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Miss Universe Canada Slammed by First Indigenous Winner for ‘Cultural Appropriation’ in Costume Segment

Ashley Callingbull says the pageant’s response fell short as Miss Universe Canada pledges new costume guidelines after backlash over two outfits.

  • Former Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull has criticized the beauty pageant for "cultural appropriation" following the use of Indigenous-themed clothing during the national costume segment of this year's competition.
  • The controversy occurred last week in Windsor, Ont., during the portion of the competition where contestants showcased outfits inspired by Canada's traditions, leading to significant backlash regarding cultural appropriateness.
  • "Seeing the costumes was 'really heavy' on her heart," said Ashley Callingbull, the 2024 Miss Universe Canada titleholder, during her interview with APTN regarding the pageant's costume choices.
  • Miss Universe Canada acknowledged the feedback on Friday, stating that any offense caused was "never our intention" while announcing the creation of a "comprehensive costume guide" for future events.
  • Callingbull praised the organization's response, stating the new guidelines will "help with this process moving forward" and emphasizing that "change doesn't happen unless you speak up.
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Ashley Callingbull, winner of the 2024 contest and first First Nations indigenous woman to win the national crown, took the microphone during the gala to publicly question two outfits presented in the national costume competition.

·Warsaw, Poland
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The Hamilton Spectator broke the news in Hamilton, Canada on Monday, August 10, 2026.
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