Leaders of the four First Nations behind a first-ever Indigenous-led Olympics bid say the BC government’s decision not to support their efforts to clinch the 2030 Winter Games is a blow to reconciliation.
“For our nation, this is 10 steps back in reconciliation,” said Chief Jen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. “The province asked us to share why we want the Olympics, and we didn’t get the chance.”
Wilson Williams, a councilor for the Squamish Nation, said the four nations were not included in discussions over the denial of funding.
“We didn’t come to the table asking for a blank check. We were [told] this is not the right time. When will be the right time for Indigenous peoples to be at the forefront of this so-called spirit of reconciliation? said Williams.
The bid, which is now essentially dead, was spearheaded by Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations, in conjunction with the Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee and the municipalities of Vancouver and Whistler.
In a statement Thursday, the province cited billions of dollars costs associated with hosting the Olympics and the risk of not being able to address other pressing issues for British Columbians, among the reasons for his decision.
“[We had to weigh] its costs, its risks, its potential benefits in relation to government priorities like health care, like public safety, investing in the cost of living,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
Chief Wayne Sparrow expressed his disappointment on behalf of the Musqueam Indian Band.
“When the Minister mentioned it was not a priority…I said it was bigger than 2030. It is reconciliation and it works with nations, government to government, to go from forward,” he said.
British Columbia is already set to host the 2025 Invictus Games and Vancouver is one of 16 North American host cities for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
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