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Bidding for 2027

Tk’emlups chosen as B.C.’s candidate to bid for 2027 North American Indigenous Games

Nov 25, 2022 | 11:35 AM

TK’EMLUPS — Tk’emlups te Secwépemc (TteS) will be B.C.’s candidate to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games.

In a news release issued Friday (Nov. 25) morning, TteS says Kamloops was selected as an official host candidate by the Indigenous Sports, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC), meaning TteS and the City have submitted their letter of intent to the North American Indigenous Games Council.

“We are extremely proud and excited to be selected to represent British Columbia as we compete against western provinces and territories to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games,” Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir says. “This is a historic opportunity for our people and our Nation, to host Indigenous athletes from across North America, and to showcase our beautiful land and Secwépemc culture.”

Next steps in the bid process include a competition within Western Canada where the North American Indigenous Games Council uses a scoring system that helps the bid committee and council award the games to the best prepared and most qualified host candidate city. The right to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games will be awarded to the candidate that has the highest overall score of their bid book, site evaluation tour, and final in-person presentation.

Rick Brant, I·SPARC CEO, says they are impressed with the partnership formed between TteS and the City.

“A welcoming community, strong leadership, world-class facilities, and the impressive resume of hosting provincial, national, and international sport events make Kamloops the ideal location for the [games],” Brant says.

The North American Indigenous Games Council will award the 2027 Games by mid-July 2023.

The North American Indigenous Games are held every four years and use a geographic rotation when choosing the next location. The next Games will be held in Halifax in 2023. The 2027 bid is for the western region, and the next opportunity for the region to host is in 2039.