Canadian curling athletes are set to debut new team uniforms on the global stage next year, as announced in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Curling Canada revealed that the uniforms, crafted by an artist from the northwestern Ontario city, are inspired by nature, Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, and the iconic Maple Leaf.
Nolan Thiessen, CEO of Curling Canada, expressed his optimism that the design, which incorporates Indigenous imagery, will encourage broader participation in curling. “You always want to provide those platforms so that people see themselves in your sport,” Thiessen shared with CBC Thunder Bay, emphasizing inclusivity and openness within the sport.
The uniforms, available in red, white, and black variations, are slated to be worn exclusively in 2026 at prominent 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.
The central motif of the uniforms features a hummingbird, symbolizing a four-year life cycle that aligns with Canada’s high-performance athletes’ quadrennial planning for the Olympics and Paralympics. Shelby Gagnon, a 2-Spirit Anishinaabe/Cree artist from Aroland First Nation, collaborated with Regina-based designer Steph Schmidt on the final design, which integrates symbolism from Indigenous culture and nature.
Heather Houston, the 1989 world curling champion, also attended the uniform unveiling event and praised the design for its beauty and inspiration. Schmidt, reflecting on the collaboration, described it as a dream come true and highlighted the profound moments of creativity and wisdom that emerged during the design process.
Commercial versions of the uniforms will be available for purchase starting November 22, both in-person at the 2025 Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials in Halifax and online. The unveiling of these innovative uniforms marks a significant milestone for Canadian curling, blending sport, culture, and art in a visually striking and symbolically rich representation on the international stage.
