COWICHAN 2008 SET TO CARVE A MOMENT IN HISTORY

VANCOUVER – Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen and the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games leadership today launched a unique project designed to engage thousands of British Columbians in the celebration of Aboriginal culture during B.C.’s 150^th anniversary.

“The Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole tour will bring the spirit of the Games to every corner of the province,” said Hagen. “It will give people a rare opportunity to become a participant in the creation of a permanent work of art, and learn more about the rich history of B.C.’s Aboriginal peoples as we together celebrate BC150.”

Conceived by the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) leadership and supported by the ministry’s BC150 Years secretariat, the Cowichan 2008 Story Pole: British Columbians Carve a Moment in History tour will be led by a lead carver and his team who will transform a 20-foot western red cedar log into a story pole that commemorates the history of B.C.’s Aboriginal peoples.

“The Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole is our opportunity to bring the message of the Games to all of British Columbia and to celebrate our shared history,” said Cowichan 2008 vice-chair Al Edkins. “We are confident that we have found the right person to deliver these messages through the carving of the pole that will stand as a legacy of British Columbia’s support of the Games.”

Edkins announced that 32-year-old Coast Salish and Kwaguilth artist Carey Newman has been selected to lead the tour. Newman brings 20 years’ experience in carving and other fine arts and comes from a long line of renowned wood carvers, including his father, Victor Newman, great, great grandfather Charlie James and great aunt Ellen Neel. Newman’s pole design was also unveiled at today’s event.

“I love that the people of B.C. will help carve the Spirit Pole. I was blown away by the idea when I first heard about it, and I’m honoured to be able to take part,” said Newman.

The pole will embark on a 13-week tour, visiting over 45 communities across the province. In each community, people will be invited to try their hand at carving the log while learning about traditional carving methods and Aboriginal history.

2008 NAIG Tribal Journeys Canoe Regatta participants will escort the pole on the final leg of its journey, arriving in Cowichan Bay on July 28, 2008. The pole will be presented by Aboriginal Team BC at the opening ceremonies on Aug. 3 and will remain in the Cowichan Valley after the Games are completed.

Cowichan 2008 NAIG will welcome more than 9,000 Aboriginal athletes and cultural participants from across North America. The Games will run from Aug. 3 through 10 and are expected to generate more than $26 million in economic activity in the Cowichan Valley and surrounding regions. Last year, the Province announced it would provide $3.5 million to Cowichan 2008 in support of amateur Aboriginal sport and sport tourism.

BC150 Years is a celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858. Every community in B.C. is invited to participate in this year-long celebration of B.C.’s cultural diversity, community strength and widespread achievement. The Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole tour is one of the BC150 Years flagship events.

For more information on the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games, please visit www.cowichan2008.com. For more information on BC150 Years events and programs, please visit www.bc150.gov.bc.ca.

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Media contact:	Don McDonald Communications Director Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts 250 213-1667

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