Leaders from the four First Nations behind a first-ever Indigenous-led Olympic bid say the B.C. government’s decision not to support their efforts to land the 2030 Winter Games is a blow to reconciliation.
“For our nation, this is 10 steps backwards in reconciliation,” said Chief Jen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. “We were asked by the province to share why we want the Olympics, and we didn’t get the opportunity.”
Wilson Williams, a Squamish Nation councillor, said the four nations were not included in any discussions around the funding denial.
“We didn’t come to the table asking for a blank cheque. We were [told] this ain’t the right time. When will be the right time for Indigenous peoples to be at the forefront in this so-called spirit of reconciliation?” Williams said.
The bid, which is now essentially dead, was led by the Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations, in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and the municipalities of Vancouver and Whistler.
In a statement Thursday, the province cited billions of dollars in costs associated with hosting the Olympics, and the risk of not being able to address other pressing issues for British Columbians, as part of the reasons behind its decision.
“[We had to weigh] its costs, its risks, its potential benefits against government priorities like health care, like public safety, investing in the cost of living,” said Lisa Beare, the minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport.
Chief Wayne Sparrow expressed disappointment on behalf of the Musqueam Indian Band.
“When the minister mentioned it was not a priority… I mentioned it’s bigger than 2030. It’s reconciliation and it’s working with the nations, government to government, to move forward,” he said.
B.C. 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.