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Vancouver’s
successful bid for the 2010 for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
is bringing the world’s premier sporting event to the traditional
and shared traditional territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam,
Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, known as the Four Host
First Nations Society.
The Four Host First Nations recognized the significance
of their involvement early on in the bid process and are proud to
have played an integral role in formulating and mounting the successful
campaign. On July 2nd, 2003, with the support of the Four Host First
Nations along with other Bid partners, the City of Vancouver, on
behalf of Canada, was awarded the right to host the 2010 Olympic
and Paralympic Winter Games by the International Olympic Committee(IOC).
Because the Games overall are being held within
the traditional and shared traditional territories of four nations,
the Lil'Wat, the Musqueam, the Squamish and the Tsleil-Waututh First
Nations, have incorporated a non-profit society to handle their
"Four Host First Nations" hosting and other 2010 responsibilities.
On November 24, 2004, the Chiefs and Councils
of the Four Host First Nations entered into an historic Protocol
Agreement where they agreed to coordinate their collective efforts
to host and support the 2010 Olympic Games.
Mission
The mission of the Four Host First Nations Society (FHFNS) is to
represent the Nations and to facilitate engagement between the Nations
and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Olympics and Paralympic
Winter Games (VANOC) in order to ensure that the Games are successful
and that the Nations’ languages, traditions, protocols and
cultures are meaningfully acknowledged, respected, and represented
in the planning, staging and hosting of the Games.
Objectives
The objectives of the Four Host First Nations Society include the
following:
- Work in a cooperative and mutually supportive
manner in an environment of respect, cooperation, and mutual recognition,
- Welcome the world to their shared traditional
territories,
- Host an outstanding Olympic Games,
- Achieve unprecedented Aboriginal participation,
- Take advantage of the social, sport, cultural
and economic opportunities and legacies that will arise as a result
of the Games,
- Help preserve, revitalize and promote Aboriginal
languages and cultures,
- Showcase First Nations cultures to Canadians
and the world as a vibrant and integral part of Canada’s
rich and diverse heritage,
- Work with VANOC to communicate and liaise with
other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit organizations.
Four Host First Nations Society
The Four Host First Nations Society is managed
and controlled by the people of the First Nations. The Chiefs and
the Council for each Nation are democratically elected by their
membership. Each Nation appoints two individuals to the FHFNS Board
of Directors.
CHIEFS’ EXECUTIVE, BOARD MEMBERS & STAFF
Four Host First Nations Chiefs
- Chief Leonard Andrew, Lil’wat Nation
- Chief Ernest Campbell, Musqueam Nation
- Chief Bill Williams, Squamish Nation
- Chief Leah George-Wilson, Tsleil-Waututh Nation
The Four Host First Nations Society Board
of Directors
- Connie Wilson, Lil’wat Nation
- Ruth Dick, Lil’wat Nation
- Chief Ernest Campbell, Musqueam Nation
- Allyson Fraser, Musqueam Nation
- Chief Bill Williams (Chair), Squamish Nation
- Julie Baker, Squamish Nation
- Chief Leah George-Wilson, Tsleil-Waututh Nation
- Leonard George, Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Staff
- Tewanee Joseph, Executive Director
- Rachel Gibson, Executive Assistant
- Paul Manning, Technical Advisor
- Lea Nicholas-MacKenzie, Director of Aboriginal Outreach and Participation
- Jessie Williams, Student Intern
- Dennis Thomas, Intern
- Peter Natrall, Student Intern
Community Coordinators
- Lil’wat Nation, Lois Joseph
- Musqueam Nation, Wanona Scott
- Squamish Nation, Aaron Marchant
- Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Justin George / Lori Simcox
HOST FIRST NATIONS
» click here
for map of Four Host Nations Territories and Olympic Venues
Lil’wat Nation
The community of Mount Currie is home to the
Lil’wat Nation. Located approximately 160 kilometres from
Vancouver and 22 km north of Whistler, the Lil’wat Nation
has a membership of 1800+ people. Approximately 1400 of its members
reside on reserve; making Lil’wat Nation the fourth largest
on-reserve community in B.C. Chief Leonard Andrew represented
the Lil’wat Nation at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. www.lilwatnation.com
Musqueam Nation
The Musqueam people’s traditional territory
occupies much of what are now Vancouver, the University of British
Columbia and surrounding areas. Descendants of the cultural group
known as the Coast Salish tribe, today’s Musqueam community
counts 1,000+ members who live on the Musqueam Indian Reserve located
near the mouth of the Fraser River. Chief Ernest Campbell represented
the Musqueam Nation at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. www.musqueam.bc.ca
Squamish Nation
The Squamish Nation is comprised of Coast Salish
peoples, descendants of the Aboriginal peoples who lived in the
present-day Greater Vancouver area, Gibson’s Landing (north
of Vancouver) and Squamish River watershed. The Nation’s population
resides in nine communities stretching from North Vancouver to the
northern area of Howe Sound, with 2,239 of its 3,324 members living
on reserve. Membership is determined by birthright and by marriage.
Chief Bill Williams represented the Squamish Nation at the 2006
Olympic Winter Games. www.squamish.net
Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Also known as People of the Inlet, the Tsleil-Waututh
Nation are Coast Salish people whose members live in a community
on the north shore of Burrard Inlet. The traditional territory of
the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation reaches from the Fraser River (south)
to Mamquam Lake near Whistler (north). Their ancient culture is
based on a “seasonal round” involving a complex cycle
of food gathering, hunting, spiritual and cultural activities. Chief
Leah George-Wilson represented the Tsleil-Waututh Nation at the
2006 Olympic Winter Games. www.burrardband.com
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