When Pageantry Meets Cultural Sensitivity: A Miss Universe Canada Controversy
The Spark of Controversy
There’s something undeniably jarring about seeing cultural symbols reduced to costume—especially when those symbols carry centuries of history, struggle, and identity. The recent Miss Universe Canada pageant has reignited this debate, and personally, I think it’s a conversation we can’t afford to ignore. Former winner Ashley Callingbull, a Plains Cree woman, didn’t hold back when she called out the pageant for cultural appropriation after two contestants donned Indigenous-inspired outfits. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it exposes the fine line between celebration and exploitation—a line that’s all too often blurred in the name of creativity.
The Outfits That Started It All
One contestant, Karisa Haverkamp, wore a feather headdress—a sacred item reserved for Indigenous leaders—paired with a red handprint symbolizing solidarity with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement. Another, Jasleen Kaily, sported an all-fur ensemble with braids, elements deeply rooted in First Nations culture. From my perspective, the issue isn’t just about the outfits themselves but the lack of awareness behind them. What many people don’t realize is that these symbols aren’t just aesthetic choices; they’re tied to rituals, respect, and resilience.
The Apologies and the Aftermath
Both contestants apologized, acknowledging the harm caused. Haverkamp, for instance, admitted she had learned from the experience. But here’s where it gets tricky: apologies, while necessary, aren’t enough. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t an isolated incident. In 2015, a contestant wore a totem pole costume, sparking similar outrage. The pageant’s response then? A vague statement about a “misunderstanding.” This raises a deeper question: How many times does this need to happen before real change occurs?
The Role of Education—or Lack Thereof
One thing that immediately stands out is the pageant’s failure to educate its participants. According to its website, the national costume segment is meant to “celebrate Canadian culture and heritage.” But what does that mean when the heritage being celebrated isn’t your own? A detail that I find especially interesting is Callingbull’s suggestion years ago to hire a cultural consultant. It’s 2026, and yet, this basic step hasn’t been taken. What this really suggests is a systemic oversight—one that prioritizes spectacle over sensitivity.
The Broader Implications
This controversy isn’t just about a pageant; it’s a microcosm of a larger issue. Cultural appropriation in fashion, media, and entertainment is nothing new, but it’s rarely addressed with the urgency it deserves. Personally, I think this incident highlights a critical gap in how we teach and understand cultural respect. It’s not just about avoiding offense; it’s about recognizing the weight of what you’re borrowing—or, in this case, taking.
Moving Forward: Reconciliation and Responsibility
The pageant’s director, Sonny Borrelli, has promised to do better, even inviting Callingbull to oversee the costume segment moving forward. While this is a step in the right direction, it’s just the beginning. What this really needs is a cultural shift—one that prioritizes education, consultation, and genuine respect. As Callingbull aptly put it, “A part of reconciliation is that we educate and learn and understand.”
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, this controversy is a wake-up call—not just for Miss Universe Canada, but for all of us. It forces us to ask: Who gets to tell whose stories? And at what cost? The pageant’s missteps are a reminder that cultural sensitivity isn’t optional; it’s essential. As we move forward, let’s hope this isn’t just another forgotten headline but a catalyst for real, lasting change. After all, in a world as diverse as ours, understanding and respect aren’t just virtues—they’re necessities.
