Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc
April 17, 2023 - 4:30 PM
Tk'emlups and Kamloops are competing against Calgary as the next host for the North American Indigenous Games.
Four North American Indigenous Games delegates eastern Canada and the U.S. are set to visit Tk'emlups and Kamloops from April 21 to 24 to evaluate local facilities and hosting capacity, according to a Tk'emlups news release.
"We are extremely proud and excited to welcome North American Indigenous Games delegates," Kukpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir said in the news release. "Tk'emlups and Kamloops are known internationally for our warm hospitality and well-executed sport competitions that exceed expectations of sport enthusiasts."
Tk'emlups te Secewepemc was chosen as B.C.'s candidate for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games back in November, but First Nation won't know until later this year if it won over the evaluators for the event.
Before the host community is decided, there will be a final evaluation on May 17 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with an in-person presentation to the 26-member Indigenous Games council. The successful host will be announced in Halifax in July.
"We believe our community is the right size for youth to foster a great sense of belonging and Indigenous pride and to showcase our beautiful land and Secwepemc culture," Chief Casimir said.
The North American Indigenous Games is the largest international multi-sport and cultural event for Indigenous youth across the continent, according to the news release.
Tk'emlups and Kamloops would host up to 6,000 athletes, coaches, staff and performers from 756 Indigenous Nations.
This year's events will be in Hallifax.
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