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.
Jasleen Kaily is an Indian-origin contestant on Miss Universe Canada.
(Instagram/@jk.ailyy)Callingbull was hosting the 2026 Miss Universe Canada pageant on August 4 when she criticised the two participants for their outfits.
Kaily wore her hair in two braids.
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. Jasleen Kaily is an Indian-origin contestant on Miss Universe Canada. (Instagram/@jk.ailyy)
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.
