Feature stories

Let the festivities begin....

The Olympic Flame makes it's last stop before it heads into BC Place Stadium today at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion.

After travelling 45,000 kilometres across Canada, beginning in Victoria B.C. and then travelling from coast-to-coast-coast, the Torch will visit the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion or Chiefs' House at approximately 1:35pm today. It's a symbolic gesture, recognizing the Four Host First Nations - Lil'wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations – and their traditional territories on which the Games are being held on.  The Torch is a symbol of unity, and this Flame has travelled further than any other Flame in Olympic history. Aboriginal people have played an important role, welcoming the Torch to their communities with traditional blessings, running as torchbearers and caring for the flame as Youth Flame Attendants. “This is a full circle moment for Indigenous peoples – we have been a full partner in these Games and it's a great honour to be able to welcome the Torch into the Chiefs' House”, remarks Tewanee Joseph, executive director of the Four Host First Nations.

The next and final stop for the Torch is inside a packed house at BC Place Stadium where  some 60-thousand in-house spectators and over two billion television viewers will watch the lighting of the iconic Olympic Cauldron.

After the Torch departs, the party will continue at the pavilion from 2pm – 5pm with the Chiefs' House Celebration on the Plaza presented by the Canadian Tourism Commission. Come see three hours worth of Aboriginal performances featuring: the Four Host First Nations Drummers, Smoky Valley Drummers, Dancers of Damelahamid, the Métis Nation Jiggers, Kaiva, Cris Derksen and M'Girl.

"What has been a day of celebration in Vancouver, continues on at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion with an iconic Aboriginal folk and pop music legend. Buffy Sainte-Marie – this is a show not to be missed", says Four Host First Nations producer and creative director, Sal Ferreras.

At 9:30pm, as tens of thousands of people are pouring out of BC Place Stadium, just down the road, Buffy Sainte-Marie will be taking the stage in the 65 foot translucent dome, launching the Games time evening programming at the Chiefs' House.

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 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion, a spectacular 360 degree multimedia experience featuring the driving beats, vivid sights and compelling stories of Aboriginal culture across Canada.

The Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase

February 12th also marks the opening day for the the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase. Located just steps away from the Chiefs' House at the corner of Dunsmuir and Hamilton Streets inside the Vancouver Community College, over 100 artisans will be selling and demonstrating their craft while 23 Aboriginal internationally export-ready businesses will be there in a trade show setting during the 17 day period. 

Each day, on the main stage of the Showcase from 12pm to 3pm, an artisan will be demonstrating their craft to the public to watch. Squamish Nation's Jody Broomfield will be in the spotlight on this opening day working his craft and wow'ing the crowd.

Come see Corrine Hunt's booth. Not only was she responsible for the uniquely Aboriginal design of the 2010 Olympic medals that will be worn by hundreds of the best athletes on the planet, but she is also a distinguished artist; she has an extensive collection of gold and silver jewelry and accessories along with custom furnishings. Another artist, Alano Chapdelaine Edzerza of the Tahltan First Nation will also be at the Village selling glass and stone works, jewelry and steel sculptures.

The Business Showcase will have businesses such as internationally recognized First Nations artist and fashion designer Dorothy Grant.  Her designs are inspired by past culture and interpreting it for today's consumer. 

Grant and two other Premier Aboriginal fashion designers, Angela DeMontigny and Pam Baker will have their collections strut down the runway at the Aboriginal Fashion Showcase, a private, invite only show on Wednesday, February 13, 2010.  The grande hall at Vancouver Community College will be taken over by models and the who's who of the fashion world for a show which will be followed by a media reception.

Not to worry if you are not attending the private event, the crews aren't packing up the catwalk right away.  On the 14th, 15th and 16th from 3pm-4pm, emerging Aboriginal fashion designers will show off their best works to the public, so mark your calendars!

Come see these artists and businesses and many others at the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase located at the corner of Dunsmuir Street and Hamilton Street in the Vancouver Community College.