Vancouver and Beyond

The City of Vancouver and Bombardier Transportation will provide a modern streetcar demonstration service to Vancouver residents and visitors during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan and Bombardier Transportation President of Light Rail Vehicles Grego Peters announced today.

The Downtown Streetcar 2010 Demonstration Project is a state-of-the-art, accessible and sustainable transportation project that will connect Granville Island to the Canada Line Olympic Village Station (Cambie Street and West 2nd Avenue) during 60 days of celebration between January 21 and March 21, 2010.

As part of the partnership agreement, Bombardier Transportation will bring two modern streetcars on loan from Brussels, Belgium to Canada. Bombardier will also operate and maintain the vehicles during the demonstration project.

“As Host City of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the City of Vancouver is delighted to be able to partner with Bombardier Transportation to offer a modern transportation experience,” said Sullivan. “This sustainable transportation showcase is an important first step in realizing our vision for the future of the streetcar – a clean, sustainable public transit option for which we believe the day has once again come.”

Sullivan also announced that the City of Vancouver has received permission from the International Olympic Committee and The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to name operation of the streetcar service The Olympic Line – Vancouver’s 2010 Streetcar for the duration of the 2010 demonstration project.

“Vancouver’s Olympic Line will demonstrate a new mode of sustainable rail transportation in one of the world’s most progressive transit environments,” said Bombardier Transportation’s Grego Peters. “We are delighted to contribute to the Downtown Streetcar 2010 Demonstration Project and are eager to showcase our high-performing streetcars in Vancouver and to visitors from around the world.”

The City of Vancouver is investing $8.5 million to upgrade the Downtown Historic Railway (DHR) infrastructure, including a $500,000 contribution from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, which owns and operates Granville Island. This funding will be used to replace the aging and deteriorating DHR rail infrastructure between Granville Island and West 2nd Avenue. The investment creates the opportunity to demonstrate modern low-floor streetcar technology during the 2010 Winter Games while ensuring the continued future operation of the heritage railway after 2010, and making an investment in a future potential streetcar service along the alignment.

About Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation has its global headquarters in Berlin, Germany with a presence in over 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide. The Group offers the broadest product portfolio and is recognized as the leader in the global rail sector.
For more information, visit www.bombardier.com.

Media contacts:

City of Vancouver
Corporate Communications
604.871.6336

David Slack
Bombardier Transportation
450.441.3190
david.slack@ca.transport.bombardier.com

Vancouver, BC — Three powerful words known to all Canadians will be forever linked with Olympic and Paralympic athletic achievement, with the 2010 Winter Games and with Canada. With Glowing Hearts was announced today as the motto for the 2010 Winter Games by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).
“With Glowing Hearts is connected and familiar to all Canadians through our anthem ‘O Canada’ and it also embodies what it takes to be an Olympic or Paralympic athlete,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “It embodies the emotions every athlete will feel — no matter where they are from or what flag they stand under — when they have the honour to represent their own country on the world’s grandest international stage in 2010.”
“With Glowing Hearts captures in a few simple, time-honoured words what it means to be Canadian, the deep pride we have in our country and who we are. It’s our hope that Canadians will see themselves in these words. They reflect our personality, our values as a country and our rich history,” continued Furlong.

Des plus brillants exploits was also revealed today as the French motto for the 2010 Winter Games. While the French and English mottos are different, they are drawn from the same inspiration. “Des plus brillants exploits references the pinnacle of achievement and the extraordinary feats of human endeavour that will occur, both for the athletes and for everyone involved in staging the 2010 Winter Games,” said Furlong.

“What better metaphor for the incredible achievements of the world’s best athletes than the heart itself?” Furlong continued. “And perhaps most importantly, the mottos describe the pride that results from outstanding achievement, be it an athlete’s performance of a lifetime or the valuable contribution of a dedicated volunteer. There’s a champion in everybody and the mottos invite everyone to step up to their own podium and give their very best through the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the 2010 Winter Games.”

