Kamloops council considers $10k contribution for TteS Indigenous games bid

Photo: Castanet Staff

Kamloops council is being asked to consider contributing $10,000 to support a bid from Tk’emlups te Secwepemc to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games.

According to a city staff report prepared for Tuesday’s council meeting, a selection committee will be visiting Tk’emlups this April, and the money will be used to host the group.

“To assist with the committee hosting, the city has been asked to co-fund the site visit costs in the amount of $10,000 with Tk’emlups,” the report said.

“These funds will contribute towards flight, ground transportation and special event expenses.”

City staff proposed using funds from the 2023 Community and Protective Services, Tournament Capital Special Bids budget.

In September 2022, the former council approved support for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games, pledging half a million dollars of in-kind support should the TteS bid be successful. This would include $500,000 worth of facility use, staff time and a potential cash contribution.

The North American Indigenous Games is the largest multi-sport and cultural event hosted in Canada and the United States.

The games are expected to draw more than 5,000 athletes, coaches and team staff from about 750 Indigenous nations to the host community for eight days of competition.

Sports include 3D archery, athletics, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, swimming, canoe and kayak events, lacrosse and golf.

According to the staff report, the TteS bid is the only one from B.C., with host competitors including Calgary and Saskatoon.

The announcement of the successful host committee is expected to happen this July.

Kamloops council will discuss and vote on the $10,000 funding ask at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 1:30 p.m.