Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops will host four delegates from the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council this weekend as it continues with its bid to become the next host for the North American Indigenous Games.

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casmir says the delegates from eastern Canada and the United States will be in Kamloops from April 21 to 23 to tour sports and cultural facilities as it evaluates local facilities and hosting capacity.

“We are extremely proud and excited to welcome NAIG Delegates,” Casimir said, in a news release.

“Tk̓emlúps and Kamloops are known internationally for our warm hospitality and well executed sport competitions, that exceed expectations of sport enthusiasts. We believe our community is the right size for youth to foster a great sense of belonging and Indigenous pride and to showcase our beautiful land and Secwépemc culture.”

In February, Kamloops City Council unanimously approved spending $10,000 to support this weekend’s delegates visit, with the money helping to cover costs associated with hosting committee members. A City staff report said the band asked the city to co-fund the site visit, helping to pay for flights, ground transportation and special event expenses.

The $10,000 will come from the City’s Community and Protective Services Tournament Capital Services Special Bids budget.

The Indigenous-led Tk’emlúps bid – chosen in November as B.C’s official host bid – is competing against Calgary for the right to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games.

“As an indigenous led bid, Tk̓emlúps and the City of Kamloops are committed to working together and they have been nationally recognized for their combined commitment to reconciliation,” Casimir added. “The Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action 87-91 specifically address reconciliation tied to Sport.”

The final evaluation is an in-person presentation to all 26 members of NAIG Council in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia on May 17, with the winning bid announced during the closing ceremonies of the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in July.

Casimir along with members of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc council and administration will be heading to Nova Scotia for that presentation, with the City of Kamloops council being asked to approve sending Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson and Councillor Bill Sarai to join this delegation.

Also representing the City of Kamloops will be Business Operations and Events Manager, Sean Smith, and the Indigenous and External Relations Manager, Tammy Robertson.