As one of the four host First Nations of the 2010 Olympic Games, the Squamish Nation is scheduled to offer a few community events in the Totem Hall during the month of February.
Starting on Feb. 4, the community is invited to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay by dropping in to Totem Hall and enjoying some light snacks, or get competitive and play Nintendo Wii sports on a big screen TV. The relay festivities will also include cultural performances with traditional singers and dancers.
Three valley-based Squamish Nation members will be carrying the torch for the Olympic Games Torch relay. Bernie Miranda and Shirley Lewis will carry the flame on day 98 when the flame enters and exits Totem Hall, while Chase Lewis is a torchbearer on day 99 in Whistler.
The Squamish Nation website stated that Team New Zealand will enjoy an official welcoming ceremony at Totem Hall on Feb. 11, however a spokesperson said no further details are available and the event is closed to the public.
On Feb. 12, the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony will be shown on a big screen TV at Totem Hall. Everyone is invited to attend starting at approximately 5 p.m.
From Feb.19 to 20, invited traditional drummers, dancers and singers from across the province will showcase their work at the Northwest Coast Festival at Totem Hall.
"They'll do is a song and dance from their territory or nation," said Squamish Nation Olympic Games co-ordinator Pete Natrall.
On Feb. 23 the Coast Salish Style Artist Festival will showcase a wide variety of artwork, some of which will be on sale.
And on Feb. 28, Olympic Games Closing Ceremonies will be televised on a big screen TV.
Natrall noted similar screening festivities for the Opening and Closing of the Paralympic Games are currently being planned, but details are not yet available.
