| APPROPRIATE USE ROUNDTABLE
The Four Host First Nations Society (FHFN) and the Aboriginal Affairs Branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage (PCH) collaborated to host an Aboriginal Appropriate Use Roundtable on the Tsleil-Waututh Nation territory in North Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Roundtable brought together 40 First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists, creative industries, community members and cultural organizations with 10 federal representatives. Included were 2 international panellists from Australia and New Zealand who provided information on the innovative work these countries have developed to address the issues of authenticity and existing protection mechanisms. The National Aboriginal Organizations also sent representatives to attend the Roundtable.
The creation of Aboriginal-inspired cultural goods and services by non-Aboriginal people represents a loss of recognition, control and profits for Aboriginal producers. This is due in part to a lack of consumer awareness of the difference between authentic and imitation Aboriginal cultural products. The Appropriate Use Roundtable focused on issues relating to the appropriate treatment of Aboriginal cultural and artistic expression including authenticity, branding and public awareness, and existing protection mechanisms.
KAMLOOPS, BC (November 13, 2007) – The Four Host First Nations (FHFN) and the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (ATBC) today signed a Statement of Cooperation (SOC), to work collaboratively towards unprecedented participation of Aboriginal Peoples in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
“The 2010 Winter Games provide an unprecedented opportunity to raise the profile of the diverse and exciting Aboriginal tourism experiences available for visitors in every region of British Columbia. By working together with the FHFN, we can maximize the benefits of the Games for Aboriginal tourism businesses and communities,” said Brenda Baptiste, Chair of ATBC.
Both organizations will work to develop opportunities and legacies for Aboriginal Peoples, particularly in the cultural tourism industry. The signing will ensure that opportunities to participate in the 2010 Winter Games are extended to Aboriginal peoples across British Columbia, as part of the FHFN commitment to ensure that the world will experience Aboriginal art and culture, showcased in the celebration of the 2010 Winter Games.
Chief Bill Williams of the Squamish Nation and Chairperson of the FHFN Board of Directors, said, “this agreement between the FHFN and the ATBC ensures Aboriginal Peoples will be given opportunities to showcase and to share their art and culture with the world. The partnership of the FHFN and the ATBC will build a lasting legacy for Aboriginal Peoples beyond the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”
The two groups will work together to develop promotional and marketing initiatives, authentication and certification protocols, and branding programs, as well as training and development programs related to the Aboriginal cultural tourism industry. In addition, the SOC also supports the implementation of the Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Blueprint Strategy in British Columbia and the 2010 Aboriginal Trade Pavilion in Vancouver.
Tewanee Joseph, Executive Director and CEO of the FHFN, strongly believes “this Statement of Cooperation between the FHFN and the ATBC confirms our already strong working relationship, and sets out a collaborative process to move forward. We are excited about working together and displaying the best of our cultures on an international stage.”
For more information, contact:
Tewanee Joseph, Executive Director
Four Host First Nations
fourhostnations@shaw.ca
Tel: 778-327-5775
Brenda Baptiste, Chair
Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC
Tel: 778-838-0728
» Download News Release (pdf)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) have agreed to work in a positive and mutually beneficial partnership regarding First Nations participation in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. To this end, they will sign a historic agreement during the AFN Annual General Assembly in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the World Trade and Convention Centre.
“The 2010 Games will provide a unique opportunity for First Nations and Canadians to work side-by-side, and to share in the long-term social and economic legacy that these historic Games will provide,” said National Chief Phil Fontaine. “The AFN is committed to working with the Four Host First Nations who have already done a tremendous amount of work over the past several years. We encourage all First Nations peoples to participate—either as athletes, volunteers, exhibitors, performers or spectators. In less than three years, the eyes of the world will be on British Columbia and Canada. The strength and diversity of First Nations cultures and traditions will be witnessed by billions. We will leave a lasting impression.”
The signing formalizes their relationship and commitments to work in partnership to ensure successful 2010 Winter Games and to develop opportunities and legacies for First Nations Peoples, particularly First Nations youth. This MOU is part of the FHFN commitment to ensure that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada have opportunities to be involved, and to enrich the Games through their cultures.
Chief Gibby Jacob of the Squamish Nation and board member of Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic Games, said that “the relationship between the AFN and the FHFN ensures First Nations Peoples across Canada will be given equal opportunities to fully participate and share their cultures with the world—thereby enhancing the Games and building a lasting legacy for First Nations beyond 2010.”
