December 2007 — VOLUME 5 ISSUE 12
First Nations go for gold
Canada, and especially B.C. will be represented on all fronts as First Nations organizations and athletes prepare themselves and the world for the podiums of 2010.
Recent collaborations between the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) and the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (ATBC) aim to increase awareness by engaging impressive goals and marketing strategies, as well as promoting outstanding Aboriginal athletes in the hopes of awarding them with medals on the Olympic podiums in 2010.
According to a press release, the signing of a collaborative agreement between FHFN—who are working alongside a number of organizations including the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) to represent the First Nations in the upcoming 2010 Winter Games—and ATBC will ensure there are opportunities for Aboriginal peoples across B.C. to participate in the 2010 Winter Games.
The alliance between the two parties is also part of a commitment by FHFN to increase awareness and productivity in First Nation arts and cultures.
“This agreement between the FHFN and the ATBC ensures Aboriginal Peoples will be given opportunities to showcase and to share their art and culture with the world,” says Chief Bill Williams of the Squamish Nation and Chairperson of the FHFN Board of Directors, noting the partnership will build a lasting legacy for Aboriginal Peoples beyond the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics.
Tewanee Joseph, the executive director for FHFN adds their main ambition is promoting British Columbia on a worldwide scale, saying Aboriginal People have a lot to offer in educating local, regional and global populations.
Joseph claims the FHFN is also working with First Nations sports organizations such as the successful First Nations Snowboard Team (FNST), to promote the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics.
“We’re getting ready to help the snowboarding program as much as we can to support them,” he says, explaining they’ve been working extensively with athletes such as celebrated snowboarder Jonathan Redman.
Recreation Program Manager for the FNST Lindsay Hubley also proclaims Redman’s success noting he’s been training year-round in preparation for competitions, even going to New Zealand for conditioning in the off-season.
“Jonathan Redman is FNST’s star. He’s been on the B.C. team since 2006 and has competed at the Nationals for the past two years,” she says.
Redman, who currently resides in Whistler, B.C., and whose sights are set for a place on the Olympic team says The FNST has made the Olympics a goal for him.
“They have supported us with equipment, travel, and coaching—everything we need to do our best. I am very confident of making the National team,” he says.
Hubley notes that FNST’s goal is to have one to two athletes make Team Canada and hopes Redman will be joining them by the end of this season.
Joseph states that FHFN’s primary aim is for the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics in Vancouver, B.C. to set a positive light on the Aboriginal community and contribute in presenting a successful Olympic games.
“We want to host an Olympics that the future can learn from by participating as Aboriginal people, and we also want to feature an Olympic games that future generations of Canada can be proud of,” he says.
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