First Nations People Will Co-Host 2010 Olympic Games

For the first time in history, the International Olympic Committee is allowing indigenous cultures to act as hosts of an Olympic Games. That means the Four Host First Nations will stand side-by-side with the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee and the Federal Government in welcoming visitors to Canada and helping tell the story of the First Nations people.

The four First Nations groups include the Musqueam, Squamish, Lil'Wat and Tsleil-Waututh, and the Games will be played in their traditional lands. They have signed agreements with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis across Canada to promote aboriginal tourism to roughly 350,000 visitors, and an estimated three billion watching from all around the world. The Four Host First Nations will have an 8,000-square-foot pavilion in downtown Vancouver to showcase some 28 Aboriginal Cultural Tourism experiences across Canada.