Professional & Spectator Sports
First Nations Participation in the 2010 Winter Games
British Columbia is home to 198 First Nations - more than any other province or territory in Canada. Each of the First Nations have unique histories, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs and these all weave colourful threads into the richly-textured tapestry of this province.
These special histories were celebrated when representatives from four British Columbia First Nations used the Closing Ceremonies of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy to formally invite the world to visit their ancestral lands, home of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Four Host First Nations
The Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, known collectively as the Four Host First Nations (FHFN), have lived in the
Vancouver and
Whistler area for thousands of years.
The FHFN have been involved with both the Bid Committee early in the bid process and with the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee in the planning for the 2010 Winter Games. Although indigenous people have played important ceremonial and cultural roles in past Games, Vancouver 2010 marks the first time First Nations involvement has extended to virtually every aspect of the event.
Their companies have won venue construction and consulting contracts, Aboriginal athletes are training for sports on Canada’s Olympic teams, and of course the arts and culture of BC's Aboriginal peoples will be central to the Games ceremonies, festivals and programs.
2010 Aboriginal Pavilion
During the Games, a 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion will showcase Aboriginal art, business, culture and sport from across Canada. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal visitors will be able to explore diverse cultures and powerful stories at this unique 2010 gathering place.
The pavilion will be located in downtown Vancouver – the heart of bustling Olympic activity. Its unique design will combine high-tech with traditional; look for the enormous 65-ft high inflated multi-media sphere surrounded by a Coast Salish Longhouse. Inside, enjoy an informal and relaxed setting with live events such as Métis jigging, hoop dancing, Inuit throat singing and contemporary Aboriginal performances.
Beyond the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Whether it is a dance performance, traditional cuisine, fine art displays or Aboriginal-led wilderness tours, there will be numerous opportunities throughout the Games to experience the richness of Aboriginal culture in BC.
But there is no need to wait until then! Interpretive centres and cultural experiences abound in locales as distinctly separated by geography as they are by Aboriginal aspirations and lifestyle.
Kayak the wild coast of Haida Gwaii or settle into a patio vibe at Nk’Mip Cellars, North America’s first Aboriginal-owned and operated winery. Take an escorted tour of Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park, hike the ancient rainforests or let your tension ease away at the spa, First Nations style.
There is so much Aboriginal culture to experience in every region of the province: