For the second Olympic and Paralympic Games in a row, Canada’s curling athletes will compete in competition wear designed by an Indigenous artist. The designer of the 2026 project will also have a chance to wear her co-created uniform at the Games in Italy.
Once again, Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic curling athletes will compete in Indigenous-inspired uniforms.
Goldline Curling has released the competition wear for Canada’s Cortina curlers, who will hit the ice in Italy in February and March.
The design pattern is Indigenous in nature and was unveiled in Thunder Bay, Ont., the hometown of artist Shelby Gagnon, a multidisciplinary 2-Spirit Anishinaabe/Cree artist originally from Aroland First Nation. Gagnon and Regina-based designer Steph Schmidt, who has curled competitively and played in three editions of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts representing Saskatchewan, collaborated on the final design.
Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman • Anil Mungal-Goldline CurlingCanada’s uniforms at Beijing 2022 were designed by 2-Spirit Anishinaabe artist Patrick Hunter and Winnipeg designer Kevin Hurrie on behalf of then-Curling Canada partner Dynasty.
“To see our company’s vision come to life on the global stage, in collaboration with artists Shelby Gagnon and designer Steph Schmidt, is profoundly meaningful,” said Erin Flowers, President of Goldline Curling.
“Their creativity and authenticity have elevated this project beyond design – it’s a celebration of art, sport, and community. Together, we are honoured to share this collective expression of Canadian artistry on the world stage; it’s both humbling and inspiring.”
The prevalent theme of the uniforms is the image of a hummingbird, which on average has a four-year life cycle, matching Olympic and Paralympic quadrennial cycle on which Canada’s high-performance athletes plan around.
Schmidt has a chance to wear the uniform she designed, as she will play third for Team Ashley Thevenot at the Olympic Pre-Trials which begin Monday in Wolfville, N.S.
Wheelchair curling skip Mark Ideson • Anil Mungal-Goldline CurlingReplica versions of the uniforms will go on sale on Nov. 22, on site at the Canadian Olympic Trials in Halifax and also online.
In addition to the Olympic and Paralympic athletes, the 2026 national team designs will be worn by Canadian competitors at 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, Switzerland.