These special histories were celebrated when representatives from four British Columbia First Nations used the Closing Ceremonies of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy to formally invite the world to visit their ancestral lands, home of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, known collectively as the Four Host First Nations (FHFN), have lived in the Vancouver and Whistler area for thousands of years.

Lil'wat First Nation, Mount Currie, BC
Musqueam First Nation, Vancouver, BC
Squamish First Nation, Squamish, BC
Tsleil-Waututh First Nation (Burrard Band), North Vancouver, BC

The FHFN have been involved with both the Bid Committee early in the bid process and with the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee in the planning for the 2010 Winter Games. Although indigenous people have played important ceremonial and cultural roles in past Games, Vancouver 2010 marks the first time First Nations involvement has extended to virtually every aspect of the event.

Their companies have won venue construction and consulting contracts, Aboriginal athletes are training for sports on Canada’s Olympic teams and, of course, the arts and culture of BC's Aboriginal peoples will be central to the Games ceremonies, festivals and programs.

Beyond the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Whether it is a dance performance, traditional cuisine, fine art displays or Aboriginal-led wilderness tours, there will be numerous opportunities throughout the Games to experience the richness of Aboriginal culture in BC. But there is no need to wait until then! Interpretive centres and cultural experiences abound in locales as distinctly separated by geography as they are by Aboriginal aspirations and lifestyle.

Kayak the wild coast of the Haida Gwaii, or settle into a patio vibe at the Nk’Mip Cellars, North America’s first Aboriginal-owned and operated winery. Take an escorted tour of the Nisga’a Memorial Lava bed, hike the ancient rainforests, or let your tension ease away at the spa, First Nations style.