Feature stories

Indigenous Youth Gathering day at the Pavilion

Around 350 Aboriginal young men and women from around the country are at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion today to celebrate Youth Day at the Pavilion. The First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth representing 11 Aboriginal languages  plus the Métis language Michif,  are spending 16 days in Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler. They have been touring Olympic venues, watching the world’s best athletes train and compete and meeting their sport heroes, business leaders and Aboriginal elders in person. The event is closed to the public from 11:00am to 3:00pm as the youth take part in a number of activities celebrating and exploring the many cultures of Aboriginal people in Canada.

Every evening starting at 5:30pm and running every half hour until 8:30pm, the Four Host First Nations is proud to present We Are Here at the Aboriginal Pavilion, a spectacular 360 degree multimedia experience featuring the driving beats, vivid sights and compelling stories of Aboriginal culture across Canada.

The evening performance continues with the day's theme of youth spotlighting a group of talented performers. Brother-sister act Gillian and Robert Thomson of Sister Says bring their soulful sound to the main stage at the Dome with a brand of music influenced by the likes of Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and The Velvet Underground.  Stó:lō hip hop/ R & B singer Inez has quickly risen to the top of the Aboriginal music world since she burst onto the scene in 2006 with a sound blending traditional  native sounds with contemporary music. In 2009 she swept the Aboriginal People's Choice Music awards winning Pop Album of the Year, Single of the Year and Best New Artist. Renowned poet and author Richard Van Camp arrives to perform a reading of his work. The performance starts at 9:30pm.

The Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase

Head over to the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase to sample First Nations, Métis and Inuit  art from craftsmen from all over Canada. In addition, the Business Showcase features a number of successful Aboriginal owned businesses exhibiting their products and services.

The Aboriginal Showcase will feature a main stage which will host intimate sets by a number of accomplished Aboriginal musicians. At 11:00am Saskatchewan rap/hip hop artist Def3 takes the stage. The 3:00pm set features cellist Cris Derksen, known for her captivating melodies and steadfast basslines. Sheila Maracle caps the day’s musical performances with a one hour set at 6:00pm

Take advantage of a unique opportunity to witness something magical on the main stage at 12:00 pm when famed Squamish Nation artist Xwa lack tun demonstrates the intricate symmetry of Northwest Coast First Nations carving. His work is coveted by collectors world-wide. If you've browsed the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion Trading Post or the Olympic Superstore you will have seen some of Xwa lack tun's workmanship. Many of his designs adorn official Games merchandise such as silver jewelry, t-shirts and pins.