Feature stories

February 28: The Road Forward

Seventeen-days in which the world had its eyes on Vancouver and on the Aboriginal people of Canada come to a spectacular end with the debut of a live theatrical/musical and video performance called The Road Forward at the Aboriginal Pavilion. Inspired by the lives of  Aboriginal mother and fathers captured by street photographer Foncie Pulice on the downtown streets of Vancouver, the Road Forward galvanizes the political and social movement of BC's Aboriginal history and the rights fought for by Aboriginal leaders that forged a movement where no one will be left behind. In a 65 foot high dome filled with 360 degree images and voices raised in song, this nine-minute theatrical experience connects that tumultuous past with the rising vision of the Road Forward. Commissioned by the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, the Road Forward is created and directed by Marie Clements. Featuring multiple award winning artists Pura Fe, Leela Gilday, Jennifer Kreisberg and Michelle St. John. Joining them is renowned dancer/choreographer Byron Chief Moon along with Governor General’s Award Winning playwright/actor Kevin Loring and Spirit Award winnier Evan Adams. The shows run every half hour between 6:00pm and 9:00pm

Digging Roots

Canadian roots and blues superstars Digging Roots close the Chiefs' House down with a late night show starting at 11:00pm. Sporting a mix of roots, rock, hip hop and blues, Digging Roots has a sound almost too hard to define. Their message is one that hits at the heart of Aboriginal-produced music: Be proud of who you are and unabashedly proclaim it loudly.

Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase

Thousands of people have come through the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase over the last 17 days. Today is the last chance to check out hundreds of First Nations, Inuit and Métis art and products available at the Showcase. Mik'maq artist Alan Syliboy hails from the Millbrook First Nation outside Truro, Nova Scotia. His work is representative of the traditional rock art made by the Wabanaki who are part of the ancient Eastern Woodland Indian culture. He creates original fine art, prints, cards, T-shirts, sculptures and pottery. He also created one of the bottles for the Coca Cola Aboriginal Art Bottle program and has a 30 metre long mural entitled "People of the Dawn" hanging at the Trout Lake Community Centre in Vancouver as part of the Vancouver 2010 Venues' Aboriginal Art program – a permanent legacy of the 2010 Winter Games.