Aboriginal groups to press economic issues at Games

The chief of one of four B.C. aboriginal groups with a seat at the planning table for the 2010 Olympics says he supports any First Nation that wants to use the Games as a stage to tell the world about inadequate government support for pressing economic issues.

Bill Williams is chief of the Squamish First Nation, which along with the other so-called Four Host First Nations has received government land and cash contributions worth about $20 million each in exchange for support for the Games.

Williams said in an interview that his band has done well by supporting the Games, but that won't stop him or others from speaking out about economic issues facing B.C. aboriginal people.

Williams, who is also an organizing official with the Four Host First Nations, said many B.C. aboriginal communities are suffering economically, especially with the downturn in the forest industry, and they can't bring themselves to cheer on the Games while requests for government help are ignored.

"It's fine to work on this one project called the Olympics, but don't drop the ball on the other part of the economy of British Columbia," he said.

Williams cited forestry, mining and the development of hydroelectric energy as parts of the economy that should involve aboriginal groups.

Communitiesto benefit from Games, says Joseph

Tewanee Joseph, the chief executive officer for the Four Host First Nations, did not comment directly on Williams's goal to use the Olympics as a stage.

Instead, he said in a statement that the Olympics are a partnership that will provide a model for resolving complex social and economic issues facing all Canadians.

"Next month, Four Host First Nations is going to rock the world at the 2010 Games," he said in the statement. "At the Aboriginal Pavilion, we're going to share, showcase and educate about our cultures to visitors from around the world."

Joseph noted the Games will allow First Nations across Canada to share in an estimated $150 million in total Games revenue.

To date, more than 100 aboriginal businesses are working on Games-related activities for a total income of more than $53 million and 1,000 aboriginal youth have been hired to work on Games-related activities, he noted.