The motto was launched today with the participation of several noted Canadian Olympic and Paralympic medal-winning athletes, including Daniel Wesley (Paralympic alpine skiing), Duff Gibson (skeleton), Carol Huynh (wrestling) and Denny Morrison (speed skating). Joining via video message was Nathalie Lambert (short track speed skating and Canada’s chef de mission for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games).

“I think With Glowing Hearts works no matter where you are coming from. It’s about being proud and working hard,” said Nathalie Lambert, a four-time Olympic medallist. “It’s about commitment, passion and dedication, and everybody has that when they make it to the Games. I think everyone will be inspired by that motto.”

“Finding the perfect motto for the Olympic Games is one of the great challenges Organizing Committees face,” said Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). “It may be the last inspirational words an athlete reads on the field of play before their performance of a lifetime, or the first celebratory words they see when stepping onto the medal podium. It should both welcome visitors from around the world and motivate an army of volunteers. With Glowing Hearts is an inspired motto choice and we commend VANOC on selecting a motto that delivers on all of these counts and invites the world to share in these time-honoured words from Canada’s national anthem.”

“The 2010 Winter Games motto will evoke the emotion and pride that everyone feels when performing at their best,” said Sir Philip Craven, MBE, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). “The motto captures the warm and welcoming spirit of the Host Nation and it promises to the world that the extraordinary achievements of all athletes will be honoured and celebrated. The motto also continues the spirit of the Paralympic values: courage, determination, inspiration and equality.”

With Glowing Hearts today becomes an integral element of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games communications platform. It will be integrated into pre-Games and Games-time materials and activities, and will be a key component of the 2010 Winter Games graphic identity that will be seen throughout the host region and at sport venues in 2010.

VANOC does not have and has no desire to own the phrases With Glowing Hearts and Des plus brillants exploits and VANOC’s use of the motto in no way changes how these words can be used by Canadians or how Canadians enjoy the national anthem as a whole or the specific phrases. VANOC has taken steps to protect its use of the motto, in both English and French, by registering the marks under trademark legislation but would only review the use of the motto if a business began using them to create a specific, unauthorized commercial association with the 2010 Winter Games.

With Glowing Hearts was selected in the fall of 2007 and was followed by focus testing in Vancouver, Toronto and Quebec City to ensure the concept, in both official languages, resonated with all Canadians. The VANOC Board of Directors and the IOC formally approved the motto in the spring and early September of this year respectively. A full creative campaign was then developed. With Glowing Hearts is being launched this fall with a national advertising campaign featuring television, internet and cinema spots as well as a print advertising campaign. The new thematic commercial that includes With Glowing Hearts is available immediately at www.vancouver2010.com. The site also includes a new desktop wallpaper for download featuring the new motto.

History of Olympic and Paralympic Games Mottos
Historically, Olympic and Paralympic Games mottos have been used to capture the essence of the Host Country. Recent Games mottos include Beijing 2008: One World One Dream; Torino 2006: Passion Lives Here; Athens 2004: Welcome Home; and Salt Lake City 2002: Light the Fire Within.

About VANOC
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 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Contact
VANOC Communications
mediarelations@vancouver2010.com

Whistler ready for the world in 2010

Whistler, B.C. – With the Olympic flame extinguished in Beijing, the eyes of the world will now turn to Vancouver and Whistler as the Host Mountain Resort of the 2010 Winter Games, less than 18 months away.

And though it’s already known as one of the world’s top winter and summer resorts, Whistler – where more than half of the 2010 Winter Games medals will be won and awarded – is ready to give the thousands of visitors, athletes and officials an unforgettable shared experience, says Barrett Fisher, Tourism Whistler’s President & CEO.

“The energy and excitement surrounding the 2010 Games has been building in Whistler for years, but it took a noticeable jump during the Beijing Olympics, because we know we’re next,” says Fisher. “All the hard work and effort put in by the Whistler community: The Resort Municipality of Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, VANOC staff in Whistler, hotels, restaurants and other tourism operators, have put us in the position to walk onto the world stage confident that people who come here before and during the Games will have a memorable experience, immersed in the spirit and the pulse of the 2010 Winter Games in a beautiful mountain winter setting.”

