Curling Alberta, UFA Co-operative Ltd., and First Nations Health Consortium Announce Indigenous Youth Program for 2026 World Women’s Curling Championship
Curling Alberta is proud to announce an expanded collaboration with the UFA Co-operative Limited (UFA) and a new partnership with the First Nations Health Consortium (FNHC) to deliver a legacy youth curling initiative in conjunction with the 2026 BKT World Women’s Curling Championship in Calgary.
The program will engage Indigenous youth in curling through a combined school and community based activation aligned with Curling Alberta’s Ready to Rock development model, creating meaningful, accessible sport experiences tied to one of the world’s premiere curling events.
UFA has been a long-standing supporter of Curling Alberta, promoting grassroots programming that strengthens communities and creates opportunities for youth across the province. The expansion of this relationship reflects a shared commitment to increasing access to sport and inspiring youth through meaningful participation.
FNHC joins this initiative as a new partner, bringing expertise in community‑driven and culturally relevant programming that promotes health, wellness, and active living for Indigenous youth across Alberta.
World Women’s Curling Championship Activation
As part of the 2026 BKT World Women’s Curling Championship, Curling Alberta, UFA and FNHC will deliver a school‑to‑ice curling program introducing Indigenous youth to the sport in a fun, welcoming, and structured environment.
Each participating community will engage up to 200 students, beginning with an introductory Floor Curling session at their school, followed by a four‑week Learn to Curl program on ice at their local curling facility. Programming will be delivered during the school day, helping remove transportation and after‑school participation barriers.
This initiative is designed not only to introduce curling skills, but to foster confidence, teamwork, physical literacy, and connections between youth and their local curling clubs.
Culminating World Women’s Experience
The program will culminate in a Floor Curling Championship and World Women’s Game Experience on March 13-14 2026, at WinSport in Calgary, AB, bringing together Indigenous youth from participating communities for a two‑day celebration of sport.
Participants will:
- Compete in a province‑wide Floor Curling Championship
- Connect with youth from other First Nation communities
- Attend a live game at the 2026 BKT World Women’s Curling Championship
The event will provide a fantastic opportunity for youth to experience an international sporting event while celebrating participation, community, and inclusion.
Creating a Lasting Legacy
Through the expanded partnership with UFA and the new collaboration with FNHC, Curling Alberta aims to deliver this program in 7 Indigenous communities in its first year, creating a meaningful legacy tied to the 2026 World Women’s Curling Championship.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment to growing the game of curling, supporting Indigenous youth, and ensuring world‑class events leave a positive and lasting impact in communities across Alberta.