The Miss Universe Canada pageant has once again found itself at the center of a cultural controversy, this time involving accusations of cultural appropriation. The incident, which occurred during the national costume segment, has sparked a much-needed conversation about the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in beauty pageants.
The controversy began when two contestants, Karisa Haverkamp and Jasleen Kaily, wore costumes that were seen as appropriating indigenous culture. Haverkamp's outfit featured a feather headdress, a symbol of respect and leadership among Indigenous peoples, along with a red handprint representing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement. Kaily's costume, themed 'Arctic Beauty', included a fur dress, mukluks, and braids, all of which hold deep cultural significance for First Nations people.
The former Miss Universe Canada winner, Ashley Callingbull, a Plains Cree woman from the Enoch Cree Nation, addressed the issue during the final event, interrupting her co-presentation to speak out against cultural appropriation. Callingbull, who is the first First Nations woman to win the competition, emphasized the importance of cultural awareness and respect, stating, 'It's 2026, we should know better.'
The pageant organizers initially responded with a statement acknowledging the feedback received about the costumes, but it was criticized for lacking a direct apology. Pageant director Sonny Borrelli later took responsibility for the error, promising to learn from the incident and improve the pageant's cultural sensitivity training. He invited Callingbull to serve as the costume segment's official liaison, recognizing her expertise and advocacy for Indigenous culture.
This is not the first time the Miss Universe Canada competition has faced cultural appropriation accusations. In 2015, entrant Paola Nunuz Valdez wore a totem pole costume, which was initially misinterpreted as a reference to her Dominican heritage. Callingbull suggested hiring a cultural consultant to prevent such misunderstandings in the future.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing cultural appreciation and respect in beauty pageants. While the pageant aims to celebrate Canadian culture, it must also ensure that it does not perpetuate stereotypes or misrepresentations. The introduction of a comprehensive costume guide and increased cultural sensitivity training are steps in the right direction, but ongoing dialogue and education are essential to fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment.
In my opinion, beauty pageants have a responsibility to go beyond surface-level cultural appreciation. They should serve as platforms for cultural education and dialogue, where contestants and organizers alike can learn about and respect the diverse cultures they represent. By embracing this role, the Miss Universe Canada pageant can contribute to a more informed and respectful society, one that values and celebrates the richness of Canadian cultural heritage.
