In recognition of the partnership between the community of Quesnel and Lhtako Dene Nation, the BC Games Society has announced that the 2024 BC Winter Games will officially be named the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games.
The announcement marks the first time in the history of the BC Games that a city and First Nations community have been featured together in the official name of the event. Driven by local dialogue, the initiative is part of Quesnel’s ongoing commitment to recognizing Lhtako Dene’s traditional territory, ways of life, and continued cultural presence in the region.
The Lhtako Dene Nation is part of the Dakelh (or Southern Dakelh) Nation in the Athapaskan language group. The multi-sport Games, which will bring thousands of B.C.’s top young athletes, coaches, and officials to the region, represent a unique opportunity to immerse participants from all over the province to the culture and history of the Lhtako Dene people.
The Lhtako Dene Nation and the City of Quesnel are partnering with the Cariboo Regional District and Quesnel School District to bring the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games to life. To learn more about the Games, visit bcgames.org.
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Quotes
Chief and Council, Lhtako Dene Nation
“These Games are about more than just a sporting event. They will present an opportunity to gather and share our traditional ways of life that have been practiced for thousands of years and will continue to carry on. Lhtako Dene Nation is excited to welcome participants and spectators to our unceded territory and look forward to creating memories, building community and sharing knowledge that will last a lifetime.”
Mayor Paull, City of Quesnel
“The City of Quesnel is proud to be a part of the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games and we are very pleased to be hosting these Games in a true partnership with the Lhtako Dene Nation. This first joint naming and hosting of the BC Winter Games is both an historic first and it will serve to deepen the relationship between the City of Quesnel and the Lhtako Dene Nation.”
Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“The BC Winter Games are a shining example of the power of sport in our communities. Reconciliation is at the heart everything we do, and it is a key focus in our strategic framework, the Pathways to Sport. The Province is particularly excited about this initiative because it highlights how partnerships with First Nations can be advanced to benefit everyone. Congratulations to the Lhtako Dene Nation and the community of Quesnel. We look forward to these memorable Games in 2024”.
Alison Noble, BC Games Society President and CEO
“This initiative was driven by the local community in the spirit of reconciliation and in recognition of the true joint partnership between the Lhtako Dene Nation and local partners to put on this event. The naming of the Games is only the beginning and we’re excited to see this partnership grow.”
Media Contact
David Conlin
Communications Manager
BC Games Society
250.356.5254
davidc@archive2.bcgames.org
