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Unprecedented Aboriginal Participation
Did you know that the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will be the most unique ever due to the many ways in which First Nations, Métis people and Inuit will participate? In no other Olympic and Paralympic Games have a country’s Indigenous or Aboriginal peoples played such a central role.
First Nations, Métis people and Inuit will contribute to and benefit from a range of opportunities created by the 2010 Winter Games. Since the original winning bid in July 2003, countless visitors have been returning again and again, enjoying Aboriginal tourism offers and exciting destinations across Canada.
The Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam, Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations serve as host nations for the 2010 Winter Games, along with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. According to the Four Host First Nations Society, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show the world who they are. It will be spectacular, overwhelming, and transformational.
An international spotlight on Aboriginal cultures and performances will recognize and celebrate Aboriginal history, arts, culture and languages throughout the 2010 Winter Games. In addition, beautiful works of art by more than 90 Aboriginal artists will grace the venues at the 2010 Winter Games through the Venues' Aboriginal Arts Program.
The Aboriginal Procurement Strategy aims to optimize opportunities, both for Aboriginal businesses and those that strongly support the Aboriginal community, through the 2010 Winter Games procurement activities.
Design of Aboriginal Pavilion (Photo by: VANOC)
The exciting, world-class Aboriginal Pavilion in downtown Vancouver is centered on a 65-foot high inflated multi-media sphere and will use the latest technology to showcase the diversity of Aboriginal art, business, culture and sport from across Canada.
Zoom in on the interactive map that follows the Olympic Flame during the Olympic Torch Relay from October 30, 2009 to February 12, 2010. In the 115 Aboriginal communities where the torch will pass through, Elders, Aboriginal youth and athletes will play special roles as “keepers of the flame.”
The First Nations Snowboard Team (FNST) was created to establish a legacy for Aboriginal youth by providing opportunities using winter sport as a vehicle for social change. Their mission is “To improve the quality of life and empower Aboriginal youth across Canada using the winter sport of snowboarding as a fundamental tool for excellence.”
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