Tkemlúps te Secwépemc loses bid to host 2027 North American Indigenous Games

Calgary will be hosting the 2027 North American Indigenous Games instead of Kamloops.

Both cities were competing to attract the 6,000 athletes and attendees who are expected to be at the event, which is held once every four years. It showcases indigenous competitions between athletes from ages 13 to 19 years, through 16 sports. The athletes represent over 750 nations across the continent.

Calgary was announced as the upcoming host at this year’s Games in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

“While we are disappointed that Tkemlúps 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,” Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir said in a media release. “We, at Tkemlúps te Secwépemc, look forward to cheering on our members and other athletes from BC as they compete in the wonderful city of Calgary.”

Premier David Eby also expressed his disappointment in the release.

“I know their heartfelt efforts will be rewarded in future,” Eby said. “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.”

Mayor Reid Hamer Jackson also shared a comment.

“The City of Kamloops is, of course, disappointed that T?emlúps te Secwépemc was not chosen to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games,” the mayor said in the release. “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.”

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.