The Kamloops-Tk'emlúps delegation in Halifax as part of the bid process for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games. (Photo via MP Frank Caputo)
A delegation from the City of Kamloops and Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc has made its final pitch as part of the bid to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games.
Speaking on the NL Noon Report from Halifax, Tk’emlúps Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir says the delegation put its best foot forward to try and convince the NAIG Council to pick the Kamloops-area as the host venue in four years time.
“This is the North American Indigenous Games and it is something that will be hugely impactful for our respective communities but most importantly all of our youth,” Casimir said.
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 games in four years.
“We have not seen their bid or their presentation. They kept us completely separate and apart,” Casimir added. “We’re pretty excited. There was a lot of work, a lot of dedication, lot of individuals working off the side of their desk.”
Casmir says Kamloops has been a great partner over the last several months as the two communities worked together on this bid.
“Really excited that they here as well. They also got to present,” Casimir said.
“It is a totally collaborative effort when you look at all the sporting venues that Kamloops has to offer and how we’re going to be bringing in the cultural and traditional perspectives to be able to support these games moving forward.”
A contingent from Kamloops, host of this year’s Memorial Cup in town to bid for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games and here to cheer on the Mooseheads tonight.
GO @HFXMooseheads
GO @blazerhockey pic.twitter.com/5XPYF136qz— Mavs Gillis (@eastlinkmavs) May 16, 2023
Last month, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops hosted four delegates from the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council who toured sports and cultural facilities in the area as part of its evaluation of local facilities and hosting capacity.
If successful, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and Kamloops will welcome up to 6,000 athletes, coaches, team staff, and cultural performers from over 756 Indigenous Nations in Canada and the United States, generating as much as $15 to 20 million in economic spending in the area.
Each edition of the North American Indigenous 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 winning bid will be announced during the closing ceremonies of the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Halifax this July.
