The True Post | August 11, 2026
OTTAWA — A controversy over the representation of Indigenous culture has emerged during the Miss Universe Canada 2026 competition after former titleholder Ashley Callingbull publicly raised concerns about costumes presented during the national costume segment.
Callingbull, an Indigenous woman from Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta and a prominent advocate for Indigenous representation, interrupted the stage proceedings to address concerns about the way certain cultural elements were presented during the competition. Her background and advocacy work have made her a prominent voice on Indigenous representation in Canada.
The incident occurred as pageant director Sonny Borelli was preparing to announce the Top 20 contestants. Callingbull used the moment to address the controversy, saying that mistakes can happen but emphasizing the importance of learning, education and understanding when it comes to Indigenous culture.
Controversial costumes spark criticism
The controversy followed the national costume competition held in Windsor, Ontario, on August 4, where 35 contestants took part.
Contestant Carissa Hevercamp appeared on stage wearing a turquoise, black and white feathered headpiece, along with a red handprint painted on her cheek.
Another contestant, Jasleen Kelly, presented an outfit titled “Arctic Beauty,” featuring brown fringe around the legs, two braids and a maple-leaf design on the back.
The outfits prompted criticism and concern from people connected to Indigenous communities, who questioned whether some of the cultural imagery was being used appropriately.
Miss Universe Canada describes its national costume segment as a celebration of Canadian culture and heritage, with contestants encouraged to present outfits inspired by Canada’s traditions, symbols and history.
Ashley Callingbull speaks out
Callingbull said she was surprised to see the outfits presented on the pageant stage and questioned who had approved the designs.
She argued that traditional or sacred cultural items should not be treated simply as fashion accessories or entertainment props.
Her intervention turned the pageant stage into a broader discussion about cultural awareness, representation and the responsibilities of organizations presenting Indigenous imagery to a national audience.
Callingbull has previously emphasized the importance of representation. She became the first Indigenous woman to win Miss Universe Canada and has also been recognized for her work as an actress, model, television host and Indigenous advocate.
Organizers promise changes
Following the controversy, organizers indicated that clearer guidelines would be introduced for costumes in future competitions.
Sonny Borelli reportedly acknowledged the concerns and said the organization would learn from the incident. Organizers also indicated that cultural guidance would play a greater role in future pageants.
Callingbull is expected to contribute as a cultural liaison in future competitions, with the aim of helping organizers and contestants better understand cultural sensitivities.
Indigenous voices raise concerns
Other Indigenous voices also criticized aspects of the costumes.
Former Miss World Canada Emma Morrison questioned the appropriateness of the designs and raised concerns about the way Indigenous people and symbols were represented.
Particular attention was also drawn to the red handprint displayed on one contestant’s face because of its possible association with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) movement.
Critics argued that sensitive Indigenous symbols require a greater level of cultural understanding and should not be incorporated into entertainment or fashion without appropriate context.
Callingbull’s Indigenous background
Ashley Callingbull is a member of Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta and has become one of Canada’s best-known Indigenous public figures.
She made history in 2015 by becoming the first Canadian and first Indigenous woman to win the Mrs. Universe title. She later became the first Indigenous woman to win Miss Universe Canada.
Her career has included acting, modelling and television hosting, alongside advocacy for Indigenous representation.
Her role in the latest controversy reflects her broader public work around visibility, representation and respect for Indigenous communities.
Contestants apologize
Carissa Hevercamp acknowledged the concerns surrounding her costume and apologized to members of the Indigenous community who felt hurt or offended by its presentation.
Jasleen Kelly also apologized, saying that disrespecting Indigenous culture was not her intention. She said her intention had been to recognize and pay tribute to one of Canada’s Indigenous communities.
The apologies came as the wider debate focused on the importance of understanding cultural symbols before presenting them on a national stage.
A wider debate about cultural representation
The controversy has raised broader questions about how Indigenous culture should be represented at major Canadian events.
Supporters of stronger cultural guidelines argue that organizations should consult Indigenous communities when traditional symbols, clothing or cultural references are used.
For pageant organizers, the incident also highlights the challenge of celebrating Canada’s diverse heritage while ensuring that cultural traditions are presented accurately and respectfully.
The Miss Universe Canada organization has indicated that future competitions will include clearer costume guidelines. The changes could provide a framework for contestants to celebrate Canadian culture while avoiding inappropriate or potentially offensive use of Indigenous symbols.
The controversy has therefore moved beyond a single pageant event, becoming part of a wider Canadian conversation about Indigenous representation, cultural awareness and the responsibilities that come with displaying traditional imagery in public.
