SOUTH AFRICA'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE RISES TO 33.6% IN Q2 2026.(PHOTO).
Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull Interrupts Pageant to Address Indigenous Cultural Appropriation Concerns
Miss Universe Canada 2024 Ashley Callingbull interrupted this year’s pageant to address costumes worn by two contestants that she said appropriated Indigenous cultural elements.
Callingbull, a Plains Cree woman from Enoch Cree Nation and the first First Nations woman to hold the Miss Universe Canada title, raised the issue during the Aug. 8 final while hosting the competition.
Before the top 20 contestants were announced, Callingbull asked for the music to be lowered and addressed the audience, saying she wanted to acknowledge what had happened during the national costume competition on Aug. 4.
Karisa Haverkamp had worn a feathered turquoise, black and white headdress with a small red painted hand on her cheek. Jasleen Kaily appeared in a fringed two-piece outfit with two braids, mukluks and a maple leaf design.
Callingbull said she noticed the outfits after seeing footage and contacted pageant director Sonny Borelli and the Miss Universe Canada team. She said the organization listened and responded to her concerns.
Callingbull described the incident as an opportunity for education and learning, saying that understanding such issues is part of reconciliation.
Both contestants have since apologized for their outfits, while Miss Universe Canada has also issued a statement addressing the matter.
Comments
Post a Comment