A Collaboration Rooted in Culture, Creativity, and Community

When Curling Canada set out to create the National Team uniforms for the 2026 international season, they partnered with Goldline Curling to deliver a design that would honour the athletes, the land they represent, and the spirit of Canada. To bring that vision to life, Goldline collaborated with two Indigenous artists, Shelby Gagnon of Aroland First Nation and Greyden Lee Louison of Kahkewistahaw First Nation, along with Regina-based curler and designer Steph Schmidt, who integrated the artwork into the final Team Canada uniforms.

The result is a collection rich with meaning. The uniforms feature symbols of resilience, unity, community, and the strength that Canadian athletes carry into competition. The same artwork used on the official red, white, and black uniforms also inspired a lifestyle extension called the True North Collection, featuring hoodies and crewnecks based on the maple leaf and hummingbird designs.

Meet the Artists & Designer

Shelby Gagnon – Maple Leaf & Hummingbird Artist

A 2-Spirit Anishinaabe/Cree multidisciplinary artist from Aroland First Nation, Shelby’s work centres on storytelling, land connection, identity, and community wellness. Her practice spans murals, painting, installations, community-engaged projects, hide tanning, and land-based art. Shelby brings together art, culture, and movement to honour ancestral teachings and contemporary Indigenous expression.

“It’s been a beautiful experience bringing together sport, culture, and art — exploring holistic wellness and what it means to feel healthy within ourselves through movement, creativity, and community. It’s especially meaningful to share the symbolism of the birds and the plant life of Turtle Island through this design.”

Check out more of Shelby’s work here.

Greyden Lee Louison – Feather Creator

Greyden is a Saskatchewan First Nation curler from Kahkewistahaw First Nation #72. Deeply connected to his community and culture, he began curling at age eight, balancing school, sport, and advocacy. His artwork reflects traditions, symbology, and the pride of his community. Greyden previously collaborated with Goldline’s partner organization, UnitedWeCurl, creating an Indigenous Culture broom design that celebrated his heritage.

Steph Schmidt – Team Canada Uniform Designer

Steph Schmidt is a designer, curler, and storyteller from Regina. She holds a design degree from NSCAD and pursued a self-directed illustration pathway through RISD. Her design philosophy is based on the idea that no mark should be made without meaning. Steph translated Shelby’s artwork into the final Team Canada uniform design and ensured the symbolism was balanced with function and the athlete experience.

“As a curler and a designer this has been a dream come true. This collaboration brought profound moments of wisdom and creativity. I’m so excited to offer Canadians a re-imagined maple leaf with depth and meaning, and a creature as small as the hummingbird and its relentless spirit despite its size.”

Check out more of Steph’s work here.

The Hummingbird

The hummingbird is a central storytelling element of the uniform. It represents:

  • Facing Challenges: Lightness of spirit and belief in one’s dream.

  • Perseverance: A legend often interpreted as a story about individual action making a difference.

  • Endurance: Wings beating up to 80 times per second, capable of flying up to 20 hours – strength beyond size.

  • Journey: A traveller crossing storms and great distances, echoing the path of high-performance athletes.

  • Charm: A group of hummingbirds is called a charm, symbolizing support from all of Canada.

  • Cycle: A four-year lifespan mirroring the Olympic and Paralympic quadrennial cycle.

Spirit lines within the artwork symbolize guidance from ancestors and the supporters who remain with the athletes on their journey.

The Maple Leaf

The design reflects natural elements of Turtle Island and the connection between land, spirit, and community. The maple leaf tells a story of Mother Earth, nurturing us while the moon hovers above giving guidance and light from ancestor’s past. Together, these elements honour identity, unity, and the enduring strength that Canadians carry forward.

The Feather

Created by Greyden Lee Louison, the feather symbolizes honour, strength, and protection. In Greyden’s own words, “The eagle feather is regarded as a sacred gift to have, and we wear it on our regalia when we dance because it holds a lot of power and strength.” His feather design integrates seamlessly with the maple leaf and hummingbird, bringing balance and identity to the overall artwork.

The 2026 Team Canada Uniforms

These uniforms will be worn during the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

From left to right: Nolan Thiessen (CEO, Curling Canada); Erin Flowers (President, Goldline Curling); Richard Norman (Director, Community Futures & Innovation, Curling Canada); and Shelby Gagnon (2-Spirit Anishinaabe/Cree artist).

The True North Collection

Inspired by the same artwork featured on Team Canada uniforms, the True North Collection brings these designs into everyday wear.

Follow the Journey

The True North Collection honours the stories, symbols, and creative voices that shaped Canada’s 2026 curling uniforms. Each piece carries elements of the artwork in a way that connects culture, community, and the spirit of the sport.

Stay connected as we continue to share the inspiration behind the designs, updates from the artists and athletes, and moments from events throughout the season. Follow Goldline and Curling Canada on social media to see the story unfold.