Miss Universe Canada contestants slammed for ‘cultural appropriation’ over Indigenous pageant costumes

Two Miss Universe Canada contestants who wore Indigenous-inspired outfits during the pageant were slammed over “cultural appropriation” by an Indigenous former winner. Karisa Haverkamp and Jasleen Kaily donned the outfits during the national costume portion of the competition in Windsor, Ontario, on Aug. 4, according to APTN News. Haverkamp wore a feathered headdress traditionally associated with respected Indigenous leaders in North America, along with a red handprint painted on her face, a symbol of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement. Karisa Haverkamp’s feathered headdress costume at Miss Universe Canada sparked claims of “cultural appropriation.” ashleycallingbullofficial/Facebook Jasleen Kaily’s all-fur dress, mukluk boots and braids also sparked controversy.