Meet Emma Archibald, Nordiq Canada’s first Para nordic athlete rep! 

Hailing from Fall River, Nova Scotia, Emma started skiing in 2019 with the Scotia XC club.

Now a member of the National Ski Team, she has spent the past two seasons competing on the World Cup circuit and was part of the 2025 FIS Para Nordic World Championships Team. 

Emma is also a nursing student at the University of Ottawa, where she trains with the Gee-Gees cross-country team. 

“I’m really excited to be one of the athlete representatives to the Board. This is a new and unique opportunity to strengthen the athlete voice within our organization, and I look forward to working with the Board and Nordiq Canada.” – Emma Archibald 

Meet Julian Smith, Nordiq Canada’s male athlete rep!

Julian Smith has been re-elected as the male athlete representative for a second term on the Board of Directors. A member of NTDC Thunder Bay, he has multiple World Cup starts and competed at the 2023 World Ski Championships. 

Julian also serves as an athlete representative on the AthletesCan Board of Directors. Outside of sport, he is a Lakehead University biology graduate who enjoys good food, coffee, golfing, photography, and ceramics. 

“I am honored to have been elected for a second term. I am focused on listening more and amplifying the athlete voice. This is a time to create the positive change that we, the athletes, want to see.” – Julian Smith 

This year’s scholarship winner is Tom Stephen. “Tom has been able to maintain and improve his marks in a challenging academic program. He has raced at an international level with success but also overcome adversity in his skiing career. He fits in time to give back to his home club and stay involved at the ground level. We wish him continued success in the future!” – The Ski to School Scholarship Committee

Dave Rees Award  

Awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding long-term commitment to cross country skiing in Canada.  

Firth Award  

Awarded to a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to cross country skiing in Canada.  

Distinguished Volunteer Award  

Awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to cross country skiing.  

Nomination Form 

Nominations are due May 5.   

April 24-27

Ottawa, ON, St. Paul’s College

Coaches often express that while coaching conferences provide valuable material, the content is not always applicable in daily training environments—particularly when working with large groups of 20-25 athletes without access to a fully integrated support team.

Building on the success of last year’s Communities of Practice, we remain committed to ensuring the practical application of the concepts presented. This year’s conference will focus on the theme: “How does this inform programming, and How can I apply it in my daily training environment (DTE)?”

We will explore the existing tools within our system that can be effectively utilized in a developmentally appropriate manner, ensuring they are adaptable to all levels and group sizes across the athlete pathway.

Learn More

Register

Recognized as the most sought-after Canadian artist, Mad Dog Jones is adding Nordiq Canada to the list of global brands and high-profile athletes, including Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, with whom he collaborates. Jones’ work is known for its bold, futuristic aesthetic, and now, he’s bringing that same energy to Canadian cross-country skiing. Check out his Instagram here.

Before becoming a world-renowned artist, Michah was a cross-country ski racer in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and he remains an avid skier, still competing in local races. His deep connection to the sport and the team inspired him to take on this unique project—a first for a Canadian Olympic and Paralympic ski suit.

“I love cross-country skiing, so the opportunity to design a suit for Canada’s best athletes is incredibly special,” said Mad Dog Jones. “I want them to feel fast and strong every time they put it on.”

The 2026 race suit design will be a bold visual statement, reflecting Canadian heritage and the power and athleticism of Canada’s top cross-county skiers.

Nordiq Canada CEO Beckie Scott shared the team’s excitement: “To have an artist of this caliber, who is not only Canadian but also a cross-country skier, designing our Olympic and Paralympic suits is an incredible honor. We can’t wait to see our athletes race in a suit that blends art, sport, and national pride.”

Mad Dog Jones is giving back to the sport he loves, making this design possible for Nordiq Canada. His generosity ensures that Canadian skiers will stand out on the world stage.

Watch for the official unveiling of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games field of play uniform closer the Games.