A former Miss Universe Canada winner has publicly criticized the costume portion of the recent pageant, calling the outfits an example of cultural appropriation. The criticism, reported by the Windsor Star and other outlets, has prompted apologies from contestants who wore Indigenous-style dress during the event.
The controversy centers on the national costume segment of the Miss Universe Canada competition. According to CBC, the former winner said her "jaw just dropped" when she saw the costumes on stage. The winner in question, Ashley Callingbull, was the first Indigenous woman to hold the title, as noted by CTV News. Callingbull, who is from the Enoch Cree Nation, expressed disbelief that such outfits were allowed, with CTV reporting she said, "This can’t be happening."
Multiple contestants have since issued apologies for wearing Indigenous dress without proper cultural context or permission, according to the BBC. The apologies come after widespread backlash on social media and in Canadian news outlets, including APTN News, which covered the pageant's fallout.
The Windsor Star reports that Callingbull's comments have reignited a broader conversation about cultural sensitivity in beauty pageants. The national costume round is often a highlight of such competitions, but critics argue that using sacred or culturally significant garments as costumes crosses a line. The incident has drawn particular attention because Callingbull's own win was seen as a milestone for Indigenous representation in the pageant world.
What to watch next: Whether pageant organizers will issue a formal statement or change their costume guidelines in response to the backlash.
