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The 2015 Canada Games marks a series of firsts. It is the first time in the 48-year history of the Canada Games that a First Nation has been granted the designation of “Official Host First Nation.” The Lheidli T’enneh, on whose traditional territory the City of Prince George sits, bear that honour and as the Official Host First Nation, their flag flies on the roof of Canada Games House along with the Canadian and provincial flags, also a first-ever occurrence. And, it is the first time the Canada Games have been held in BC.
"Being designated the official host First Nation is historic and we are proud to be the one to start this journey. In seven days we officially open our doors to the country and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of aboriginal peoples across Canada," said Chief Dominic Frederick. "We want to welcome all cultures to our pavilion. Regardless of who you are, we want you to come in and to experience all the other cultures and the culture of Lheidli T'enneh."
Prince George Citizen, February 7, 2015
The 2015 Canada Winter Games is expected to draw 2,400 athletes, 1,000 coaches and officials, 4,500 volunteers and an estimated 15,000 visitors.
One of the main centres of the Games is the Lheidli T’enneh Pavilion, a 3,600-foot structure (which is actually a series of Britco trailers decorated with images of the Lheidli T’enneh) that features an artisan village, retail space, an outdoor stage, soup and bannock kitchen, and an elders’ lounge, as well as information about the Host Nation history. The traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh encompasses 4.3 million hectares that stretch from the Rocky Mountains to the Interior Plains. Lheidli means “where two rivers flow together” – the two rivers being the Nechako and Fraser. T’enneh means “the people”.
Team BC partnered with Lheidli T’enneh art teacher Jennifer Annais Pighin for the designs on the shirts the team will wear in the opening ceremony on February 13, as well as the designs on the Team scarf and pin. Canada Games pins are a hot commodity for trading.
Ms. Pighin also designed the medals - her design was chosen over 38 other submissions.
"Jennifer's design for the 2015 Canada Winter Games' medals are a unique and magical representation of the northern story," says Stuart Ballantyne, CEO, 2015 Canada Winter Games. "It combines elements of the Canada Games: teamwork, perseverance and community with the symbolism of our Host First Nation, the Lheidli T'enneh to create a powerful momento for our 2015 Games athletes."
Canada Games Council press release, February 13, 2015
A group of volunteers from the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation made 1,300 moosehide pouches for the medals.
The celebration and respect for Aboriginal culture extends to the entertainment during the Games. Tanya Taqaq, Tribe Called Red and Indian City are all headline acts.
The City of Prince George has certainly set an example of community engagement and how to showcase First Nation partners and Aboriginal culture. It will be interesting to see how the next host city, Winnipeg, will measure up in 2017.
Featured photo: Unsplash
The Lheidli T'enneh Pavilion, located at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Dominion Street, will be a spot of warmth and welcome for the duration the Canada Winter Games, showcasing aboriginal art and talent.
"Being designated the official host First Nation is historic and we are proud to be the one to start this journey. In seven days we officially open our doors to the country and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of aboriginal peoples across Canada," said Chief Dominic Frederick. "We want to welcome all cultures to our pavilion. Regardless of who you are, we want you to come in and to experience all the other cultures and the culture of Lheidli T'enneh."
When the pavilion officially opens Feb. 13, it will be home to daily programming between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. until March 1.
It's not what it seems from the outside, said Frederick, referring to the 3,600 square foot space formed by the Britco trailers, draped with shades of red and decorated with Lheidli T'enneh historical exhibits. It's housing an artisan village, reception and retail space, live performance stage, soup and bannock kitchen and elders' lounge.
- See more at: http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/news/local-news/lheidli-t-enneh-pavilion-ready-for-games-1.1756011#sthash.0XR7hfCS.dpufThe Lheidli T'enneh Pavilion, located at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Dominion Street, will be a spot of warmth and welcome for the duration the Canada Winter Games, showcasing aboriginal art and talent.
"Being designated the official host First Nation is historic and we are proud to be the one to start this journey. In seven days we officially open our doors to the country and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of aboriginal peoples across Canada," said Chief Dominic Frederick. "We want to welcome all cultures to our pavilion. Regardless of who you are, we want you to come in and to experience all the other cultures and the culture of Lheidli T'enneh."
When the pavilion officially opens Feb. 13, it will be home to daily programming between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. until March 1.
It's not what it seems from the outside, said Frederick, referring to the 3,600 square foot space formed by the Britco trailers, draped with shades of red and decorated with Lheidli T'enneh historical exhibits. It's housing an artisan village, reception and retail space, live performance stage, soup and bannock kitchen and elders' lounge.
- See more at: http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/news/local-news/lheidli-t-enneh-pavilion-ready-for-games-1.1756011#sthash.0XR7hfCS.dpufThe Lheidli T'enneh Pavilion, located at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Dominion Street, will be a spot of warmth and welcome for the duration the Canada Winter Games, showcasing aboriginal art and talent.
"Being designated the official host First Nation is historic and we are proud to be the one to start this journey. In seven days we officially open our doors to the country and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of aboriginal peoples across Canada," said Chief Dominic Frederick. "We want to welcome all cultures to our pavilion. Regardless of who you are, we want you to come in and to experience all the other cultures and the culture of Lheidli T'enneh."
When the pavilion officially opens Feb. 13, it will be home to daily programming between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. until March 1.
It's not what it seems from the outside, said Frederick, referring to the 3,600 square foot space formed by the Britco trailers, draped with shades of red and decorated with Lheidli T'enneh historical exhibits. It's housing an artisan village, reception and retail space, live performance stage, soup and bannock kitchen and elders' lounge.
- See more at: http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/news/local-news/lheidli-t-enneh-pavilion-ready-for-games-1.1756011#sthash.0XR7hfCS.dpufThe Lheidli T'enneh Pavilion, located at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Dominion Street, will be a spot of warmth and welcome for the duration the Canada Winter Games, showcasing aboriginal art and talent.
"Being designated the official host First Nation is historic and we are proud to be the one to start this journey. In seven days we officially open our doors to the country and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of aboriginal peoples across Canada," said Chief Dominic Frederick. "We want to welcome all cultures to our pavilion. Regardless of who you are, we want you to come in and to experience all the other cultures and the culture of Lheidli T'enneh."
When the pavilion officially opens Feb. 13, it will be home to daily programming between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. until March 1.
It's not what it seems from the outside, said Frederick, referring to the 3,600 square foot space formed by the Britco trailers, draped with shades of red and decorated with Lheidli T'enneh historical exhibits. It's housing an artisan village, reception and retail space, live performance stage, soup and bannock kitchen and elders' lounge.
- See more at: http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/news/local-news/lheidli-t-enneh-pavilion-ready-for-games-1.1756011#sthash.0XR7hfCS.dpuf
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