North American Indigenous Games
Games Event Date - August 3 to 10
Games Event Date - August 3 to 10
With over 3,800 members, Cowichan Tribes is the largest single First Nation in British Columbia. And while we are a modern society, our rich traditions remain woven throughout our culture.
We still engage in many of our cultural rites and ceremonies. We still have a strong tradition of community. We still have many artists who carve, build canoes, sing and dance. Our Elders are still involved in passing on the teachings of our ancestors.
We still fish by spear, although we employ modern equipment as well. We still harvest traditional foods and plants for food and ceremonial purposes. We still prepare salmon and other foods in the traditional way.
Language is the cornerstone of our culture. Hul'qumi'num embodies all our thoughts, beliefs, myths and institutions. Within it is reflected everything we have produced and contributed to the world. It is important that we teach, speak and preserve our language.
In the 25 years or so that we have been allowed some degree of self-determination, we have come a long way. We now provide many member services. We have a number of companies that provide jobs and training opportunities that add to our own-source revenue. More of our young people are staying in school and getting jobs.
Hosting the 2008 North American Indigenous Games allows us to showcase our people and traditions to the rest of North America, and to build meaningful relationships within the various communities of the area. But, more importantly, the Games give us the opportunity to show our youth firsthand the benefits of living a healthy, active lifestyle. In keeping with the philosophies behind the NAIG movement, we want to ensure our youth have pride in who they are, the self-confidence to dream and the resources to support them in making those dreams a reality.
www.cowichantribes.com
We still engage in many of our cultural rites and ceremonies. We still have a strong tradition of community. We still have many artists who carve, build canoes, sing and dance. Our Elders are still involved in passing on the teachings of our ancestors.
We still fish by spear, although we employ modern equipment as well. We still harvest traditional foods and plants for food and ceremonial purposes. We still prepare salmon and other foods in the traditional way.
Language is the cornerstone of our culture. Hul'qumi'num embodies all our thoughts, beliefs, myths and institutions. Within it is reflected everything we have produced and contributed to the world. It is important that we teach, speak and preserve our language.
In the 25 years or so that we have been allowed some degree of self-determination, we have come a long way. We now provide many member services. We have a number of companies that provide jobs and training opportunities that add to our own-source revenue. More of our young people are staying in school and getting jobs.
Hosting the 2008 North American Indigenous Games allows us to showcase our people and traditions to the rest of North America, and to build meaningful relationships within the various communities of the area. But, more importantly, the Games give us the opportunity to show our youth firsthand the benefits of living a healthy, active lifestyle. In keeping with the philosophies behind the NAIG movement, we want to ensure our youth have pride in who they are, the self-confidence to dream and the resources to support them in making those dreams a reality.
www.cowichantribes.com
© 2007 Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games