Olympics 2010 - Nadleh Whut'en Traditional Performers

One of the mandates set forth by VANOC in the planning of these Olympic Games was to achieve unprecedented Aboriginal participation in both the planning and presence of this event.
The relationships in need of nurturing and mending with Canada's aboriginal people are deep and not immediately remedied by a single event or apology, however as a spectator at these Olympic Games, it appeared to me that the amazing spirit presented by the Aboriginal people in Vancouver was one that had many people standing side by side as the sounds of drumming and singing echoed through the downtown streets.

On the day of our departure as I waited for Mr. S to wrap up some interviews, I stood on a sunny corner and was swept away by the pulse of song and drumming of the Nadleh Whut'en First Nations performers. The sway and bob of the dancers pulled people from the streets as the crowd surrounding the Dakelh (meaning "people who travel by water") doubled, tripled, and poured over barriers. It was the perfect last taste of an amazing few days in Vancouver.