Native Canadians no longer 'Dime Store Indians'

VANCOUVER, Canada (AFP) – They are Squamish, Lil'Wat, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh, Canada's native people whose embrace of the 2010 Winter Olympics is key to eradicating the problems faced by the First Nations.

Community leaders of Canada's Aboriginals have no desire to be "Dime Store Indians", and are battling to escape the bleak statistics that condemn them to suffer double the unemployment and suicide rate of other Canadians.

They believe the February 12-28 Olymics are a golden opportunity to prosper financially and socially and even sportingly.

They also have little time for trendy protesters who argue that the Olympics are merely an excuse for corporate excess.

"What precisely do these non-Aboriginal naysayers have to teach Aboriginal people? How are smashed windows, military fatigues and balaclavas helping to address Canada?s long-standing "Indian Problem?" said Tewanee Joseph, the chief executive of the Four Host First Nations.

"Do these protesters really want us to remain forever the Dime Store Indian, the lone figure at the end of a gravel road, trapped in the isolation of an inner city nightmare?

"Do these protesters not realize they are forcing, yet again, Aboriginal people into a dreadful mould, a stereotype that takes us back to a shameful chapter in Canadian history?"

Joseph argues that partnerships with Olympics organisers have helped over 100 Aboriginal businesses work on Games-related activities to the tune of more than 53 million dollars.

He is also hopeful of seeing a native Canadian on the medals podium, a dream shared by Caroline Calve, a member of the national snowboard team who is of Algonquin origin.

"I didn't grow up on a reserve but I have always been interested in the Algonquin culture, the culture of my great-grandmother, it's everywhere in Quebec," said 31-year-old Calve.

"The origins aren't important as far as the sport is concerned, but I am proud of my roots.

"It's not so long ago that when you talked of American Indians, it was in terms of their talents as dancers, singers and sculptors," added Calve.

"They were never very high-profile in sport. But their participation in the Olympics, in the organisation, competitions or the torch relay will give a positive image."

Joseph has no doubt that his people will be celebrating in February.

"It is my greatest hope that a Canadian Aboriginal athlete will climb onto the podium," he said.

"It's just a matter of time. We now have programs such as the First Nations Snowboard team, in British Columbia, that one day will bring home the gold."

There is a precedent.

"In 1908, there was an entire team of Mohawk First Nations athletes who competed in lacrosse in the Summer Olympics. They came home with a bronze medal. Outstanding."

Medal or no medal in February, Joseph recognises that the Winter Olympics represent a golden chance for a change in perceptions.

"We are full and active partners in every aspect of the Games. No longer window dressing or an after-thought in a headdress trotted out at Opening and Closing Ceremonies," he told a meeting recently.