(October 28, 2022) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) issued a joint statement on Friday in reaction to the Government of British Columbia’s announcement that they will not support an Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2030:

“We are disappointed to hear that the Government of British Columbia has declined to support the Indigenous-led efforts to bring an Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games back to Canada.

From the beginning, when the COC and CPC were invited by the Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations to participate in a feasibility study, we believed all partners had to be on board for the project to continue – and that includes all levels of government.

While this is not the outcome we were hoping for, there is no denying that the work done so far has been truly transformational. We have set a new precedent for putting reconciliation at the heart of major event planning in this country, bringing to life Call to Action #91 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as the principles of UNDRIP and DRIPA. In doing so, we presented a bid that put climate action, fiscal responsibility, and the housing and development needs of the host communities at the heart of the Games concept, which uniquely would have reused existing venues and infrastructure to deliver the Games. Most of all, we were proud to follow a process that served as a model of respect, inclusivity and community.

As individuals and organizations we have learned a tremendous amount through this project, and we thank all of our partners for their collaboration and commitment to this point. We are committed to building on this important work and sharing our lessons with the world. In following this Indigenous-led process, we believe we’ve been part of a model that can apply beyond sport and we encourage all organizations and policymakers across the country to build on this work as they strive to meaningfully put reconciliation in action.

We know that the impact of hosting a Games starts from the time that communities come together to dream of a better future and we are committed to supporting a lasting legacy from the first ever Indigenous-led bid. We believe in the transformative power of sport and heard from thousands of people during our community engagement who shared their hopes for the impact of a 2030 Games. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Four Host First Nations to support bringing the benefits of sport to more members of the community and are excited about what we can continue to accomplish together. We will have more to share in the coming weeks."

A Future Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in BC

Working under the leadership of Líl̓wat (Lilwat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, the 2030 Feasibility Team is exploring the possibility of hosting the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in British Columbia. This is an Indigenous-led, privately funded process that can and should set a precedent for how we work collaboratively as sport leaders, government officials, Indigenous communities, and venue hosts to review opportunities that can greatly benefit our country and its citizens.

These Games can be a beacon of hope, inspire us to live healthier, to find harmony with the land, to lift each other up, and to build a stronger Canada. Indigenous-led, the Games will leverage and enhance the lasting legacies of Vancouver 2010, while accelerating our shared journey of reconciliation. These will be an inclusive, sustainable, climate-positive Games that will drive change by giving communities, businesses, organizations, and the public a common dream to share, while creating legacies that reflect the priorities and needs of a new generation of Canadians.

Why Now?

In 2010, the eyes of the world turned to Canada to see a nation proudly share its treasures, with open arms and glowing hearts. And 12 years after the Vancouver 2010 flame was extinguished, you can still feel the afterglow today.

The chance to host an Olympic and Paralympic Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that remarkably is open to us once more. Hosting another Games in the region will leverage and enhance the powerful legacy of Vancouver 2010, creating new Olympic and Paralympic legacies to support the evolving needs of a new generation of Canadians.

A future Games would give us all a chance to remember what it felt like to truly come together as a country, united in pride and passion. It’s an opportunity to renew the venues, programs and partnerships created by Vancouver 2010 and that continue to move our communities forward today.

And most of all, as an Indigenous-led initiative, it’s a chance to advance a collective commitment to reconciliation, amplify the voices of Indigenous communities and engage with Canadians to reimagine what a Winter Games can be, and how they can help build a better and stronger Canada.

We have the ability to create a Games that will not stand in the shadow of Vancouver 2010, but proudly and boldly beside it, building on the legacies of the past and envisioning an even stronger, more resilient future. We did it before. And we can do it again.

A Games Concept of Three Circles

By following guiding principles that include being fiscally and environmentally responsible, building on 2010 venue legacies, considering weather for outdoor events and creating a Games atmosphere for athletes, spectators and residents alike, the Games concept formed naturally into three circles - a sacred symbol in Indigenous cultures, reflected in the shape of the world, the sun and the moon, and demonstrating the interdependence of all forms of life. The circle shows equality between partners and welcomes everyone to the table.

The three circles, proposed in this Games concept to host 2030 sport events, cultural programming and celebrations are Whistler (Lil'wat and Squamish territories), Vancouver and the Lower Mainland (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh territories), and Sun Peaks (Adams Lake, Little Shuswap Lake and Neskonlith territories). Read the initial hosting concept here.

These Games are a chance to remember our past, renew our present as we emerge from the pandemic, and reimagine our future as a nation that holds Truth and Reconciliation, sustainability and our physical and mental health paramount.