The super gifted Haida designer Dorothy Grant has called out Canadian Miss Universe contestant Samantha Tajik for what she is calling an “offensive” choice of costume.
Representing this country nationally, Samantha Tajik donned a Cree-inspired, fringed leather bikini encrusted with rhinestones and a feathered war bonnet during the 2008 pageant in Vietnam.
“A war bonnet to Cree people or the Prairie Indian people, it’s a sacred thing,” Dorothy said. “It’s used in ceremonies, in peace treaties, used in official addresses. It’s not used as a costume to walk on a stage with a deer-skin bikini.”
Now I certainly don’t think that we as Native people can’t be sexy and strong at the same time, however it’s a tad bit inappropriate to be wearing something sacred that belongs to a culture that isn’t your own, without permission, and in a way that it was not intended for.
What do you think?
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seven comments
I saw that while I was browsing the Miss Universe site, while looking at the Canadians and noticing there was a distinct lack of blondes in this competition (if you can call it that).
I thought it was a bit ridiculous. I probably wouldn't have minded it if it wasn't a bikini, but then I'm not Cree and can't speak for it. If it was me (a Canadian of English descent), I would NEVER have worn that.
But since when is Miss Universe ever PC?
Posted by Catherine
July 17, 2008, 9:55 PM
I saw the image of that, and (in part, I guess, since I am neither Cree nor Native) I didn't realize the sacred aspect of the head dress, but I did think, come on, if you want to represent Native culture as a symbol of Canada (instead of "lumberjack" or "mountie") that's great, but the war bonnet is such a clichéd image, can't we get some traditional/folkloric elements from, like, Haida or Iroquois for once?
Then I realized it was buckskin bikini time, and I figured the change wouldn't help anyone.
Posted by E Grant
July 20, 2008, 7:44 AM
I'm thinking of doing a haida-esque style painting of a squirrel for a gallery project and this is the very thing I'm afraid of!
I'm Chinese, so I'm not even remotely Native.. I know that the different shapes in the designs mean different things, so I'm pretty nervous about accidently saying something I don't mean to, or if someone Native is offended that a non-Native person is attempting the art form.
gah..
Posted by Kathy
July 20, 2008, 10:28 PM
Hi Kathy,
It's good that you are asking the questions! That is respectful and necessary. What city do you live in? I could try and point you in the right direction for who you could talk to.
Alternatively, a good idea is to contact the Haida Nation itself, here is their website: http://www.haidanation.ca/
Talk to someone in the Culture or Heritage department and tell them what you are planning to do, they will point you in the right direction. I'm sure they will be glad that you are going the right route of approaching them first, doesn't happen too often these days!
We need allies, and there was always going to be a way for us to coexist in peace and learn from each other.
Posted by JEssica Yee
July 20, 2008, 10:45 PM
I am not a Native Canadian however I am in total agreement with you. It is simply wrong to appropriate parts of another culture in this way. I notice that it is something that is commonly done to Native peoples, whether it is this example or the naming of sports teams and mascots. It is disrespectful.
Posted by Renee
July 21, 2008, 2:53 PM
Hi Jessica,
I'm in Vancouver, which I know to be a big city but I still don't know where to go or who to talk to. Thanks for the link though, I will definitely be giving the culture department a call (I'm assuming that's the number under the heading "cultural wood" in the contacts list?).
Thanks again!
Posted by Kathy
July 22, 2008, 11:08 PM
Yeah, totally agree here. When I saw her oufit I completely recoiled at the racist and cliched nature of it. I wish they were a bit more creative with the costumes, rather than this constant recycling of old tired cliches. But maybe that asking too much for a beauty competition...
Posted by Catt
July 23, 2008, 7:12 AM
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