Canadian curling athletes are set to showcase new team uniforms on the global stage next year, as revealed in Thunder Bay, Ont.
The uniforms, crafted by an artist from the northwestern Ontario city, have been described by Curling Canada as embodying significant imagery inspired by nature, Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, and the iconic Maple Leaf.
Nolan Thiessen, the CEO of Curling Canada, expressed optimism that the incorporation of Indigenous Peoples in the design will encourage more individuals to engage with the sport of curling.
Thiessen emphasized the importance of providing inclusive platforms for individuals to see themselves reflected in the sport, stating, “There’s a lot of different ways to do that and this is just one of them, but hopefully, it does showcase that we are open and we are welcoming.”
The team uniforms are available in red, white, and black variations and will be exclusively worn in 2026 at major events including the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the World Women’s Curling Championship in Calgary, the World Men’s Curling Championship in Ogden, Utah, and the World Mixed Doubles Championship in Geneva.
Artist Enthusiastic About Uniform Designs Showcase
The central motif of the uniforms revolves around the image of a hummingbird, symbolizing a four-year life cycle that aligns with the quadrennial cycle of the Olympics and Paralympics that Canadian high-performance athletes adhere to.
Thiessen expressed his excitement at the opportunity to present the designs to a wider audience, stating, “It’s exciting to get to finally show this off to all of Canada and the world.”
Shelby Gagnon, a multidisciplinary 2-Spirit Anishinaabe/Cree artist from Aroland First Nation, collaborated with Regina-based designer Steph Schmidt on the final design. Schmidt, who has competed in curling and participated in three editions of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts representing Saskatchewan, contributed her expertise to the project.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Gagnon described it as “a beautiful experience bringing together sport, culture, and art,” highlighting the significance of sharing the symbolism of birds and plant life from Turtle Island through the design.
“We created these beautiful works of art that people could wear, and I think that’s really special,” Gagnon shared with CBC News, expressing anticipation for the upcoming curling events and the debut of the design at the Olympics.
Former World Curling Champion Praises Inspiring Uniforms
Heather Houston, the 1989 world curling champion, was present at the team uniform unveiling and commended the process behind the creation of the uniforms, emphasizing the trust, artistry, and collaborative effort involved in their development.
“To wear something this beautiful and this inspiring will be great for our athletes,” Houston remarked, expressing enthusiasm for the impact of the uniforms on the Canadian athletes.