Ancient Traditions of First Nations + Winter Games Converge in 2010

As we approach the opening of the Winter Games in Vancouver, we begin to recognize and understand more of the underlying connection between sport, culture and education.

Bringing people together from various communities to celebrate, honour and witness great events and share experiences is a part of the First Nations' culture as well as the purpose of the Games.

Similar to First Nations art and culture, the Winter Games movement creates opportunities to build a better world in a spirit of peace, excellence, friendship and respect.

Throughout the world, the Winter Games have been used to encourage understanding and friendship amongst various nations and proudly display their nationalism.  Here in Canada, individual First Nations groups seek similar goals to create harmony, collaboration, strength and unity.

Culturally, the ancient Winter Games honoured and celebrated the mythological gods Zeus and Hera.  When the Romans took over Greece and Christianity's influence strengthened, the Winter Games began to lose its importance.  In Canadian culture, the First Nations people held beliefs based on animal crest figures signaling their mythic origins.  Once the Europeans arrived, Christianity was introduced and the traditional First Nations' Winter Potlatch ceremonies were driven underground almost to obscurity.  Despite the Romans and Europeans' wish to put an end to pagan festivals, both the Winter Games and Winter Potlatch were eventually reinstated and revitalized to their former glory.

Regardless of the many hurdles and challenges each has experienced over the centuries, the appeal and prestige of the Winter Games and First Nations art hasn't diminished and has reached new heights of international status.

Coastal Peoples is pleased to present an exhibition illustrating how movement and energy is visually represented through both art and sport.  We hope you will share with us in this celebration of great achievement in 2010 and beyond.