Inside the Games – The Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat), xwmə kwəy’əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, the City of Vancouver and the Resort Municipality of Whistler have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the possibility of hosting the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver in 2030.

In a joint statement, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) said: “We applaud the signing of an MoU between the four First Nations, the City of Vancouver and Resort Municipality of Whistler. “We believe there is incredible potential for a transformative Olympic and Paralympic Games in the region and support a process that explores feasibility in accordance with First Nations protocol, Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Report Call to Action 91, the United Nations Declarations on The Rights of Indigenous Peoples and BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “We believe this agreement provides the foundation for transformative change for future event hosting and collaborative work with Indigenous communities across Canada and the world.”

In a statement, Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow said: “By exploring the possibility of bringing the Games back to our territories, we have an opportunity to create a new Olympic legacy that is grounded in our unique Indigenous perspectives – an approach that should be considered for all future Games.”

Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart previously said he would not support a bid to host the 2030 Games that was not led by First Nations.
COC President Tricia Smith said the concept of the bid will focus on “reconciliation through respect, inclusivity, and community,” something that can be a “vehicle for transformative change.”