The signing of the MOU will be witnessed by David Guscott, VANOC EVP of Corporate Strategy and Partner Relations. John Furlong, CEO of VANOC also shared words of congratulations. “the 2010 Winter Games will be stronger because of unprecedented Aboriginal participation in the planning and hosting of the Games and we are honoured to be witnessing this historic MOU,” said Mr. Furlong. “the AFN and FHFN have embraced our vision of touching the soul of our nation and will help us share the rich and diverse cultures of Aboriginal Peoples with the world. They share our desire to make these Canada’s Games and truly make the 2010 Winter Games a celebration of the Canadian spirit that will leave lasting legacies for future generations.”
Tewanee Joseph, Executive Director and CEO of the FHFN, strongly believes “an MOU between the AFN and the FHFN is significant in building a strong relationship with other First Nations. We are working towards a common goal which is to have a successful 2010 Olympic and Paralympic games with First Nations participation.”
» Download Memorandum of Understanding – English (PDF-35k)
For further information: Assembly of First Nations: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789, ext. 229, cell (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor - Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789, ext 243 ,(613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca; Rene Pollett, Communications Specialist, (613) 241-6789, ext. 314, cell 613-295-2149,rpollett@afn.ca; Four Host First Nations: Tewanee Joseph, Executive Director, FHFNS, fourhostnations@shaw.ca
*CLOSED FOR SUBMISSIONS*
CALL FOR
STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS:
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter
Games are taking place within the shared traditional territories
of the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) - Lil’wat, Musqueam,
Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh.
To welcome the world to our traditional territories,
to fulfill our responsibilities as the Host First Nations and to
provide opportunities to other First Nations, Inuit and Métis
Peoples in the Games, we are planning a 2010 Aboriginal Trade Pavilion
complex in Vancouver. The FHFN are seeking Statements of Qualifications
from potential consultants/firms for the following activities:
Click on any of the above links to download
the specifications for each posting. For more detail regarding this
call for Statements of Qualifications, please contact the FHFN consultant
Mel Woolley at
or call 604-603-5433.
Please note the deadline is Wednesday, May 2,
2007 at 4:00pm.
APPEL
DE CANDIDATURES:
Les Jeux olympiques et paralympiques d’hiver
de 2010 se dérouleront sur des territoires traditionnels
partagés par les quatre Premières nations hôtes
– les Lil’wat, les Musqueam, les Squamish et les Tsleil-Waututh.
Pour accueillir le monde dans nos territoires
traditionnels, pour remplir nos responsabilités en tant que
Premières nations hôtes et pour offrir aux autres Premières
nations, ainsi qu’aux peuples inuit et métis des occasions
de participer aux Jeux, nous projetons construire un complexe de
Pavillons de commerce autochtones 2010 à Vancouver. La FHFN
invite les firmes/consultants potentiels pour les activités
énumérées ci-dessous à lui faire parvenir
un Énoncé de qualités :
Pour de plus amples informations concernant
cet appel de candidatures, veuillez communiquer avec Mel Woolley,
consultant à la FHFN à
ou par téléphone
au numéro 604-603-5433. Veuillez prendre note que la date
limite est le mercredi, 2 mai 2007 à 16h00
TORINO CLOSING CEREMONIES:
One Billion people witnessed the closing ceremonies
for the 2006 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Toino, Italy.
The Four Host First Nations Chiefs; Chief Leonard Andrew, Lilwat
Nation, Chief Ernest Campbell, Musqueam Nation, Chief Leah George
Wilson, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Chief Bill Williams, Squamish Nation,
and Gibby Jacob, Squamish Nation Chief and VANOC Board member, invited
the world to "Come join us in Vancouver in 2010.
PARTICIPATION WITH VANOC
VANOC and the Four Host First Nations signed
in November 2005 their historic Protocol Agreement defining the
relationship and commitment to work in partnership to achieve a
successful 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This Protocol
Agreement marks the first time in Olympic history that Aboriginal
peoples have been formal partners with an Olympic Organizing Committee
from the beginning of the Bid stage.
The Protocol Agreement encompasses a number
of areas in which the FHFNS will work with VANOC and its partners,
such as increased showcasing of FHFNS traditions, history and culture,
and the creation of lasting social, economic and cultural opportunities
and benefits. To date, various initiatives have been undertaken
by VANOC and the FHFNS, including the formation of the FHFN Secretariat,
an Aboriginal Participation Department within VANOC and a First
Nations person on the VANOC Board of Directors.
