AtBC Welcomes the World

Coast Salish Territory - Vancouver Feb 05, 2010

The Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (AtBC) Welcomes the World to Experience Authentic Aboriginal Culture during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

AtBC is pleased to release their 2010 Winter Games Map "When and Where to Find Aboriginal Experiences" that provides individuals with AtBC 17-day showcase key event locations occurring during the games. This map identifies colorful and dramatic live demonstrations and performances daily such as the transformation of the lobby of the Pan Pacific Hotel into an Aboriginal village called Kla-how-ya meaning "welcome."

In addition to the Pan Pacific, AtBC will feature spectacular dance and drum groups every day at Robson Square, and artisans working with cedar – a sacred life-giving wood throughout the ages in Aboriginal culture – will be at BC/Canada Pavilion in the Vancouver Art Gallery. AtBC member businesses will also be on hand at the Aboriginal Business Showcase at Vancouver Community College and the AtBC Trail Blazers will be staffing the Aboriginal Pavilion helping to introduce to visitors the vast breadth of Aboriginal culture from across Canada.

"AtBC is honoured to showcase our rich and diverse Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences at a number of sites throughout Vancouver during the Olympics Games. We wanted to ensure that all visitors to the Olympics have every opportunity to preview the vibrant and flourishing Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences that awaits them in the Province of British Columbia" says Dr. Linnea Battel, Director of Xa:ytem and Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC.

The more than 60 members of AtBC range from gallery curators to jet boat guides, eco-tour operators and wineries, and they are located in every corner of the province. Each member is an Aboriginal-owned business and a formal authenticity certification offered by AtBC guarantees an authentic cultural experience. More information about the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia and all 2010 activities is available at www.AboriginalBC.com – 2010 media link.

For more details on these exciting events visit: www.aboriginalbc.com/media

Click here to download the AtBC 2010 Winter Games Map.

Please direct your media relations inquiries to:

Paula Amos, Operations and Membership Coordinator
Local Phone: (604) 921-1070
Cell Phone: (604) 803-4494
Toll-Free Phone: 1-877-266-2822
Paula@AboriginalBC.com