Vancouver Unveils Aboriginal Pavilion as Symbol of Partnership in the 2010 Winter Olympics

Tewanee Joseph

Aboriginal leaders, Vancouver 2010 partners and government officials joined the Four
Host First Nations today for the official opening ceremony of the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion or “Chiefs’ House.” www.fourhostfirstnations.com

“We are ready to welcome the world,” said Tewanee Joseph, chief executive officer of the Four Host First Nations. “We have invited Aboriginal people from across Canada to join us here at the Chiefs’ House for the world’s biggest potlatch, and they have accepted. Olympic visitors to our pavilion will see first-hand the diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture.”

Opening to the public on February 12th, the Chiefs’ House will feature a vast array of cultural programming, traditional and contemporary artwork and Aboriginal cuisine. It will be the premier venue for visitors from around the world to enjoy an exciting and authentic range of Aboriginal experiences.

“This magnificent gathering place would not have been possible without the strong support of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), our Aboriginal and other partners, and the governments of Canada, British Columbia and Vancouver,” said Joseph. “We are writing a new chapter in Canadian history together.”

“The 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion will long be remembered as one of the most unique features of these Winter Games and the source of lasting memories for all those who spend time here.

For more information on the Aboriginal Pavilion, Four Host First Nations, and other news about aboriginal participation in the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, please visit www.fourhostfirstnations.com