Unprecedented Aboriginal Participation » Economic Development
Economic Development
The 2010 Winter Games have brought about a number of exciting economic development opportunities. Aboriginal people and businesses from across Canada are participating in the Games in many ways - as employees, volunteers, contractors, suppliers, licensees and more.
Since 2003, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has spent more than $56 million with Aboriginal businesses and organizations on a wide range of goods and services such as catering, cultural performances, high-end art and design, construction contracts and language translation services.
Authentic Aboriginal Products
The Four Host First Nations (FHFN) have partnered with VANOC to create the Vancouver 2010 Aboriginal Licensing and Merchandising Program - a program that showcases excellence in Aboriginal arts, culture and enterprise in Canada.
The FHFN logo is featured on every product as a mark of authenticity. When customers see this symbol, they can be assured that the product meets the authenticity guidelines for Aboriginal products developed by the FHFN.
In addition, the program makes an investment in Aboriginal youth. One third of the royalties VANOC collects on Aboriginal products is being invested in the Vancouver 2010 Aboriginal Youth Legacy Fund. The fund, administered by 2010 Legacies Now, supports sport, culture, education and sustainability initiatives for First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth across Canada.
Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase
A key component of the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion is the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase - a program developed to support increased business and economic development within the Aboriginal community by showcasing market-ready Aboriginal artisans and businesses to the world. The Business Showcase will also provide a forum for the advancement of business development opportunities through a series of business hosting and networking events.
Feature Stories
The Vancouver 2010 Aboriginal Licensing and Merchandising Program
The Vancouver 2010 Aboriginal Licensing and Merchandising Program marks the first time an Olympic Organizing Committee has partnered with Indigenous people in creating an official licensed merchandising program - a program that showcases excellence in Aboriginal arts, culture and enterprise in Canada. Just as the support of the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) enriched Vancouver's bid for the 2010 Winter Games, authentic Aboriginal products will enhance the array...
Paddling into the Future: Takaya Tours Takes Ocean-Going Canoes up Indian Arm
The way Chief Justin George sees it, canoe tours up Indian Arm are not only a great way to provide jobs and income for his community, but a way to share his culture with visitors from around the world and develop a deeper understanding of cultural differences and similarities.
Canoe Carving: A Revered and Ancient Art
Nearly everywhere you look in the traditional territories of Aboriginal peoples across Canada, there is water: a river, creek, lake or ocean. In the old days, these waterways served as roads and highways — an efficient way of getting from one village to another for trade and social gatherings.
