Cultural Appropriation Wears Many Faces at Miss Universe Canada

The recent controversy surrounding the “Feathered Headdress” and “Arctic Beauty” costumes at this year’s Miss Universe Canada pageant has sparked a long-overdue conversation about cultural appropriation in the world of beauty pageants. Ashley Callingbull, a former winner of the competition, took to the stage to call out the offending outfits, leaving no doubt that these costumes were a misstep.

The incident is all too familiar for those who have followed the history of Indigenous representation at Miss Universe Canada. In 2018, a contestant wore a headdress as part of her costume, prompting an outcry from Indigenous leaders and advocates. This year’s mistake was not only a repeat offense but also a symptom of a larger issue: the lack of education and understanding about cultural appropriation.

Callingbull’s on-stage intervention was a powerful moment in the pageant, but it was not without its challenges. The organizers’ statement, released earlier that week, fell short of acknowledging the hurt caused by the costumes. This lack of acknowledgment is particularly egregious given the history of cultural appropriation at Miss Universe Canada.

The aftermath has seen both Karisa Haverkamp and Jasleen Kaily issue apologies for their roles in the controversy. While these statements are a step in the right direction, they raise questions about accountability within the pageant organization. Who approved these outfits, and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?

The problem runs deeper than just this year’s pageant. Miss Universe Canada has a history of cultural appropriation when it comes to Indigenous people. The lack of understanding and education is evident in the way these costumes were presented as fashion statements rather than cultural sensitivities.

Haverkamp’s Instagram post acknowledged the hurt caused by her outfit, but also claimed she was trying to “stand up for all women who have lost their voice because of violence, trauma, and oppression.” However, this statement raises questions about the line between cultural sensitivity and appropriation. Can a non-Indigenous person truly stand in solidarity with Indigenous people without perpetuating stereotypes?

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of education and understanding when it comes to cultural representation. Organizations like Miss Universe Canada must take responsibility for creating guidelines that respect the cultures they are drawing from.

In the wake of this controversy, one thing is clear: cultural appropriation wears many faces at beauty pageants. It’s time for these organizations to acknowledge their mistakes and take concrete steps towards change. The Indigenous community deserves more than apologies; they deserve education, understanding, and respect.

The incident has also highlighted the role of social media in amplifying marginalized voices. Callingbull’s on-stage intervention was a powerful moment, but it’s the conversations that have followed – both online and offline – that will ultimately shape the future of cultural representation at beauty pageants.

As the beauty industry continues to grapple with issues of diversity and inclusion, one thing is certain: the line between cultural sensitivity and appropriation will continue to blur. It’s up to organizations like Miss Universe Canada to create a more inclusive environment for all participants.

The controversy has also brought attention to the broader issue of racism in the Indigenous community. Ashley Callingbull’s own story, one of resilience and advocacy, serves as a powerful reminder that the struggle against cultural appropriation is far from over.

Ultimately, it’s not just about the costumes or the apologies; it’s about creating a culture of respect and understanding within these organizations. The incident has sparked a conversation that will continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months.