The Pageant’s Cultural Misstep: When Celebration Turns to Appropriation
There’s something deeply unsettling about watching a platform meant to celebrate diversity inadvertently become a stage for cultural insensitivity. The recent Miss Universe Canada controversy, where two contestants donned Indigenous-inspired costumes, has reignited a conversation that, frankly, we should have moved past by now. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how it highlights the persistent gap between intention and impact—a gap that, in 2026, feels inexcusable.
The Incident: More Than Just a Costume
Let’s break it down. Contestant Karisa Haverkamp wore a feather headdress and a red handprint symbolizing solidarity with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement. Jasleen Kaily, meanwhile, sported an all-fur ensemble with braids, invoking 'Arctic Beauty.' On the surface, these might seem like tributes. But here’s where it gets tricky: cultural symbols aren’t costumes. They’re not accessories to be borrowed for a night. What many people don’t realize is that a headdress, for instance, isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a sacred emblem of leadership and respect within Indigenous communities.
From my perspective, the issue isn’t just about the outfits themselves but the systemic oversight that allowed them to be approved in the first place. Former Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull, a Plains Cree woman, rightfully called out the pageant during the event, stating, 'It’s 2026, we should know better.' Her words weren’t just a rebuke; they were a call to action. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a broader pattern of cultural appropriation in pageantry, where the line between celebration and exploitation is often blurred.
The Apologies: Sincere or Surface-Level?
Both contestants issued apologies, acknowledging the harm caused. Haverkamp, in particular, noted that she had learned from the experience. While I appreciate the sentiment, it raises a deeper question: Why did it take public backlash for this learning to occur? In my opinion, the pageant’s initial statement—which lacked a direct apology—felt like a missed opportunity. It wasn’t until Callingbull pressed the issue that director Sonny Borrelli took 'full responsibility.'
What this really suggests is that organizations like Miss Universe Canada need to be proactive, not reactive. A detail that I find especially interesting is the pageant’s promise to introduce a 'comprehensive costume guide.' While it’s a step in the right direction, it’s also a reminder that such guidelines should have been in place long ago. Hiring a cultural consultant, as Callingbull suggested in 2015, could have prevented this entirely.
The Broader Implications: Beyond the Pageant Stage
This controversy isn’t just about one event; it’s a microcosm of a larger societal issue. Cultural appropriation often stems from a lack of understanding or, worse, a disregard for the significance of certain symbols. One thing that immediately stands out is how this incident reflects the ongoing struggle for Indigenous representation and respect. It’s not just about costumes—it’s about whose stories get told, and by whom.
What makes this particularly troubling is the irony of it all. Pageants are meant to empower women and celebrate diversity, yet they often fall short when it comes to cultural sensitivity. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a PR problem for Miss Universe Canada; it’s a moment for all of us to reflect on how we engage with cultures that aren’t our own.
Moving Forward: Education, Not Just Apologies
The pageant’s decision to involve Callingbull as a liaison for future costume segments is a positive move. But, in my opinion, it’s just the beginning. Reconciliation, as Callingbull aptly noted, requires education and a commitment to doing better. What many people don’t realize is that cultural sensitivity isn’t a one-time lesson—it’s an ongoing process of listening, learning, and unlearning.
As someone who’s watched these controversies unfold time and again, I can’t help but wonder: How many more missteps will it take before we get it right? This isn’t about canceling anyone; it’s about holding ourselves and our institutions accountable. Personally, I think this moment could be a turning point—if we let it.
Final Thoughts: A Call for Thoughtful Celebration
In the end, the Miss Universe Canada controversy isn’t just a story about costumes gone wrong. It’s a reminder that cultural symbols carry weight, history, and meaning. What this really suggests is that we need to approach celebration with more thoughtfulness and humility. From my perspective, the goal shouldn’t be to avoid all cultural references but to engage with them in ways that honor their origins.
As we move forward, let’s hope this incident sparks more than just apologies—let’s hope it sparks real change. Because, as Callingbull said, 'We’re going to make sure that everyone is going to be respected and honored properly.' And, in my opinion, that’s a promise we all need to uphold.
