within the organisation.

Speaking to PEOPLE following her address, Callingbull remarked, “They definitely need, for sure, more diversity and inclusion on that team for people to understand.” She indicated that while she acknowledges her role, it is crucial for multiple cultural liaisons to be engaged to prevent the tokenisation of any single individual.

In response to the backlash over the costume choices, the Miss Universe Canada organisation announced plans to develop a “comprehensive Costume Guide.” This initiative is designed to provide clear standards for all future pageant participants, aiming to ensure that presentations honour and respect diverse cultures. The organisation expressed appreciation for community accountability, underscoring their commitment to creating a more inclusive platform.

Callingbull welcomed these proposed measures but reiterated the necessity for ongoing commitment to diversity within the pageant’s administrative structure. She believes that the involvement of additional cultural experts could facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of Indigenous cultures and practices, reducing the potential for offence in future events.

She highlighted a positive example from the competition, where a contestant collaborated with an Indigenous designer to create a custom outfit that celebrated rather than appropriated cultural identity. “This was beautiful,” Callingbull commented, noting that it illustrated a respectful approach to cultural representation.

While many supporters praised Callingbull for her bravery, she also faced a wave of negativity online, including death threats and abusive messages. Despite the challenges, she remains resolute in her advocacy. “It sucks, but I’m glad people are finally listening,” she said, recognising the importance of maintaining the dialogue even in the face of backlash.

Following the incident, many contestants reached out to Callingbull to express their admiration for her courage. “They were like, ‘That was really brave of you to do that, but we’re glad you did it,’” she recounted. Callingbull encouraged her fellow contestants to use their voices for positive change, reminding them that even in adversity, their words could have a significant impact.

As the pageant moves forward, the dialogue sparked by Callingbull’s intervention emphasizes the need for greater cultural understanding and inclusivity in the world of beauty contests. The organisation’s commitment to educational policies and guidelines will hopefully mark a turning point in how cultural representation is approached in pageants in the future, paving the way for a more respectful and interconnected celebration of diversity.