Media Familiarization Tour Spotlights Indigenous Voices and Cultures Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26™

International media invited to experience Indigenous tourism offerings firsthand

As Vancouver prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), in partnership with Destination Vancouver, is working to ensure First Nations voices and perspectives are meaningfully represented throughout the entire event. On June 16, 2025, exactly one year before the tournament, ITBC and Destination Vancouver hosted a special cultural event at Salmon n’ Bannock as part of a FIFA Media Familiarization Tour, welcoming seven international journalists from the UK and Australia.

The event offered journalists a unique opportunity to hear directly from First Nations leaders and Indigenous tourism ambassadors about the significance of the tournament taking place on the unceded territories of the Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh), and Tsleil-Waututh (səlilwətaɬ) Nations.

Chief Wayne Sparrow (Musqueam Indian Band), Councillor Wilson Williams (Squamish Nation), and Arthur Macapagal, Senior Manager of Governance and Council Operations (Squamish Nation), joined the evening to share First Nations knowledge and perspectives, grounding the event in local leadership, authenticity, and cultural context.

“The FIFA 2026 World Cup is a powerful opportunity to bring First Nations communities together and celebrate unity, pride, and culture. This event was more than a cultural introduction for visiting media, it reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring First Nations voices, representation, and experiences are front and centre throughout the FIFA 2026 festivities,” said Paula Amos, Chief Marketing and Development Officer of ITBC.