Whistler’s three competition venues are complete: Whistler Creekside for alpine skiing events, the Whistler Sliding Centre for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton, and Whistler Olympic Park, for Nordic and cross-country skiing, biathlon, and ski jumping. Whistler Village’s pedestrian stroll, already lined with restaurants, cafes and pubs, will be dotted with six Live Sites, where thousands of people will gather each day and evening to watch Games events on large outdoor screens, and to take in free entertainment including bands, performing artists, and theatre. Medal presentations will be held at Celebration Plaza each evening. Most of the Paralympic Games events a month later are also held in Whistler.

“We know that people want to attend the events, but people also have a tremendous desire to be with each other and to celebrate with people from around the world. If people are in Whistler Village during the Games, they’ll be in the centre of the action as Whistler adds its own energy, spirit and history to the Olympic legend,” says Arlene Schieven, Tourism Whistler’s Vice President of Marketing. “And remember that throughout the Games period, more than 90 per cent of Whistler Blackcomb will remain open for skiing and snowboarding. Only a small part of the mountain will be affected by the events. As well, outside of the weeks leading up to and during the 2010 Winter Games, the 2009/ 2010 season will be business as usual.”

For those who don’t want to wait until February 2010, there are many ways to get a taste of Whistler before the Games. Tours of the Whistler Sliding Centre (whistlerslidingcentre.com) go until August 31 this year, and will continue next summer. Self-guided tours of Whistler Olympic Park (whistlerolympicpark.com) go until September 1 this year, and continue next summer. Both tours provide a close-up and hands-on experience of what those events look like. Skiers and snowboarders can experience the Dave Murray Downhill at Whistler Creekside, where the alpine skiing events will be held.

Another reason to visit Whistler before the Games is the new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, opening in December 2008, which will stretch from the top of Whistler Mountain to the top of Blackcomb Mountain and travel a distance of 4.4 kilometres (2.73 miles) in just 11 minutes. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will be the longest, highest gondola of its type in the world and will let skiers and snowboarders easily move around to access the best weather and conditions on any given day at Whistler Blackcomb. It will run in summer too, giving visitors breathtaking alpine views.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre – opened 2008
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre – where mountains, rivers and people meet – embodies the spirit of partnership between two First Nations and their shared values of preserving and sharing our traditional cultures.

The Centre is the first of its kind in Canada, showcasing two distinct cultures: the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. The Centre is a spectacular building located on traditional territory, nestled in a pristine forest and mountain setting. This magnificent venue, designed in the form of a Squamish Longhouse and Lil’wat Istken (underground pit dwelling), houses a Great Hall, museum, theatre, the Squamish Lil’wat giftshop and café.

Whether viewing canoes of different styles from both Nations, discovering how cedar is harvested, learning Salish wool weaving or cedar weaving from accomplished artisans, watching a cultural performance, or viewing a series of films on the cultures, a visit to the Centre is designed to be an enriching and transformative experience.

Squamish and Lil’wat hosts will welcome guests as they approach on a walkway graced with pictograph-adorned boulders and enter through magnificent hand-carved cedar welcome figure doors. Once inside, massive spindle whorls, suspended canoes, intricate weavings and thundering drumming – with a spectacular backdrop of mountains seen through unobstructed glass – provide a truly dramatic setting. Future plans include a traditional Squamish Longhouse, the Lil’wat Istken (earthen dwelling with fire pit), outdoor barbeque facility and ethno-botanical gardens. The culturally rich program options and authentic arts add a new dimension to the Whistler experience.
Nita Lake Lodge – opened 2008
Perched on the shore of lovely Nita Lake, offering gorgeous views of surrounding mountains, lake and forest, the luxurious Nita Lake Lodge is steps away from Whistler Creekside, site of the alpine events of 2010 Winter Games. The 77-suite lodge features deluxe studio, one, two and three-bedroom suites. Exclusive private residences offer guests the intimacy of a high-end private chalet and the amenities of a luxury hotel. The lodge boasts a full-service spa, wellness centre and lakeside restaurant. The Lodge includes 4,000 square feet of meeting space, two function rooms and state-of-the-art technology for meetings and business functions.

