Aboriginal Art at 2010 Vancouver Winter Games
Works by Canadian First Nations Artists Grace Olympic Venues
Jun 18, 2009
"An airy stream of metal salmon shimmering overhead, five intricately carved spindle whorls inspired by curling rocks and three long-limbed wolves howling in unison on the Prairies" are among the works to be displayed in or on Olympic and Paralympic venues, announced VANOC in a media release today.
Established and emerging First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists from all across Canada will participate.
Purposes and Goals of the Aboriginal Art Program
"This program offers an unprecedented opportunity to create a once-in-a-lifetime contemporary collection of art from First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples for all the world to marvel at and enjoy during Canada's Games in 2010," said Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
- First Nations works will decorate entrances and gateways, giving visitors a uniquely Canadian welcome
- The program showcases the rich culture of Canadian aboriginal peoples
- The event will leave a permanent physical legacy of artwork for all to enjoy (about 40 of the 140 works will remain in the venues after the 2010 games)
- A mentorship program pairs established artists with at-risk youth to provide a social/cultural legacy.
Four Host First Nations Society
A non-profit organization, the society coordinates participation in the Vancouver 2010 Games by the following First Nations:
- Lil'Wat Nation - An interior Salish people and part of the St’át’imc group, this nation is centered around Mount Currie, near the confluence of the Lillooet and Birkenhead rivers.
- Musqueam Nation - The only First Nation within the city of Vancouver ("the oldest-known residents"), this group of Coast Salish are well known for their art at the Arrival Hall of the Vancouver International Terminal. "The world's largest Coast Salish Spindle Whorl" , two 17-foot red-cedar "welcome figures" and four hand-crafted weavings greet arriving visitors.
- Squamish Nation – Another Coast Salish people, this nation lives near the town of Squamish and around the mouths of the Capilano River, Mosquito Creek and Seymour River on the north shore of Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver. Nice image on this page - get permission
- Tsleil-Waututh Nation - Coast Salish people residing in the area between Maplewood Flats and Deep Cove on the north shore of Burrard Inlet. "A key goal of the Tsleil-Waututh community is to expand its participation in all planning and development processes so that the once abundant resources can be restored, protected, and utilized on a sustainable basis."
A potlatch is an extravagant festival/feast held by the people of the northwest coast.The Four Host Society's web site describes the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as "the biggest potlatch the world has ever seen!"
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