MOU on exploring Indigenous-led Olympics in Vancouver signed by Chiefs, Mayors

Posted December 10, 2021 3:21 pm.

Last Updated December 10, 2021 3:34 pm.

The mayors of Vancouver and Whistler have joined forces with four local first nations to see whether it’s possible to bring the Olympics back to the region in 2030.

Mayors Kennedy Stewart and Jack Crompton, along with Indigenous leaders from the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Lilwat First Nations signed a memoradum of understanding to explore the feasibility of hosting the Olympics and Paralympics.

If the Olympic Games return to Vancouver, they will be organized by Indigenous leaders, the MOU says.

That mission falls in line with Action 91 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and is just one reason why chiefs say the MOU is significant.

“The Líl’wat Nation is pleased to partner with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the City of Vancouver to explore the first Indigenous-led bid to host the 2030 Games,” said Chief Dean Nelson.

“The Nations’ participation in the 2010 Games as a bid partner was ground-breaking, and with this announcement and our desire for this to be the first Indigenous led bid for an Olympic Games, we continue to lead the way in Indigenous participation in major events.”

This approach is very different from the one chosen for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, which saw little active engagement and involvement from First Nations.

Vancouver already has some facilities ready to go from the last Olympics, making it an efficient choice if they return to Canada, Coun. Melissa De Genova told CityNews in February.

“We do have the infrastructure, we have a number of facilities that were purpose-built for the Olympic games, and I think not looking at this opportunity would be doing a disservice to the people of Vancouver,” she said.

She referenced venues like Rogers Arena, the Richmond Oval, and Whistler Sliding Centre as potential spots for the games.

Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow said the 2010 games brought the four nations together in a new and exciting way. They continued to work together to benefit their communities.

“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,” said Sparrow.

Squamish Nation Councillor and Spokesperson Wilson Williams sees planning and hosting the Games as an opportunity to increase visibility and awareness of Indigenous culture, rights, and issues.

“Should a bid go forward, our nations will lead and engage in all aspects of planning and hosting the Games. It is an opportunity to announce to the world that we are not invisible,” he said. “We are still here and will always be here.”

Officials did not answer questions about who would pay for the games or how they would raise funds.

Chiefs anticipate they will ask representatives of other First Nations not at the MOU signing to weigh in during the planning process for the tentative games.

Vancouver and Whister staff are examining the budget from the last Olympic games to help them budget moving forward.

A 2030 Vancouver Olympic bid will officially be looked into as the first ever Indigenous-led games.
Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh are partnering with the City of Vancouver and Whistler to form a committee to look into a bid.@CityNewsVAN

— Robyn Crawford (@robyncrawford_) December 10, 2021

Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart says the MOU, at its core, is an invitation from four First Nations to produce a more inclusive Olympics that reflects the population.

“Today is not about 2010 and not even about 2030. It’s about how we as settlers can reshape how we live on Indigenous lands,” he said. “Today is a historic day but there is still a long way to go. We are only at the exploratory phase.”

He continued, “This historic partnership is the first step in exploring something unprecedented, creating the first ever Indigenous-led Olympic and Paralympic bid. As a city of reconciliation, Vancouver is honoured to be invited along with Whistler to support the four Host Nations in this process and demonstrate what true reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples can look like.”

The Mayor of Whistler, Jack Crompton, vocalized his wholehearted support for the MOU, saying he’s ready to put his shoulder behind efforts from Indigenous leaders. He called it a “deep privilege to be asked” to participate in the project.

“My role is to follow,” he said.

“Whistler saw significant benefits from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. As a local government, the Resort Municipality of Whistler is compelled to heed the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report and accept the invitation from the four host nations to join them in exploring the impact and potential benefits from hosting the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”

NEW: 4 B.C. First Nations: Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with @CityofVancouver and @RMOW to assess feasibility of hosting 2030 #Olympic/#Paralympic Games

— Lasia Kretzel (@rhymeswpretzel) December 10, 2021

The audience cheered after leaders signed the MOU.

Vancouver council will discuss the matter and have a public vote on whether the city can proceed with the bid sometime before July 2022.

Stewart hasn’t confirmed spending details yet, but the federal and provincial ministers of sport are “aware of the MOU” and have had “very positive conversations” with City of Vancouver representatives.

Once the feasibility analysis is done, all partners will review collective benefits, priorities, and bidding frameworks for government partnerships.

Trisha Smith from the Canadian Olympic Committee says they want to be part of an event based on the values of respect, inclusivity, and community. They also support reinforcing the TRC’s calls to action and UNDRIP, among other legislation designed to protect and engage Indigenous communities across the country.

Other cities considering hosting the games in 2030 are Lausanne (Switzerland), Sapporo (Japan), Salt Lake City (Utah), and a joint-bid from Spain, France, and Andorra.

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