Australia Tour 2026

Our Jersey’s Story

Mista-Muskwa, our Ancestors and the circle of life

A red grizzly bear with a maple leaf on its chest rises from a rushing river, with pine trees, mountains and red and white concentric circles behind.
Designed by Crystal Semaganis

A jersey rooted in Cree heritage

Designed by Cree artist Crystal Semaganis, the Canada Grizzlies 2026 Australia Tour Jersey thoughtfully incorporates elements of her cultural heritage. Each aspect of the jersey and other pieces of the Grizzlies training gear and travel wear team kit is intentionally selected to reflect and honour her Cree identity and traditions.

Front of the Canada Grizzlies 2026 tour jersey: red and white concentric circles across the shoulders fading to grey, pine trees, and a roaring red grizzly bear with a maple leaf on its chest, above flowing black-and-white river lines.
The Front · Mista-Muskwa
Back of the Canada Grizzlies 2026 tour jersey: red and white concentric circles fading to grey, with mountains, trees, and a dotted river winding through black-and-white landscape lines.
The Back · Mountains, Lakes & Rivers
In the Artist’s Words

Artist’s Comment – Crystal Semaganis

Canada is largely defined by the Canadian Shield, and its symbolism is closely tied to the bear. In Cree, we call the bear Muskwa or, more specifically, Mista-Muskwa for the grizzly. The bear is regarded as the carrier of medicine and belongs to the medicine clan. All healing medicines are considered gifts from Mista-Muskwa, making them one of the most revered beings in the circle of creation.

The circles in the sky represent our Ancestors, while the trees symbolize Mista-Muskwa’s home. Lakes and rivers are where Mista-Muskwa feeds, enjoying fish, grasses, and spring flowers as they awaken from their deep sleep to help renew the world. The mountains are seen as the grandfathers, the place where Mista-Muskwa rests. Circles are significant because the bear’s life is a circle, certain as the sun and moon, and complete like our Ancestors in the Spirit World.

In the Plains Cree language, the grizzly, Mista Muskwa, is depicted with a maple leaf on their heart to signify their Canadian heritage when travelling abroad. A white pine on the left arm serves as a reminder of home. This depiction was created with care and respect for the bear, my people, and the important task before you.

The Full Kit

Team Kit – Australia Tour 2026

Crystal’s design carries right through the tour kit, from the playing strip to training gear and travel wear.

Front and back of the Canada Grizzlies playing jersey: red and white concentric circles fading to grey, with the red grizzly bear on the front and the player number on the back.
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