Pavilion will be a place of pride for First Nations

A $3.5 million Aboriginal Pavilion will be built in Vancouver in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The project was announced at a press conference in early February by leaders from the Four Hosts First Nations (FHFN) -Lil'wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh-and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).
"This pavilion will be a place of pride for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians; a place to come together to celebrate our rich history and culture during the 2010 Games," said British Columbia's Premier Gordon Campbell. "The traditional territories of our First Nations partners hold many wonderful stories, and we expect to experience many of them at this unique 2010 Aboriginal gathering place."
The 8,000 sq. ft. pavilion will be located in the heart of Olympic activity in downtown Vancouver on the plaza of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
It will include an inflated multi-media sphere, which will be more than 20 metres tall. The facility will utilize the latest technology to display the diversity of Aboriginal sport, art, business and culture from across the country.
The pavilion will be open to all visitors and will feature special theme days throughout the Olympics, showcasing Aboriginal groups from across the country. Events will include Inuit throat singing, Métis jigging and First Nations hoop dancing. There will also be contemporary Aboriginal performances and displays honouring other fields of Aboriginal achievement.
Tewanee Joseph, CEO of the FHFN, is pleased the Aboriginal Pavilion will become a reality.
"Today we salute the vision, the coming together and the outreach of our four chiefs and our four communities," Joseph said. "We'd especially like to recognize the strong support we've received from VANOC, our federal, provincial and city government partners and the leaders of the Aboriginal communities of Canada."
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine also attended the press conference. He's excited, not only about the Aboriginal Pavilion, but about the Games themselves.
"The 2010 Winter Games represent a turning point in our history," he said. "For the first time in Olympic history, Indigenous peoples are full partners in hosting these Winter Games and we will work closely with the Four Host Nations to ensure there are lasting legacies for our people."
A portion of the Aboriginal Pavilion will be one of the lasting legacies. The pavilion will include a Coast Salish Longhouse, featuring a 1,500 sq. ft. trading post. After the Games, it will be relocated and serve as a permanent legacy.