Our Inuit Olympic Tapestry

When athletes and spectators enter the Richmond Olympic Oval in 2010 they will be greeted by a tapestry titled "Achieving a Dream" that has been commissioned by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

The imagery included in the tapestry is that of an Arctic landscape, Inuit in traditional clothing, and Inuit sports and games.

The tapestry is, however, only one of many Inuit accomplishments surrounding the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The Inuksuk features prominently as the logo of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics

For the first time the Olympic Flame will pass through all four of our northern regions. A number of Inuit youth will carry the flame. Inuit youth will also perform the role of flame attendants - travelling with the Olympic Torch Relay while it is in the Arctic.

"Inuit Engagement, the people behind the Inuksuk" will take place at the Aboriginal Pavilion during the Olympics. This is a daylong national performance showcasing and celebrating traditional Inuit artists that includes Inuit from each of our four regions. The ITK is also currently assisting the Four Host First Nations and VANOC to encourage Inuit youth to apply for the Vancouver 2010 Indigenous Youth Gathering which will be held January 30 - February 14, 2010 in Vancouver. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2009.

None of this has come about without the hard work and dedication of the many people involved at all levels, and all are to be congratulated.

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