Feature stories

February 27 – Assembly of First Nations Cultural Showcase

Come celebrate the ancient legends and teachings of First Nations peoples today at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion. Starting at 11am, join the Assembly of First Nations as they present a medley of lively storytelling theatre, vibrant interactive pow wow dancing and song that highlight the people of Turtle Island.

The name 'Turtle Island' is a traditional name for North America and comes from an Indigenous creation story that says the first human was a woman who fell from the sky to the earth which was completely water. As she fell, she was caught by the wings of many birds that realized she needed land for her to live on. Many of these birds and their other animal counterparts dove into the deep of the water to bring up dirt to build land. The animal to succeed at this important task was the muskrat. The woman placed the dirt on the back of a turtle; she blew the dirt, spreading it across the ocean making land for her to live on and a place for her to give birth to the first humans.

Something fun for you, your friends and your family to do here at the Chiefs' House. It's a little thing called "Find the Frog".  Squamish Nation artist Jody Broomfield explains how in his nation's culture, the frog is extremely good luck. "My grandmother used to tell me that if you find or see a frog in your daily life you will receive good luck for the rest of your life." He continues, "One day, in my family's home in North Vancouver, I walked into the living room and there were two on the floor." Broomfield took his inspiration from the two frogs that he saw in his living room that day – it's body bright green with four beautiful red feet.  How lucky are you feeling? We encourage you to come find the frog at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion – maybe it will be your lucky day!

Join us for Lounge Nights at the Jack Poole Hall and wind down after seeing the sights around town. The big screen TV's will be on and you can catch the Olympic highlights of the day and taste some items off of our exquisite menu featuring Aboriginal cuisine. The doors open at 9pm – don't be late!

Our evening programming tonight is a real treat featuring Juno nominee and Canadian Aboriginal Music Award winning lap slide guitarist Jason Burnstick. He will be pairing up with another Canadian singing sensation for a night of music that we have called 'Crossing Bridges'. Inez Jasper, who simply goes by Inez, is one of those gems that can belt out a soulful tune, but can really bring the energy level up in a room with her R&B-pop style. This is the night to make it to the Chiefs’ House – where else would you possibly want to be?

The Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase

Come see some of the best Aboriginal artisans from across Canada at the Artisan Village. Stroll through and try on jewelry, ask those rare questions that only the artists themselves have the answer to and take home a piece of a culture if you find that special piece you just have to have. Today, the Cedar Root Gallery will be onsite sharing their sacred masks, wall plaques, fine silver carved jewelry and enchanted talking sticks. The other half to the Artisan Village is the Business Showcase; here leading Aboriginal businesses have come to promote, network and encourage like-minded business peoples both local and international to consider them for their next project. Come check out Brenco Media to learn more about their video and television production services as well as the rest of their communication services portfolio. Brenco Media has created numerous television programs and documentaries focused on First Nations.

Today on the Main Stage we are pleased to present three performing acts at 11am, 3pm and 6pm. Join the Road Engine Dreams as they rock out, enjoy the bluesy style of Murray Porter and hear Sheila Maracle work the crowd as you meander through the world class artisans and businesses displaying their products and services.