Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Former Miss Universe Canada Stops Pageant Over Indigenous Costume Controversy
Ashley Callingbull used to be Miss Universe Canada.
She was the first Indigenous woman to ever win that title.
At this year's pageant, she stopped the show to talk about something that upset her.
Some of the costumes in the competition misrepresented Indigenous culture.
She said this kind of mistake should not happen in 2026.
She asked the music to be turned down so she could speak to everyone.
The pageant leaders said they were sorry for what happened.
They promised to teach people how to represent Indigenous culture properly.
Callingbull said learning and understanding are part of reconciliation.
She hopes everyone can move forward together in a good way.
Ashley Callingbull halted the 2026 Miss Universe Canada pageant to raise concerns about cultural appropriation toward Indigenous peoples.
The controversy centered on the national costume competition, which was held on August 4.
Callingbull spoke during a technical glitch on August 8 at the Chrysler Theatre in Windsor, Ontario.
She became the first Indigenous, First Nations woman to win Miss Universe Canada in 2024.
The Miss Universe Canada organization expressed regret and acknowledged the need for better guidance on cultural representation.
- Who
- Ashley Callingbull, former Miss Universe Canada (2024 winner), and the Miss Universe Canada organization
- What
- Callingbull halted the 2026 Miss Universe Canada pageant to address cultural appropriation toward Indigenous peoples during the national costume competition
- When
- The costume competition took place on August 4; Callingbull addressed the audience on August 8
- Where
- Chrysler Theatre, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
- Why
- She felt the costumes misrepresented Indigenous culture and wanted education and understanding as part of reconciliation
- Protagonist
- Ashley Callingbull, Miss Universe Canada 2024
- Event
- 2026 Miss Universe Canada pageant
- National costume competition
- August 4, 2026
- Intervention date
- August 8, 2026
- Venue
- Chrysler Theatre, Windsor, Ontario
- Heritage
- Enoch Cree Nation; first Indigenous First Nations Miss Universe Canada
- Organization response
- Expressed regret; pledged better guidance on cultural representation
- Other honors
- Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model; Mrs Universe 2015