# Miss Universe Canada cultural appropriation controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/miss-universe-canada-cultural-appropriation-controversy > Updated: 2026-08-13T15:35:42.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. During the Miss Universe Canada pageant in Windsor, Ontario, contestants Karisa Haverkamp and Jasleen Kaily faced intense criticism for wearing Indigenous-inspired costumes during the national costume round. Critics identified the outfits as cultural appropriation, noting that Haverkamp wore a feathered headdress and a red handprint—a symbol of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement—while Kaily wore an ‘Arctic Beauty’ outfit featuring mukluks and braids. Ashley Callingbull, a Plains Cree woman and the 2024 Miss Universe Canada winner, interrupted the live broadcast to address the issue, stating, ‘My jaw just dropped to the floor,’ and noting that reconciliation requires education regarding sacred symbols. In response to the backlash, both contestants issued public apologies. The Miss Universe Canada organization has since stated it intends to implement clearer guidelines and consult with experts to prevent similar occurrences in future competitions. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: Miss Universe Canada contestants apologize after cultural appropriation controversy Miss Universe Canada contestants apologized after former titleholder Ashley Callingbull called out their Indigenous-inspired costumes for cultural appropriation during the pageant. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miss-universe-canada-contestants-apologize-after-cultural-appropriation-controversy ### 2026-08-10: Miss Universe Canada faces backlash over Indigenous-inspired costumes Miss Universe Canada contestants sparked controversy and apologies after wearing Indigenous-inspired regalia, leading former winner Ashley Callingbull to publicly denounce the cultural appropriation on stage. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miss-universe-canada-faces-controversy-over-cultural-appropriation --- Cite as: Miss Universe Canada cultural appropriation controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/miss-universe-canada-cultural-appropriation-controversy