‘Who approved this?’ Miss Universe Canada contestants apologise over Indigenous-style costumes
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Two Miss Universe Canada contestants have apologised after wearing Indigenous-style outfits during the pageant, attracting criticisms of cultural appropriation.
During the national costume segment on August 4, Karisa Haverkamp wore a feathered headdress and a painted red hand on her face – a symbol of solidarity with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement – while Jasleen Kaily wore a fur dress and boots.
Two Miss Universe Canada contestants have apologised after wearing Indigenous-style outfits during the event. YouTube
“If any costume caused offence, hurt, or misunderstanding, please know that it was never our intention,” the pageant said in a statement, while both contestants issued their own apologies.
Miss Universe Canada 2024 Ashley Callingbull, a Plains Cree woman who became the pageant’s first First Nations winner, said costumes represented “cultural appropriation ... done toward Indigenous people”.
Speaking to audience members during her hosting duties at the event, she said “mistakes were made” and in 2026, “we should know better”.
Former winner Ashley Callingbull labelled the outfits “cultural appropriation ... done toward Indigenous people”. Getty
She later told CBS Indigeous her “jaw dropped on the floor” when she saw the outfits in a video of the national costume showcase.
“I just couldn’t get over that this was happening. Who allowed this on stage? Who approved this?” Callingbull, who had been co-presenting another section of the pageant, said.
“Anything traditional or sacred should not be allowed. I was very, very upset.”
In a statement shared via Instagram, Haverkamp acknowledged her outfit “caused hurt and offence to people in the Indigenous community”.
Karisa Haverkamp’s outfit included a feathered headdress, which are traditionally worn by respected Indigenous leaders. YouTube
“I appreciate what I have learned from this experience and continue my commitment to stand up and speak for all women who have lost their voice because of violence, trauma and oppression,” she said.
Kaily also addressed the controversy around her ‘Arctic Beauty’ costume via Instagram, telling her followers, “My intention was never to disrespect or misrepresent Indigenous culture.”
Speaking to CBS, she apologised and admitted she didn’t understand the concept behind the costume competition round, and had intended to “celebrate one of the First Peoples of Canada”.
“It wasn’t something I did intentionally, it’s something that I thought was appreciation, but I understand some Indigenous communities just want to represent themselves through their own communities,” Kaily added.
