VANCOUVER Mayor Kennedy Stewart on Tuesday said in a statement following the unveiling of the proposed 2030 Games Hosting Concept that the bid for the Winter Olympic was another step in an Indigenous-led process that has put Reconciliation at its core.
He added: “It has been – and continues to be – an honour to be invited alongside Mayor [Jack] Crompton of Whistler to work under the leadership of the Host First Nations of our communities: the LilĚ“wat7Ăşl (LĂlĚ“wat), xĘ·məθkĘ·É™yĚ“É™m (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wĂş7mesh (Squamish) and sÉ™lĚ“ilwĚ“É™taʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) in this process with the support of the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee.
“As I have said many times, this is about First Nations inviting settler colonial governments like ours into an Indigenous-led process. Today is a moment to recognize this way of doing things, and celebrate that it has led us to a proposed concept of a 2030 Winter Olympic Games rooted in Reconciliation.
“In the months to come, engagement will be held in each of our communities around this games concept. It is an opportunity not only to explore with our communities the idea of hosting the Olympics, but more importantly the idea of working in true partnership with the First People’s of these lands.
“Hosting the Olympic Games is a monumental undertaking. Precisely the kind of massive opportunity that must benefit Indigenous People and help us in our journey towards building a more sustainable, equitable, and just future for all of us.
“Each of the host community governments will engage with residents and determine whether to proceed with a potential 2030 bid. If that were to happen, it would involve continued dialogue with local, provincial and federal partners as well as the International Olympic Committee.
“The results of the feasibility study will be presented to Vancouver City Council at a Public Council meeting, as well as all other Leadership Assembly member Councils. Once all Councils have reviewed and made their decisions, we will be able to determine if the 2030 Olympic bid moves forward or not.”
