Canada Celebrates the Talent of Aboriginal Artists at 2010 Olympic Venues

Vancouver, British Columbia (Oct. 20, 2009) –

Andrew Saxton, MP (North Vancouver) and Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, today announced financial support to assist five Aboriginal art groups to exhibit their works at 2010 Winter Games venues and additional support to stage the 2010 Games Aboriginal Fine Art Auction and Art Market being launched today in Vancouver.”As Canada welcomes the world to the 2010 Winter Games, I am proud that our government is working to highlight the unique talent and skill of Inuit, Metis and First Nation artists to our local and international guests,” said Mr. Saxton. “This program is another way we are acting to ensure the 2010 Games leave a cultural, social and economic legacy for all Aboriginal peoples.”

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), through the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative, has invested more than $800,000 to support the participation of five Aboriginal artists’ organizations. Ninety art pieces will be installed at Game venues, of which five will be permanent features. Collectors and the public will have the opportunity to view and purchase innovative First Nation, Metis, and Inuit works of art through the Vancouver 2010 Games Aboriginal Fine Art Auction and Market event also being supported by INAC. Taken together, INAC’s contributions for these projects total approximately $1 million.

“The Vancouver 2010 Venues Aboriginal Arts Program showcases the rich cultural diversity of Aboriginal peoples in Canada through permanent works by young people, women, and emerging and established artists from coast to coast to coast,” said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport). “These will truly be Canada’s Games, and our Government is committed to ensuring that all parts of our unique culture are reflected in the spirit of the 2010 Winter Games.”

Aboriginal organizations included in this project are the National Indigenous Media Arts Coalition, the Mi’kmaq Association for Cultural Studies, the Manitoba Aboriginal Arts Council, the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Arts Collective and the Pangnirtung Tapestry Studio.

“It’s an honour to be able to invite Aboriginal artists from across Canada in such an inclusive way and celebrate their amazing artwork”, said Connie Watts, VANOC Manager for the Venues Aboriginal Arts Program.

These projects are delivered through the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and will be managed by its Venues Aboriginal Art Program. Today’s announcement reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to working with its Olympic Winter Games partners to achieve unprecedented Aboriginal participation in all aspects of the Games.

This release is also available on the Internet at www.inac.gc.ca

For more information, please contact

Minister’s Office
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160