Overview
- Callingbull interrupted the Aug. 8 finals after seeing the national costume preliminary on Aug. 4 and told the audience she had witnessed cultural appropriation of Indigenous dress and symbols.
- Two contestants, Karisa Haverkamp and Jasleen Kaily, wore outfits that included a feathered headdress, mukluks and a red painted hand that critics say carry specific cultural and political meaning.
- Both contestants issued public apologies on social media acknowledging hurt caused by their costumes and saying their intent was not to disrespect Indigenous peoples.
- Miss Universe Canada issued a formal apology, said it will implement a comprehensive Costume Guide, and appointed Callingbull as a cultural liaison to advise future costume presentations.
- Advocates and activists amplified the onstage clip, framing the episode as part of a larger conversation about respectful representation, reconciliation, and the need for clearer institutional rules on cultural items.