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Miss Universe Canada’s Jasleen Kaily apologises amid cultural appropriation row
Jasleen Kaily and Karisa Haverkamp have come under fire for cultural appropriation. The row stems from their costumes during Miss Universe Canada.
Two Miss Universe Canada contestants are facing backlash for wearing Indigenous-inspired outfits during the pageant. Jasleen Kaily and Karisa Haverkamp were criticised by former Miss Universe Canada winner Ashley Callingbull for cultural appropriation.
Callingbull was hosting the 2026 Miss Universe Canada pageant on August 4 when she criticised the two participants for their outfits.
What they wore
Jasleen Kaily and Karisa Haverkamp wore the problematic outfits during the national costume round of Miss Universe Canada competition, which took place in Windsor, Ontario, on August 4, according to APTN News.
Kaily, who is of Indian origin, wore a two-piece "Arctic Beauty" costume. It featured an all-fur jacket and skirt set with fur boots known as mukluks. A large maple leaf cutout stuck to her back completed the look.
Kaily wore her hair in two braids. According to a BBC report, hair braiding can have deep cultural meaning for First Nations people.
Karisa Haverkamp’s costume contained a feathered headdress which is typically associated with Indigenous leaders in North America.
Outfits draw condemnation
Ashley Callingbull, who was the first Indigenous woman to win the title in 2024, called out the two outfits for cultural appropriation.
“My jaw just dropped on the floor,” she told CBC Indigenous in an interview on Friday.
"This cannot be real. I just couldn't get over that this was happening. Who allowed this on stage? Who approved this?" she said. "Anything traditional or sacred should not be allowed. I was very, very upset."
"There was cultural appropriation that was done toward indigenous people," Callingbull stressed.
Contestants apologise
According to a BBC report, both Jasleen Kaily and Karisa Haverkamp apologised for their costumes.
“My intention was never to disrespect or misrepresent indigenous culture" but rather to "recognise and celebrate one of the First Peoples of Canada,” Kaily said.
"I acknowledge and recognise that my outfit for the national costume caused hurt and offence to people in the indigenous community," Haverkamp wrote in an Instagram post. "I appreciate what I have learned from this experience."
Miss Universe Canada also reacted to the controversy. "If any costume caused offence, hurt, or misunderstanding, please know that it was never our intention," the pageant said in a statement.
