“Sometimes there are mistakes that are made,” said Callingbull.

“It’s 2026. We should know better, but most importantly a part of reconciliation is that we educate and learn and understand and move on from these things in a good way.”

On Aug. 4, Miss Universe Canada hosted its national pageantry costume competition in Windsor, Ont., where 35 contestants were competing for this year’s crown.

During the costume portion, Karisa Haverkamp walked on stage wearing a turquoise, black and white feathered headdress and a small red painted hand on her cheek.

Jasleen Kaily, another contestant, walked out wearing a two-piece “Arctic Beauty” costume with brown fringes on the thighs, two braids, mukluks and a maple leaf cutout on her back.

In an interview with CBC Indigenous on Friday, Callingbull said “my jaw just dropped on the floor.”

“This cannot be real. I just couldn’t get over that this was happening. Who allowed this on stage? Who approved this?” she said.

“Anything traditional or sacred should not be allowed. I was very, very upset.”