VANCOUVER, February 19, 2010 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, invites all Canadians to celebrate the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut and to take part in nightly victory ceremonies at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
"Over the next three nights, join us for victory ceremonies, which feature special shows from Canada's northern territories, as well as inspirational medal presentations to winning athletes," said Minister Moore. "These truly are Canada's Games, and they include talent from all across the country--from athletes aiming for the podium, to torchbearers in the Olympic and Paralympic relays, to performers like the ones who will entertain you at the victory ceremonies."
This evening's victory ceremony is hosted by the Northwest Territories. Tomorrow, Yukon will be the host, and Nunavut will host the victory ceremony on February 21. Each ceremony will feature a showcase of talented performers from the host territory, followed by athlete medal presentations, then an hour-long musical performance. Victory ceremonies are taking place for 12 nights in Vancouver during the Olympic Winter Games, each sponsored by a different territory or province.
"Hosting the 2010 Winter Games will leave a positive legacy of economic and social benefits for Aboriginal peoples in Canada, just as hosting the 2007 Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse brought significant benefits to the North," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament (Nunavut). "The Government of Canada is working to ensure that Aboriginal people benefit from increased jobs and business opportunities, increased physical activity and involvement in sport, and greater exposure for Aboriginal arts and cultures."
"Our Government is proud to host the Canada Pavilion and to invest in the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion," said Minister Moore. "I invite everyone in Vancouver to come visit both Pavilions. The Canada Pavilion has been attracting crowds in great numbers to discover Canada's excellence and innovation in sport, while the Aboriginal Pavilion is a wonderful showcase of Aboriginal achievements in art, business, culture, commerce, and sport from across Canada."
For more information (media only), please contact:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Government of Canada
2010 Winter Games Media Enquiry Centre
613-998-2010
1-877-760-2010
media2010@canada.gc.ca
www.canada2010.gc.ca/media
