Miss Universe Canada Contestants Apologize for Indigenous Costume Controversy
Two contestants in the Miss Universe Canada pageant have apologized after their national costumes, which represented Indigenous culture, drew criticism. The pageant stated it will implement a costume guide to ensure future presentations are respectful.
Key takeaways
- Two contestants at Miss Universe Canada apologized after wearing costumes perceived as cultural appropriation.
- The costumes included a feathered headdress and an all-fur dress.
- Former winner Ashley Callingbull criticized the outfits, calling it cultural appropriation.
- The Miss Universe Canada pageant will introduce a new costume guide to ensure respectful presentations in the future.
What Happened
Two contestants participating in the Miss Universe Canada pageant have issued apologies following the national costume segment. One contestant wore a feathered headdress and face paint, while another donned a fur dress and boots. These costumes were perceived as cultural appropriation by some.
Ashley Callingbull, a former Miss Universe Canada winner and a Plains Cree woman, publicly addressed the issue during the pageant's final. She stated that the costumes represented cultural appropriation toward Indigenous people and that the organization needed to be more aware in 2026.
Key Facts
- Two contestants at the Miss Universe Canada pageant wore costumes representing Indigenous culture during the national costume segment.
- One contestant wore a feathered headdress and a red handprint on her face.
- The other contestant wore an all-fur dress and boots, known as mukluks.
- Former winner Ashley Callingbull, a Plains Cree woman, criticized the costumes for cultural appropriation.
- Both contestants issued apologies for any offense caused by their costumes.
- The Miss Universe Canada organization stated its intention for the national costume segment was to celebrate Canadian culture and heritage.
- The pageant plans to introduce a "comprehensive costume guide" for future events.
- Pageant director Sonny Borrelli invited Ashley Callingbull to serve as an official liaison for the costume segment.
Background
The national costume segment on the Miss Universe Canada website is described as a celebration of Canadian culture and heritage, requiring delegates to showcase a unique costume inspired by Canada's traditions, symbols, and history. The incident occurred in 2026.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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