 |
 A drum, dance and singing performance by members of the Squamish nation will help the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia launch its “Authentic Aboriginal” cultural authenticity program, an initiative to help visitors easily identify the province’s most culturally authentic, accurate and respectful First Nations and Métis tourism businesses. (CARMINE MARINELLI, 24 HOURS) |
A new stylized eagle feather and human eye logo means five aboriginal businesses are “authentic,” according to the Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C.
Skidegate’s Haida Heritage Centre, the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos, Cranbrook’s St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino in Cranbrook, ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum in Hazelton and Whistler’s Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre were recognized Monday.
AtBC co-chair Linnea Battel said visitors can be assured of an aboriginal-owned and controlled “true experience” that meets cultural protocols and safety and service standards.
Meanwhile, a North Vancouver aboriginal jeweler and bentwood box maker is promoting an authentic aboriginal mark of his own after discovering many aboriginal souvenirs for the 2010 Winter Olympics are made in foreign countries.
Spirit Works president Shain Jackson launched a Coast Salish symbol of a face with open hands in a welcoming gesture that he hopes will be attached to products designed, produced and distributed by aboriginals. In the long run, he hopes for legislation to ensure authenticity.
“As an aboriginal person I find that absolutely appalling that (VANOC) would not inject some money into our communities, which are some of the most marginalized and impoverished in the country, and on top of that try and divert funds away from our authentic aboriginal products,” Jackson said.
|
Jackson said he’s encouraged that VANOC is selling inukshuks made in Canada by Inuit people, but it’s misleading to sell other items made offshore by non-aboriginals.