You Gotta Be Here

B.C.’s Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation George Abbott addresses the media during this week’s open house at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion in Vancouver.  The pavilion opens to the public in February.

BLOG UPDATE : follow this link to see a beautiful slide show in our flickr photo gallery of the official opening February 8.  What do you think? 

When the world comes to British Columbia to celebrate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, people from many countries and cultures will enter the traditional territory of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations – known collectively as the Four Host First Nations. These First Nations have lived in the Vancouver and Whistler area for thousands of years.

British Columbia is home to 198 First Nations bands – more than any other province or territory in Canada. Each First Nation features a unique history, language, culture and spirituality. As a province, we are proud of our First Nations heritage.

Today, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is involving First Nations in virtually every aspect of the event.

Don’t miss the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion – showcasing Aboriginal art, business, culture and sport from across Canada! Inspired by the Interior Salish Istken and the shed-style Coast Salish Longhouse, the new structure includes a Trading Post, Reception Hall, and Elders’ Lounge.

Located on the plaza of Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver, the new pavilion will be your gateway to the rich and diverse culture of the First Nations for the 2010 Games.

The Four Host First Nations invited the media to tour the pavilion in early December. 

• Vancouver Island, Victoria & Gulf Islands
  
• Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
• Thompson Okanagan
• Kootenay Rockies  
• Cariboo Chilcotin Coast  
• Northern British Columbia