On August 9 and 10, the City of Vancouver and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) will host a free  2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games Celebration alongside the 9th Annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival in downtown Vancouver.

The aim of the celebration is to bring the Olympic and Paralympic spirit and Vancouver’s diverse sporting culture to life in an inspiring weekend of entertainment for the whole family.

The celebration will feature: a giant outdoor screen showing coverage from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, live athlete interviews, sport demonstrations and musical entertainment.

Top Canadian athletes will be available for autograph signings, while 2010 Legacies Now and Sportfit will provide the festival goers the opportunity to experience Olympic and Paralympic sports through demonstrations and the chance to try out some sports themselves.

The two-day celebration event will feature live musical entertainment from around the world, including the Big Bang Big Band, Kutapira Marimba Band, Orquesta Goma Dura, Lache Cercel Roma Swing Ensemble and Johnny Montuno.

When:                   
The Celebration kicks off on the main stage in Chinatown on August 9 at 2 p.m.

Events will take place between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on August 9, and from 12 noon to  6 p.m. on August 10. 

Where:        
Corner of Keefer Street and Columbia Streets.

For more information and a complete schedule of events during the two-day celebration, visit the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games Celebration website at vancouver.ca .

For more information:

Corporate Communications
604.871.6336
 Media contact onsite (August 9 and 10):
Anna Parisi
Optimum Public Relations
604.828.2875
 

2008 Olympic and Paralympic Celebration Schedule of Events
August 9 and 10, 2008
August 9       2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
                            

2:00  2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games Celebration kick off 
2:30
 CBC coverage of the opening ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
 
3:20
 Athlete interview: – Olympian Alexa Loo, Snowboarding
 
3:30
 Entertainment by Big Bang Big Band
 
4:15
 Athlete interview: Paralympian Garrett Hickling, – Wheelchair Rugby
 
4:30
 CBC overage of competition from the 2008 Olympic Games
 
5:20
 Athlete interview: Olympian Mark Johnston, Swimming
 
5:30
 Entertainment by Johnny Montuno
 
6:15
 Athlete interview: Olympian Stephanie McCann, Pole Vault
 
6:30
 Celebration of the Paralympic Spirit
 
7:20
 Athlete interview: Paralympian Andrea Holmes, Long Jump and Downhill Skiing, RBC Athlete
 
7:30
 CBC coverage of competition from the 2008 Olympic Games
 
8:00
 Event ends
 

August 10     12 noon – 6 p.m.

12:00
 CBC overage of competition from the 2008 Olympic Games
 
12:50
 Athlete interview: Paralympian Misty Thomas, Wheelchair Basketball
 
13:00
 Entertainment by Kutapira Marimba Band
 
13:45
 Athlete interview: Olympian Crispin Lipscomb, Snowboard-Half Pipe, RBC Athlete
 
14:00
 CBC coverage of the opening ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
 
14:50
 Athlete interview: Olympian Margaret Langford, Canoe-kayak
 
15:00
 Entertainment by Orquesta Goma Dura
 
15:45
 Athlete interview: Olympian Tammy Bradley, Freestyle Skiing
 
16:00
 Celebration of the Paralympic Spirit
 
16:50
 Athlete interview: Paralympian Donovan Tildesley, Swimming, RBC Athlete
 
17:00
 Entertainment by Lache Cercel Roma Swing Ensemble
 
17:45
 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games Celebration wrap up
 
18:00
 Event ends

The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) is inviting ten Canadians to Beijing to participate in the 2008 Paralympic Games Torch Relay, the City of Vancouver, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee jointly announced today.

