This Just In ...

The names of the respected and emerging First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists participating in the program are from every province and territory in Canada and include Brendalynn Trennert of Hay River, NWT; Alan Syliboy of Millbrook, NS; Stephen Peltonen of Hearst, ON; Brent Sparrow and Kevin McKenzie of Vancouver, BC; and Jason Baerg of Toronto, ON

“These works of art by some of Canada’s most established and up-and-coming Aboriginal artists will be front and centre in our 15 Olympic and Paralympic venues and will remain there as a permanent legacy of the Games beyond 2010,” said Dan Doyle, VANOC’s executive vice president responsible for Aboriginal participation. “In some cases, these beautiful artworks are seamlessly integrated into the structure of the venue itself.”

The variety of artwork is staggering. Textiles, copper, steel, concrete, yellow cedar, glass and caribou tufting are among the mediums used and the subject matter features Aboriginal symbols, such as the raven, bear, salmon, sun and canoe in traditional and contemporary styles.

In addition to leaving a physical legacy of artwork, the program is helping create an educational and cultural legacy by pairing established artists with several at-risk young people in urban and rural areas from across Canada to create three original sculptures for showcasing in 2010.

“Mentors, such as Haida artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, are opening up a new world of opportunity for inner-city Aboriginal youth,” said Tewanee Joseph, chief executive officer of the Four Host First Nations. “This type of programming allows us to celebrate the strength and innovation of our youth.”

More than 140 individual pieces of original artwork will be produced as part of the more than $2-million Venues’ Aboriginal Art Program, with over 40 becoming part of the Games permanent legacy at the venues. Sixteen Four Host First Nations works will have pride of place in areas such as entrances and gateways at venues like Pacific Coliseum and the Olympic and Paralympic Villages in Whistler and Vancouver. This means the first thing visitors will see as they enter is a welcoming work by a hosting Aboriginal artist. This program is part of VANOC’s venue construction budget.

"This program offers an unprecedented opportunity to create a once-in-a-lifetime contemporary collection of art from First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples for all the world to marvel at and enjoy during Canada’s Games in 2010," said Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "Through these more than 90 sculptors, tufters, weavers and painters, we’re celebrating the rich cultural diversity of our country and honouring Aboriginal peoples across Canada."

“Canada is experiencing a renaissance in Aboriginal art from First Nations, Inuit and Métis and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will showcase this incredible talent to the world,” said BC Premier Gordon Campbell. “Their works will inspire everyone — from the world’s best athletes to visitors alike — as they act as a permanent cultural and artistic legacy of the Games.”

The Aboriginal works of art displayed in the venues will also be featured in O Siyam:Celebrating Aboriginal Art through the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, published by John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd. The full-colour coffee-table book will be available in stores this fall. See these selected artworks from Aboriginal artists participating in the Vancouver 2010 Venues’ Aboriginal Art Program at Vancouver:2010

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

The Four Host First Nations Society is a not-for-profit organization that has been established to coordinate the participation in the 2010 Winter Games by the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. To learn more about the Four Host First Nations Society, visit FourHostFirstNations.com