Canadian curling athletes will showcase new team uniforms on the global stage next year, as revealed in Thunder Bay, Ont. Curling Canada introduced the uniforms, crafted by a local artist, to symbolize nature, Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, and the iconic Maple Leaf. Nolan Thiessen, CEO of Curling Canada, expressed optimism that the incorporation of Indigenous imagery will encourage greater participation in curling.
The uniforms, available in red, white, and black variations, will debut in 2026 at prestigious 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.
A prominent feature of the uniforms is the hummingbird image, representing a four-year life cycle that aligns with the quadrennial cycle of the Olympics and Paralympics. Shelby Gagnon, a 2-Spirit Anishinaabe/Cree artist, collaborated with designer Steph Schmidt on the final design, emphasizing the fusion of sport, culture, and art. Gagnon expressed pride in seeing their creation showcased on a global platform.
Heather Houston, a former world curling champion, lauded the uniforms as inspiring and praised the intricate design process. Schmidt, a curler and designer, described the collaboration as a dream come true, highlighting the depth and significance of the reimagined Maple Leaf and the resilient spirit embodied by the hummingbird.
The 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.