The 2008 Paralympic Games Torch Relay will take place between August 28 and September 6, 2008 in the People’s Republic of China. Canadian torchbearers will participate on September 5 or 6 in Beijing. The Resort Municipality of Whistler will select two torchbearers, the Canadian Paralympic Committee will select four torchbearers, and the remaining four torchbearers will be selected by the City of Vancouver. Each organization will have its own selection process: full details on each partner’s process will be available on their individual websites.

“We are extremely pleased that BOCOG has provided this opportunity for Canada to be involved in the torch relay,” said Vancouver’s Mayor Sam Sullivan. “It is a true honour and we thank BOCOG for this invitation.”

“We are all incredibly proud to be co-hosting the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler,” said Whistler mayor Ken Melamed. “And the added opportunity to participate in the 2008 Paralympic Torch Relay will help to build even more awareness and excitement around Paralympic sport in our communities and across the country.”

Torchbearers are to be selected based on the following criteria set out by BOCOG:

Uphold the Olympic and Paralympic spirit and dedicate themselves to the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.
Support the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
Be distinguished for remarkable feats in their profession or community, or for a personal story that serves to inspire or motivate fellow citizens.
Be generous and dedicated to community service.
Be distinguished for contributions to the Olympic or Paralympic cause, or for extraordinary performance at the past Olympic Games or Paralympic Games.
“The 2008 Paralympic Torch Relay will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 10 fortunate Canadians to celebrate our country and our Paralympic athletes in Beijing,” said Carla Qualtrough, the President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

All travel, accommodation and meals for torchbearers will be covered by BOCOG, based on travel originating in Vancouver.
For more information:

City of Vancouver Corporate Communications
vancouver.ca
604.871.6336

Resort Municipality of Whistler Communications
www.whistler.ca
604.935.8104

Canadian Paralympic Committee Communications
www.paralympic.ca
613.569.4333 X 227

Community invited to learn about venues and sports

Vancouver, BC – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today announced that The Whistler Sliding Centre will open its doors for tours this summer, providing the public with the first opportunity to personally touch and feel one of the 2010 Winter Games venues. Located on Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler BC, The Whistler Sliding Centre will be home to bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions in 2010. It is one of only 15 international competition sliding tracks in the world, and one of four in North America.

Whistler Olympic Park will also host tours this summer, offering members of the public the opportunity to explore the trails and recreational facilities that make up the venue, and a first-hand look at one of the world’s most sophisticated ski jumps. During the 2010 Winter Games, Whistler Olympic Park will be home to biathlon, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping. Located 15 kilometres south of Whistler, the facility opened its doors to both recreational and competitive skiers during the 2007-08 winter season.

“Tours are a great opportunity for the public to get a first-hand look at some of the most spectacular facilities of the Games and to learn about the sports they will host,” said Cathy Priestner Allinger, VANOC executive vice president, sport and Games operations. “Visitors will leave with a great sense of anticipation for the thrilling competitions that will take place there this winter, and in 2010. This is also a great chance for residents to familiarize themselves with the world-class facilities that are now in their own backyard, and what will be an important part of their community for years to come.”

Canadian athletes who have driven The Whistler Sliding Centre track have said it is one of the fastest and most challenging in the world. After participating in the christening of the track in December 2007, Pierre Lueders, four-time Olympian, and the most decorated slider in Canadian history, noted: “It’s definitely the fastest track in the world and that’s what makes it so difficult.” Canadian skeleton racer Michelle Kelly agreed, stating, “It’s an exciting track and what’s hard about it is that it has crazy speed, but any loss of concentration and you can get in trouble because it is technical as well.” Over 13 days of Olympic competition, athletes will compete for a total 24 Olympic medals at The Whistler Sliding Centre.

Self-guided walking tours of The Whistler Sliding Centre will begin on July 3 and continue until the end of August. Admission for these tours is $5.

