Feature stories

February 23 – Celebrating the Spirit of our First Nations

Today, at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion we are "Celebrating the Spirit of our First Nations", presented by the Chiefs of Ontario. The daytime programming will be an energetic performance incorporating dance, drumming, singing and storytelling. The Chiefs of Ontario invite you to learn about their diverse and unique variety of First Nations of Ontario cultures as they honour their living story through the arts in this very special show which will be performed four times between 11am and 2pm.

While you are at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion — try to find the Lucky Frog! Somewhere at the venue is a frog painted by Squamish Nation artist Jody Broomfield. In some First Nations cultures, finding a frog while you go about your everyday life is extremely good luck and fortune. So while you are here, why not find a little luck along the way! Happy hunting!

After a hard day of taking in the sights and sounds of the Olympic spirit – come join us in the Jack Poole Reception Hall for our Lounge nights. Sample some delicious Aboriginal inspired foods, and sip on a glass of wine from Canada’s first Aborignal-owned winery, NK’MIP Cellars. Our menu will have your taste buds tantalized while you watch the day’s highlights on our flat screen televisions. We open at 9pm and we welcome you to join us!

Tonight's programming in the Chiefs' House is one of Drums and Voices. Starting things off is world-renowned Native American percussionist Valerie Naranjo. Naranjo's music explores the relationship between Indigenous music in West Africa with popular music in America for a unique and engaging performance. Not only is she a master of percussion — she once won an African xylophone competition. How's that for a conversation starter! Then Steven Alvarez shows how things are done in his home town of Anchorage Alaska, as he mixes up his performance with a variety of Native American and classical percussion techniques. At 11pm, soulful singer Pura Fe's rich voice takes you away as Cary Morin shows the crowd why he is one of the most talented guitar players in the western USA; this duo will have you leave smiling. Arrive early as this showcase will fill quickly; and remember, at the Chiefs' House everyone is welcome and admitted on a first come first in basis.

The Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase

In the Village there is a variety of different products and crafts handmade by artisans including prints and drum paintings to basket and blanket weaving. But one that you may not be as familiar with is moose hair tufting. This craft requires a skilled hand, hard work and an abundance of patience. Hair tufting it is one of the primary methods of decorating Inuit clothing and attire. Inuk (Brenda Lynn Trennert) from Inuvialuit will be selling her moose hair tufted products at the Village today and is happy to tell you about this style of craft. Another popular garment decoration is created by beading. Traveling all the way from Kahnawake, Quebec, Barbara Little-Bear DeLisle shares her talent in raised Iroquois Beadwork with Olympic visitors at the Artisan Village. Both of these artisans will be here until Thursday — along with dozens more — giving you an eclectic mix of handcrafted and authentic Aboriginal products to choose from.

Imagine walking aboard a 72-foot luxury houseboat ready to cruise the smooth Lake Okanagan waters. You can learn more about this at the Business Showcase today if that has piqued your interest, Okanagan Princess Dining Tours is here to tell you about their 88 passenger ultimate luxury experience. The houseboat is complete with a lounge, hot tub, fine dining restaurant and stateroom accommodations. If you are looking for a one of a kind intimate on-water experience. Come and check out their information booth at the Showcase until February 25th.

Today on the main stage will be a trio of star performers starting with Wab Kinew, an artist to 'watch for' from the prairies. He is a hip hop artist with a career that is taking off as you read this. Later in the day artist and composer, Sandy Scofield will share her keen ear for original arrangements, followed by Sheila Maracle who will perform for the crowd at 6pm to end the day’s shows.