Patrick Ma / Staff reporter
Four First Nations and the municipalities of Vancouver and Whistler have teamed up to propose hosting the 2030 winter Olympics in Vancouver.
According to a CTV news article written by Ben Miljure, on February 1, the Canadian Olympic committees have announced their support for an Indigenous-led proposal to host the 2030 winter Olympics in British Columbia. The four first nations leading this proposal, the Lilwat, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh first nations have been working alongside the municipalities of Vancouver, and Whistler and made a proposal to have the 2030 winter Olympics in Vancouver.
This is an opportunity for the Indigenous people of Canada to start a new trend towards Canada’s national goal of reconciliation. After the discovery of the graves of 215 children in Kamloops and additional graves found across Canada.
This could be Canada’s first major step to reconciling its dark past; additionally, if this bid is won, the Indigenous peoples of Canada can use the worldwide attention that the Olympics brings to teach the world about their cultures and values.
The 2030 Olympics would give the Aboriginal peoples of Canada a say in their future after being discriminated and silenced for so long.
According to the CTV news article “Indigenous-led group taking next step in possible Olympic bid to bring 2030 Games to B.C.” written by Miljure, “no indigenous group has ever led and effort to host the games before, – and if this one is to be successful, reconciliation will pave the way to 2030.”
”Kian Esmaeili, Grade 11, said, “over the past few years, I have been really interested in learning more about indigenous culture and I think it is really important that they have an opportunity to have their voice heard. I think this is an important step towards reconciling our past as I think this is an opportunity to teach the current and future generations; I also think that this would be a great opportunity to acknowledge how we have treated indigenous people in our past.” Evan Owens, a grade 11 student stated, “this is definitely a step towards reconciliation, it is finally prioritizing Indigenous voices.”
This event would be an opportunity to teach others about Canada’s cultures, history, and values.
It is possible that this proposal may inspire Indigenous peoples in other countries to make an effort to be heard and follow in Vancouver’s footsteps.
“If this does go forward, I think it’s a global steppingstone for global reconciliation,” said Owens. “I think it’s a symbol for the rest of the world,” he added. In a CBC news article, Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow stated, “by exploring the possibility of bringing the Games back to our territories, we have an opportunity to create a new Olympic legacy that is grounded in our unique Indigenous perspectives — an approach that should be considered for all future Games.”
Sources:
Indigenous-led group taking next step in possible Olympic bid to bring 2030 Games to B.C.
Vancouver, Whistler and First Nations to explore feasibility of 2030 Olympics bid
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