Beginning June 15, free, self-guided walking, car or bike tours of Whistler Olympic Park will be available during park hours. Visitors interested in guided tours or tours of the ski jumps, however, must book in advance at www.whistlerolympicpark.com or by calling 604.964.2455. Admission fees for guided tours of Whistler Olympic Park will vary depending on tour choice. Proceeds from the tours will be directed towards general administration and overhead relating specifically to the summer 2008 venue tour programs. Both The Whistler Sliding Centre and Whistler Olympic Park are wheelchair accessible.

After the 2010 Winter Games, The Whistler Sliding Centre and Whistler Olympic Park will provide sport and recreation legacies as well as economic opportunities under the direction of the Whistler Legacies Society.

About VANOC
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. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.
QUICK FACTS

The Whistler Sliding Centre

One of only 15 international competition sliding tracks in the world
Highest vertical drop of any track in the world: 152 metres
Track G-force is expected to reach 5.02 Gs (men’s luge)
Highest speed reached in inaugural 2007-08 season: 147.9 kilometres per hour (four-man bobsleigh)
A thin ice surface measuring between two and five centimetres is produced and maintained by hand
The track measures 1,450 metres from start to finish, with an elevation change of over 150 metres
350 tons of concrete were used to construct the track
The track has 36 on-track cameras and 42 “timing eyes”
Energy-efficiency initiatives, designed to minimize refrigeration plant energy use, include an ammonia refrigeration system. Ammonia is one of the most energy-efficient refrigerants, producing no chlorofluorocarbons (which contribute to ozone-layer depletion and global climate change).

Whistler Olympic Park

First time in Olympic Winter Games history that all four Nordic disciplines (biathlon, ski jumping, Nordic combined, cross-country skiing) are occurring at the same venue
The only snowmaking system at the venue is for the ski jump landing hill
The venue has approximately five kilometres of paved rollerski trails and six kilometres of lit trails to enhance training opportunities
The venue will host 30 per cent of the Olympic medal events and 50 per cent of the Paralympic medal events
Athletes will ski an average speed of just under 25 kilometres per hour during cross-country ski races, reaching maximum speeds near 60 kilometres per hour
During the men’s 50-kilometre race, the athletes will climb approximately 2,000 vertical metres (more than twice the vertical of the men’s alpine downhill course at Whistler Creekside). The winning time for this race is expected to be approximately 2 hours, with an average speed of almost 25 kilometres per hour
Sustainability initiatives include an on-site waste water treatment plant to use leading technology (tertiary membrane filtration and ultraviolet disinfection) for high-quality discharge to local surface water. During Games-time, as with other outdoor venues, temporary wastewater collection infrastructure will be in place to accommodate high user numbers.
Contact

VANOC Communications
mediarelations@vancouver2010.com

A world-class attraction, showcasing the distinct cultures of the Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation, will open in June 2008 in North America’s premier alpine resort and event site for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Located in the Upper Village of Whistler in a spectacular natural setting on a 1.76 hectare (4.35 acre) site, it is the result of a historic Protocol Agreement signed by the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation in March 2001.

This Agreement committed the Nations to working together on issues of concern in their shared territories and identified three major common objectives: to respect the Nations’ current and historic presence in the region, to protect their respective Aboriginal Rights and Title, and to take advantage of the economic opportunities.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

This agreement, called “Partners Creating Shared Legacies from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games”, was signed in 2002. It provides for additional land, funding, employment, and other benefits for both Nations. This agreement outlined ! a package of economic, cultural, sport and capacity-building benefits, and legacies for the Nations, including assistance for the SLCC.

The Centre has been architecturally designed to pay tribute to the Coast Salish longhouses that once dotted the shorelines of Squamish traditional territory, and to the shape of the Istken, which was the underground dwelling favored by the Lil’wat people. In keeping with the First Nations’ traditional values of honoring Mother Earth. The Cultural Centre has been built to respect the landscape and act as a doorway to the forest. It is a “green” development, symbolizing the importance of responsible land stewardship, a value held by both Nations, by the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and an increasingly important value in the world.

