George Taylor of Le-La-La Dancers at Aboriginal Tourism BC's Vancouver Olympic Event, Canada.
The drums had started their heartbeat rhythm when I arrived at the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC’s opening media event for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics at the Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver. A welcoming song and dance was being performed to greet everyone in attendance to Vancouver and the First Nations’ land.
But the First Nations dancing, drumming and singing wasn’t the only thing on showcase for the aboriginal people of British Columbia, Canada. The stunning array of aboriginal food took the spotlight for those in the crowd hungry to try something new.
First Nations Food
Fancy some rattlesnake? How about pig’s tail? You would have been in luck on this night. It wasn’t all about the most exotic of options, though. I was most delighted with the bannock on a stick; the First Nations bread was wrapped thinly around a branch for a Popsicle-like effect.
First Nations Food: Rattlesnake at Aboriginal Tourism BC's Vancouver Olympics Event, Canada.
The salads were colourful and hearty (lots of beans and corn) and the fish and seafood was incomparable: I love how the aboriginal culture cooks fish. The “plates” were slimly cut tree trunks about the size of your hand.
Aboriginal Dancing: Hoop Dancing
With all the dancing, drumming and singing as part of the program, it was no surprise that hoop dancing would be included. Multiple world champion Alex Wells took to the stage to much cheering. Here is a video from his performance:
A First Nations Food Display at Aboriginal Tourism BC's Vancouver Olympics Event, Canada.
Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver
The fun doesn’t stop there, though. There is BC aboriginal programming throughout the entire Olympics. From carving, jewellery making, cedar bark weaving and a fishing demonstration to Dene drumming and First Nations dancing by the Le-La-La Dancers, Git Hayestsk Dancers and Métis Cultural Dancers, everyday is action packed with events.
A full list is available at the Aboriginal BC website.
Lori Henry is a freelance Travel & Lifestyle writer based in Vancouver, Canada. She covers Solo Travel, Outdoor Adventures, Wellness & Spas, and Cultural Dance, and is often called "That Cultural Dance Gal."
