Vancouver’s World Cup Includes Indigenous Nations

Vancouver’s World Cup fan festival and planning committees partnered with the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh nations, building on a model first used during the 2010 Winter Olympics. The First Nations groups were official host partners during the 2010 Olympics, a first for the International Olympic Committee, and have continued to collaborate with organizers of major sporting events.

This approach extends beyond Vancouver. Seattle’s World Cup organization received sponsorship from the Puyallup Tribe, while Toronto and Mexico City incorporated Indigenous performers and artisans into their events.

FIFA has made Indigenous engagement a key part of its sustainability strategy, launching the Unite for Indigenous Peoples campaign at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Each of the three Vancouver-area First Nations will receive $6 million for legacy projects. Organizers hope to extend the benefits beyond the tournament, encouraging visitors to explore Indigenous tourism throughout British Columbia, which currently generates $1.1 billion annually.