Once inside, massive spindle whorls, suspended canoes, intricate wool and cedar weavings and other cultural displays – with a spectacular backdrop of mountains seen through unobstructed glass – provide a truly dramatic setting. The building features a Great Hall, Class A museum space, 80-seat theatre, gift gallery, café, and meeting space. Four Seasons Resort Whistler, the exclusive catering partner and Canada’s only five-diamond hotel, has created First Nations inspired menus for the café and for meetings and events held at the Centre.

Featured Programs

A key objective of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is to provide training and skills development opportunities for youth and community members through cultural apprenticeship programs. The programs will utilize the expertise of the accomplished artisans within the two Nations, ensuring that these skills are passed on to the younger generation. Visitors will be able to see artisans working in the Long House and view the larger completed work on exhibition in the Great Hall. Other artisan pieces will be available for sale in the gift shop.

Heritage Canoe Carving Apprenticeship The great canoe culture of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations will be the main theme! of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre’s majestic Great Hall. The He ritage Canoe Carving Project has created a number of canoes in styles that have not been created in the community for several generations. Those selected for the canoe carving apprenticeship program are youth who are role models of a healthy lifestyle. The program incorporates a strong cultural component to ensure that the participants are able to build upon their existing cultural knowledge.

Salish Weaving

The Squamish First Nations have been known for their basket and wool weaving for thousands of years. Northwest indigenous people were called the Weavers of the Pacific Northwest. The Salish Weaving Program has identified the accomplished weavers of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, reviewed historical blankets and other weavings, and trained a new generation of weavers. The weavers are creating contemporary designs and using traditional ones based on the blankets worn by Chief Joe Capilano and other Chiefs on the occasion of their famous 1906! trip to London to meet the King of England. The weavings will be proudly displayed in the Great Hall.

Cedar Weaving

The Lil’wat First Nations have been known for their basket weavings for thousands of years. Cedar bark was utilized for many things, ranging from wide brim hats to baby diapers. Traditional clothing was woven from inner bark of xpay (red cedar). Recently, however, this fine art has been in decline and in danger of being lost altogether. The Cedar Weaving Program is providing a venue for venerable weavers to pass on their considerable knowledge to a new generation. They are weaving large mats to hang in the Great Hall, and will weave baskets for sale in the gift shop. The Squamish are also recognized cedar weavers.
Vera Edmonds teaching basketry

Aboriginal Youth Ambassador Program

The Aboriginal Youth Ambassador Program, created by the Squamish Nation, has been created to develop the skills and capacity of the talented youth of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. The program teaches hands-on aspects of Squamish and Lil’wat cultures including canoeing, drum making, paddle making, cedar bark weaving, and carving. The youth will be the cultural guides at the Centre.

The Cultural Journey Begins in Vancouver

Along the highway to Whistler, beginning at Horseshoe Bay, there will be distinctive paddle shaped signs ! marking to indicate stops of cultural and historic significance. There will also be large twelve panel sign shelters at several major pullouts, each depicting supernatural occurrences, culture, language, and place names of First Nations significance. These scenic stops will emphasize the link between landscape and legend, and help visitors understand and appreciate the vibrant cultures and history that existed in this territory long before Europeans came to these shores.

Featured Artists

Jody Broomfield, Squamish artist

Jody is testimony to the inherent artistry found in his Squamish culture. Although he has only been carving full time since 1999, he has always con! sidered himself an artist. From childhood he observed his uncles, Jim Paull & David Nahanee, as they carved. He constantly asked questions about culture, history, and carving techniques, and his uncles would patiently coach him through the techniques and draw the classic form lines.

Jody apprenticed with Klatle-Bhi (pronounced “Cloth Bay”), a well known Kwakwaka’wakw/Coast Salish artist in a studio within the Capilano community, North Vancouver. Jody would sit knee to knee to watch and listen while Klatle-Bhi carved – until he progressed enough that Klatle-Bhi would carve half and Jody would carve the other half, thoroughly learning the northern Kwakwaka’wakw style of carving.

