The initial Indigenous woman to capture the title of Miss Universe Canada has publicly condemned the beauty pageant following instances where other participants donned Indigenous-inspired garments throughout the national costume category of the current competition.
This dispute, which was initially brought to light by APTN National News on Friday, took place during the previous week in Windsor, Ont., at the specific stage of the event dedicated to contestants presenting garments designed to mirror Canadian heritage.
Ashley Callingbull, an Indigenous model who secured the Miss Universe Canada title in 2024, expressed to APTN that witnessing those specific outfits brought a “really heavy” feeling to her spirit. “I felt like I was both teaching them and reprimanding them simultaneously, because it was vital for them to grasp the severity of this action and the deep impact it carries for others,” remarked Callingbull, who belongs to the Enoch Cree Nation based in Alberta. “I am relieved that the point was successfully conveyed, but the experience weighed heavily on me, it truly weighed heavy on my heart.”
Miss Universe Canada (MUC) recognized the critiques regarding the outfits within a public announcement published across social media networks on Friday. “We wish to confront this issue openly and genuinely: if a specific outfit generated resentment, pain, or misinterpretation, please understand that this outcome was truly never our goal,” the team detailed inside their uploaded message.
“The national apparel category is designed to honor artistic expression, cultural ancestry, and personal background. Even so, we understand that each concept demands intense thoughtfulness, honor, and ongoing assessment.”
The pageant association declared that it is establishing an “all-inclusive outfit manual” containing precise instructions and benchmarks intended to guarantee “meditated and honorable” displays.
“We are very grateful to our collective audience for demanding responsibility from us, and we stay dedicated to maintaining a welcoming, honorable arena for all participants,” the MUC staff explained. Following that public social media message,
Callingbull stated that she contacted MUC managers right away once she observed the Indigenous ceremonial attire inside the national outfit display.
“Exploiting a culture’s traditional dress is NEVER ACCEPTABLE,” she remarked within her published commentary on Friday.
Callingbull, who achieved distinction as the initial Indigenous First Nations model showcased inside the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition during 2022, noted that the incoming benchmarks will “assist during this journey going ahead.” “Progress fails to occur if you choose not to verbalize your concerns.
I appreciate MUC validating this issue and executing the actions that required attention,” she expressed.
Aslihan Morali from Ancaster, Ont., secured the title of the 75th Miss Universe Canada during Saturday’s event.
This winner is scheduled to mirror the nation throughout the international Miss Universe pageant held inside Puerto Rico near the end of this current year.
