Cultural Involvement

Aboriginal culture is an important part of Canada’s history. It’s also an important part of our present, and our future.

Our goal is to recognize and celebrate Aboriginal history, arts, culture and languages throughout the Games. We also want to ensure that our cultural programming maximizes opportunities for Aboriginal peoples while respecting tradition and protocol.

While the majority of our cultural and ceremonial activities will not begin until 2008, celebrating the rich history and culture of Aboriginal peoples is already a fundamental way of thinking at VANOC. Since 2003, when we won the bid to host the Games, Aboriginal people have participated in many 2010 events including: 

There have also been events to foster cultural sharing, such as our community celebrations with the Four Host First Nations and the Aboriginal Youth Cultural Sharing Day in 2005. At this event, Inuit and First Nations children drummed and danced together in a lively performance at the 2010 Information Centre in Whistler.

We’re also exploring opportunities to include Aboriginal naming and design elements in 2010 Winter Games venues. Among the projects already underway: a signature public art piece for the Richmond Oval (home to the speed skating events during the Games) designed by internationally acclaimed Musqueam artist, Susan Point. Point is designing artwork to be inlaid into channels in the 15 large concrete buttresses on the north side of the building facing a large festival plaza.

Learn more about the Cultural Olympiad, Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies, and Torch Relays.

Stay informed
If you’d like to receive updates on Aboriginal participation in the 2010 Games, including Games-related opportunities and information on how to access these opportunities, sign up for our Aboriginal participation e-newsletter.