Jody graduated from assisting in several projects such as totems, wall panels, doors, and large masks with several artists to becoming a prominent solo artist. For the past two years he has dedicated himself to learning the unique Squamish way of carving.

In addition to carving one of the cedar entry doors and one of the giant spindle whorls that will greet visitors as they enter the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, Jody has also designed the offi! cial logo for the Four Host First Nations for the Vancouver 2010 Olymp ic and Paralympic Winter Games, as well as a 2008 gold coin for the Royal Canadian Mint. Entitled “Four Seasons Moon Mask,” this 14-karat gold coin was inspired by a hand-carved red-cedar mask originally created by Jody.

Melvin Williams, Lil’wat artist

Melvin Williams’ grandmother, Adlina Sylvia Williams, was an accomplished weaver who specialized in cedar root baskets, which she sold to support her family. At her daughter’s urging, Adlina began to teach her weaving arts to her grandchildren. She first taught Melvin’s sister, Gabrielle, to weave wool belts for berry baskets and for carrying babies. Gabrielle taught Melvin everything their grandmother taught her. Once his grandmother knew that he was interested, she began to teach him directly, showing him how to weave a little boat from ce! dar roots.

From that beginning, Melvin has become an accomplished wool and cedar weaver, much of his skills self-taught. He wanted to learn something that didn’t cost money, so he learned how to gather, prepare, and weave both wool and cedar. Once he taught himself how to make cedar hats, he verified his techniques by visiting the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology (MOA). He continues to make belts, hats, and capes, and will design a 6’ x 6’ cedar mat for the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Melvin honors the skills of his ancestors by carrying on the weaving tradition, weaving the functional tools and clothing items that have been made by those who have gone before him. In addition to teaching his cousins and nephews, he is also teaching a course on cedar hat weaving.

originally printed in Pique Newsmagazine
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One incredible huge “Thank You” goes out to Grant Lamont. A Chinese delegation of journalists came to Whistler last Friday. Representing Whistler for the Disabled, I was asked by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada to hold a press conference for our honored guests visiting from China.

We started the press conference off by thanking them for visiting Whistler and Canada and introducing ourselves. We then told them how and why I created Whistler for the Disabled and accomplished so much on my own, without funding but with the passionate support of good friends dedicated to helping others out and supporting the Whistler and disabled communities.

Some of the items that were discussed and brought up in the hour-long press conference that I would like to share with everyone:

1. Inclusively and how important it is for people with disabilities to show what they can do.

2. Planning must incorporate people with disabilities into initial planning and not just in band-aids and hand-outs.

3. Spiritual value of the acceptance and inclusion and the healing value it has.

4. Transportation and access in a community and the many good things that Whistler is now trying to do.

5. Economic benefits with many people traveling to destinations that embrace and consider those with disabilities who they are with.

6. Why Whistler and Beijing, along with the rest of the world, need to make sure that there is follow through from the Games and not just let it ride once the spotlight is off.

They asked Grant how much he makes by helping me or if he is volunteering. Grant responded: “I am here as a friend and supporter. It is funny how our society has so much money for sports stadiums and ski jumps but little time for the things that really matter. Hopefully the work Hugh is doing can influence a small degree of change in these attitudes. I know it has with many and with one corporation already benefiting the Whistler Resort community and people with disabilities.”

The delegation thanked us for our time and efforts but were perplexed how one person could do so much with so little support.

They were honoured to meet us and we were honoured to meet them as well. They were all so respectful of everyone; it was nice to see.

Media coverage in China from just one of the journalist’s newspapers is more than 200 million people. There were seven journalists from China in attendance.

Grant Lamont was truly incredible in this press conference with such a large, important delegation. He was as professional as someone who was being paid six figures a year to host such an important information session — but he did it on his own time and expense.

A huge “Thank You” goes out to Grant for helping me out once again. You came through for our community and for the disabled like so many others have for me over the years, time and time again.

Hugh Tollett

Whistler for the Disabled

Vancouver / Whistler