INDIGENOUS GAMES – Calgary big awarded 2027 Games over Kamloops

At the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Closing Ceremony in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the NAIG Council announced that the 2027 games were awarded to Calgary, Alberta.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc has lost out to Calgary in its bid for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games. The announcement was made today (July 21, 2023) at the closing ceremony for this year’s Games in Halifax.

The NAIG are held every four years and showcase the skills of indigenous youth athletes aged 13-19 years, competing in 16 sports, who represent over 750 nations across North America.

“While we are disappointed that Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc was not successful in their bid to host the 2027 NAIG, we would like to very sincerely congratulate the City of Calgary on their success,” said Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir.

“We, at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, look forward to cheering on our members and other athletes from B.C. as they compete in the wonderful city of Calgary.”

Mayor Reid Hamer Jackson, who attended the announcement in Halifax with Casimir, commented that “the City of Kamloops is, of course, disappointed that Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc was not chosen to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games.

“The bid, site visit and final presentation were excellent. We worked together to showcase the incredible cultural opportunities and amenities we offer, but it was not our time to host. We congratulate Calgary on their successful bid and wish them an awesome Games in 2027”.

Premier David Eby said he shared the disappointment. “I know their heartfelt efforts will be rewarded in future. Congratulations to Calgary on a successful bid. We will be cheering competitors from B.C. at what we hope are a very memorable and successful Games.”