On March 13 & 14th students from three First Nations communities traveled to Calgary to take part in a unique curling experience.
Through a floor curling bonspiel at WinSport, they learned the game, competed together, and built new connections all while representing their schools and communities with pride.
This experience was part of a broader initiative to introduce First Nations youth to curling in a way that is fun, inclusive, and rooted in community.
More Than Just Curling
Learned and competed in a floor curling bonspiel at WinSport- Heard directly from Olympic-level curlers about their journeys
- Created signs and prepared to support Team Canada
- Attended the opening draw of the World Women’s Curling
Championship - Shared the experience alongside peers from other First Nations communities
“Last night the kids were social butterflies. They made friends immediately. They’re having a fun time. The kids are in their community all the time and don’t have access to experiences like this”
Jeffrey Holmes – Teacher, Alexander First Nation
“The kids are scared and a little intimidated. We’re very “bushed” the farthest most of the kids have gone is to Edmonton. Coming to Calgary is a big event for them.”
Bradley Twin – Teacher, Swan River First Nations School
“We wanted to get to more rural and remote communities, and we’ve succeeded at that. Some of these kids were on the bus for 9 hours yesterday, exposure to the sport. We’ve had a showing of hands this morning about who has thrown a rock and there were only three. They’re all engaged so it’s really exciting!”
Lesley McEwan – Curling Alberta, Youth Program Director
“For a lot of these kids they have never been to Treaty 7. It meant so much to the children to see that even though we are all First Nations we have different ways of doing religious ceremony. It’s a good experience for them.”
Sam Laboucan, First Nations Health Consortium
Thanks to our partners and collaborators