» Four
Host First Nations/VANOC Protocol Agreement (PDF)
» Download Press Release
(PDF)
NATIONS
READY FOR OLYMPIC OPPORTUNITIES
Deirdre Tombs, Raven's Eye Writer, North
Vancouver
It was a jubilant group who filled a room at the Squamish Nation
Recreation Centre as the chiefs from the Lil'wat, Musqueam, Squamish
and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations signed an agreement to work collaboratively
to maximize Aboriginal participation in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic
Winter Games.
The Four Host First Nations agreement was signed during the First
Nation Summit meeting on Nov. 24. The protocol set out plans to
establish a Four Host First Nations board and secretariat that will
work to ensure that the protocols and traditions of the four First
Nations are acknowledged and respected throughout the planning,
staging and hosting of the games. The secretariat also seeks to
maximize social, sporting, cultural and economic opportunities,
and to work as a liaison for other Aboriginal people interested
in the opportunities brought by the games...
» Download
Entire Article (PDF)
HISTORIC AGREEMENT FOR VANCOUVER 2010
In November, the Four Host First Nations (the
Lil'wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh) signed an historic
agreement to ensure that the protocols and traditions of their nations
are acknowledged and respected throughout the planning, staging
and hosting of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver
and Whistler.
Through the protocol, these nations agree to
work in a co-operative and mutually supportive manner in order to
participate fully in the Games and to take advantage of the social,
sporting, cultural and economic opportunities and legacies that
will arise as a result of the Games.
The leadership from all Four Nations agreed
to establish the Four Host First Nations Secretariat to represent
the interests of the Nations in 2010, and secure participation and
benefits for the members of the four communities. The Secretariat,
now in its start-up phase, will also be responsible for fostering
goodwill and raising public awareness of the Four Nations' historical
and contemporary cultures.
Chief Gibby Jacob of the Squamish Nation, a
Board member of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Olympic
and Paralympic Games (VANOC), said the agreement has evolved from
an initiative of the late Squamish Chief Joe Mathias, together with
the leadership of the Lil'wat Nation. He added that the protocol
confirms the intent of all Four Host First Nations, within whose
traditional territories the Games will be held, to work co-operatively
to take advantage of all opportunities including economic ones,
and establish a clear First Nation presence in the Games while protecting
Aboriginal rights and title.
For more information, please visit the official
website on www.vancouver2010.com.
FOCUS ON FRIENDSHIP - NATIONAL ABORIGINAL
DAY CELEBRATIONS IN VANCOUVER
 National
Aboriginal Day is a day for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures
and contributions to Canada of First Nations, Inuit and Métis
people. On June 21, members of the Musqueam Nation and Vancouver
Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter
Games along with friends and family, gathered and celebrated in
a fun-filled afternoon of dancing, food, and friendship. This day
was chosen because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice
and because many aboriginal groups mark this day as a time to celebrate
their heritage.
The celebration, held at the Musqueam Administration
building, began with an opening ceremony including speeches from
Chief Ernie Campbell; John Furlong, CEO, Vanoc; and Laura Savage,
co-Captain, Women’s National Ultimate Frisbee team.
The highlights of the celebration were the performances by the Warrior
Dancers and the Sun Dancers followed by a delicious bbq salmon feast.
Together as friends and family, a day was shared that honoured National
Aboriginal Day, the spirit of the Games, the joy of sport and the
enthusiasm of youth. The celebrations were partially funded by 2010
Legacies Now.
FIRST ABORIGINAL YOUTH OLYMPIC SPORTS CHALLENGE
A SUCCESS
Aboriginal youth from across British Columbia and the northern territory
of Nunavut gathered at the Squamish Nation Recreation centre in
North Vancouver to participate for the first-ever pilot phase of
the Aboriginal Youth Olympic Sports Challenge. The energy was high
and the place was packed as 2010 Legacies Now, VANOC and the Four
Host First Nations welcomed 75 high performing Aboriginal youth
athletes invited to act as sport ambassadors for their community...
» Download
Entire Article (PDF)
ABORIGINAL ART TO WELCOME WORLD TO B.C.-CANADA
PLACE
VANCOUVER – First Nations artwork will greet visitors to British
Columbia-Canada Place in Torino thanks to the carved doors created
by Squamish artist tawx’sin yexwulla, Aaron Nelson-Moody and
unveiled today by Premier Gordon Campbell.
“The unique culture of B.C.’s Aboriginal people is so
much a part of our province and it is fitting that a part of that
tradition be front and centre in Torino as we introduce the world
to the host location of the next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,”
Campbell said. “We’re honoured and proud to have the
Four Host First Nations for 2010 partner with us to showcase all
our province has to offer and to give people a taste of what they
can expect when they come to B.C. a little over four years from
now.”
