Samantha Li/Staff reporter
On February 1, four First Nations – Lil̓wat7úl(Líl̓wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm(Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh(Squamish) and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ(Tsleil-Waututh) – came to an agreement with the City of Vancouver and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, to explore a possible bid of hosting the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, according to the “Indigenous-led group taking next step in possible Olympic bid to bring 2030 Games to B.C.” on CTV News Vancouver by Ben Miljure.
Officials from the four First Nation, Vancouver and Whistler announced their partnership for the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic bid last year, and started the process on December 10, as reported by the Canadian Press and Global News.
Based on CBC and the Canadian Press, the group will cooperate with COC (Canadian Olympic Committee), and CPC (Canadian Paralympic Committee) to examine the feasibility of the bid, taking factors such as expenses and benefits for the communities into account.
Grade 11 student, Annie He, said, “we need to consider all aspects before implementation, this event means a lot to not only indigenous communities but everyone who lives here.”
COC and CPC promised to bring considerable experience to the feasibility assessment, which they will also pay for, mentioned by Miljure.
“By taking this step, it shows that Canadian government is taking action about reconciliation, it shows to whom is the land belonged and shared to, and shares those with people who do not know the history behind Canada,” said He.
This would be the first Indigenous-led Olympic game, noted Miljure, and if it were to succeed, “reconciliation will pave the way to 2030.”
Victoria Mundell, grade 10, considers it a positive and impactful move.
“There would be a great impact on the rest of the world. It may not be one of the most important steps for us, but it brings Canadian culture and the awareness of our indigenous communities to a worldwide platform, people would have a better understanding of the origin of our country.”
Decision on whether submitting a formal bid to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) will approximately be made this fall, 2022, referring to CBC, the Canadian Press.
Sources:
“Indigenous-led group taking next step in possible Olympic bid to bring 2030 Games to B.C.”
“2030 Olympics: Indigenous-led bid takes next step to bring Games back to Vancouver”
“Vancouver, Whistler and First Nations to explore feasibility of 2030 Olympics bid”
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