2010 Aboriginal Pavilion

26 Feb

Meeting First Nations Hosts

For the first time, Indigenous people have been recognized as official partners in hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Tewanee Joseph is calling it the “Biggest Potlatch in Olympic History”.

Potlatch is a ceremonial feast at which the hosts demonstrate their generosity (you’re measured on what you give to people, not what you take).

In Canada, Aboriginal includes Inuit, Métis, and First nations peoples. The Four Host First Nations include the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh, on whose lands the Olympics are being held.

We were fascinated by our visit to the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion, and look forward to learning much more about Canada’s Aboriginal people!

Soul Paua, from New Zealand, sing and perform a chant at the International Indigenous Day Celebration in Vancouver. We were there, enjoy!