» Download
Entire Article (PDF)
CARVED DOORS THAT WILL GRACE B.C.-CANADA
PLACE UNVEILED
A pair of doors carved by a Squamish First Nations
artist will welcome the world to a $6-million centre promoting B.C.
in Turin, Italy, next year.
B.C.-Canada Place opens four weeks before the start
of the 2006 Torino Winter Games to showcase B.C. business, tourism
and culture.
Premier Gordon Campbell said the centre "is a
reflection of B.C. and Canada and all we have to offer."
He joked it was built "using some of B.C's best,
most attractive, warmest, most environmentally sound, pine beetle-infected
logs we have ever had."
Campbell said he didn't want to cause a misconception
about the centre, adding, "The warmth of the house will reach
out to the world and say, 'Be part of what we are in B.C.' For two
months it will serve as a gathering place for Canadians and for
people from around the world to be welcome to B.C. for 2010."
The doors were designed by Squamish First Nations
carver Aaron Nelson-Moody.
"I think it's very symbolic that we have some
aboriginal doors that we can pass through, for native people to
feel like we have a way in," said Nelson-Moody.
He said the main part of his design represents the
sun, which "looks down at all humanity without seeing borders
or cultures."
Squamish Chief Bill Williams said the doors will help
educate the world as to where Canada's First Nations come from.
CANADIAN SPORT NEWS ONLINE
A historic Protocol for the Four Host First Nations and VANOC Sets
new standards for Aboriginal partnership with an Olympic Organizing
Committee...
» Download
Entire Article (PDF)
ABORIGINAL ART TO WELCOME WORLD TO B.C.-CANADA
PLACE
First Nations artwork will greet visitors to British Columbia-Canada
Place in Torino thanks to the carved doors created by Squamish artist
tawx’sin yexwulla, Aaron Nelson-Moody and unveiled today by
Premier Gordon Campbell...
» Download
Entire Article (PDF)
FIRST NATIONS SIGN PACT ON ROLE IN 2010 GAMES
The organizing committee for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics joined
Wednesday with leaders of the four first nations that will help
to host the Games to sign an unprecedented agreement defining how
they will work together...
» Download
Entire Article (PDF)
FIRST NATIONS PLAY LARGE ROLE IN 2010 GAMES
VANCOUVER/CKNW(AM980) - The four host First Nations and the Vancouver
Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic Games have signed an historic
protocol agreement.
Four Host First Nations Executive Director Tewanee
Joseph, "We'll have unprecedented aboriginal participation."
Joseph says the agreement paves the way for the world
in 2010 to see not only what British Columbia is about, but how
aboriginal culture plays a vital role in our country, "Showcase
aboriginal arts and culture, both contemporary and traditional,
aboriginal cuisine.
Joseph says four host First Nations are fielding floods
of calls from different aboriginal groups in BC hoping to tell their
stories to the world when billions of eyes fall on Vancouver less
than 5 years from now.
FIRST NATIONS INK GAMES DEAL
By ROBYN STUBBS, 24 HOURS
 The
host First Nations and VANOC made Olympic history at the Burrard
Indian Reserve in North Vancouver yesterday, four years before the
Games even begin.
The four host nations, Lil'wat Nation, Musqueam Nation,
Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation signed an agreement in
2004 to support the 2010 Games and First Nations' participation,
but yesterday they took that gesture a step further by signing an
agreement with VANOC to work towards a successful 2010 Winter Games.
"Our Games will be better because you're fully
involved," said VANOC Chair Jack Poole to a gymnasium of First
Nations Elders and Chiefs from across B.C. yesterday.
"Our hope is that a Canadian of Aboriginal descent
will mount the podium as an Olympic medalist here in our West territory."
"We can thank the Vancouver Organizing Committee
for the change in the attitude of B.C.," responded Musqueam
Chief Ernie Campbell, adding "if (people) get to know us and
start taking things from a First Nations' perspective, things change."
FIRST NATIONS ART TO GREET TORINO VISITORS
Just one example of rich cultural heritage throughout the province
First Nations artwork will greet visitors to British
Columbia-Canada Place in Torino thanks to the carved doors created
by Squamish, British Columbia artist tawx’sin yexwulla, Aaron
Nelson-Moody. In addition, the Canadian Government’s Indian
and Northern Affairs Canada, in cooperation with the Aboriginal
Tourism Association of British Columbia, has commissioned five pieces
of Aboriginal art from different regions of the country that will
also be on display in the facility...
» Download
Entire Article (PDF)
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Vancouver Province