Canadian Heritage

WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Sept. 4, 2008) - Aboriginal peoples will have a stronger presence at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.

Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament (Fleetwood-Port Kells), on behalf of the Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Four Host First Nations Society.

Funding of $800,000 will enable the Society to pursue activities with the host First Nations and with other partners for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver-Whistler.

"The eyes of the world will be on us in 2010," said Minister Verner. "We want these to truly be Canada's games, therefore it is important to have the participation of Aboriginal peoples. The Government of Canada is proud to support the Four Host First Nations Society, which will promote the culture and heritage of Aboriginal Canadians at the Games."

"I am pleased to reiterate our Government's support for creating lasting legacies for all First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people," said Ms. Grewal. "I look forward to continued opportunities to work with Mr. Joseph and the Four Host First Nations Society."

"By working with our federal partners, the Four Host First Nations (Lil'wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh) will be able to showcase our culture and heritage to the world," said Tewanee Joseph, Executive Director and CEO of the Four Host First Nations Society.

The Four Host First Nations Society is a non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that the First Nations' cultures, protocols, and traditions are acknowledged, respected, and represented throughout the planning, staging, and hosting of the 2010 Winter Games. The Society also facilitates mutually coordinated and effective working relationships between the host First Nations and their 2010 Winter Games partners.

The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Aboriginal Peoples' Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The program supports the full participation and cultural revitalization of Aboriginal peoples in Canadian society. It enables Aboriginal peoples to address the social, cultural, economic, and political issues affecting their lives.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.