The City of Kamloops is throwing its support behind a bid from Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in the Tournament Capital of Canada.

The city’s support includes up to $500,000 of in-kind support in the form of facilities and staff time as well as a potential cash contribution, should the bid be successful.

“Kamloops is proud to have world-class facilities that can support Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc in hosting this monumental event,” Sean Smith, the City’s Events Supervisor said. “Our community has a proven track record of providing an exceptional athlete experience.”

First held in Edmonton in 1990 with 3,000 participants, the North American Indigenous Games have gradually grown to as many as 10,000 participants in 2006, held in Denver, Colorado. Organizers say the games average around 5,000 athletes, coaches, and team staff along with about 3,000 volunteers.

Held in July every four years, the next edition of the North American Indigenous Games will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia next year, with the western region – B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories – in line to host in 2027 and again in 2039.

Each edition of the games feature eight days of competition in up to 16 sports, including 3D archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, box lacrosse, canoe/kayak, golf, rifle shooting, soccer, softball, swimming, volleyball, and wrestling.

“The North American Indigenous Games represents the pinnacle of interprovincial/territorial sport and cultural celebration which embodies the cultural, spiritual, and traditional values of our people,” said Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir added.

Organizers also say the games generate approximately $15 to 20 million in economic spending in the host province or territory.

Bids for the 2027 games will be reviewed in March next year, with a site evaluation scheduled for April 2023 ahead of final presentations to NAIG Council board in May 2023.

The winning bid will be announced in July during the closing ceremonies of the 2023 games.