The Hook

The Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) is inviting 300 First Nations' members to partake in the 2010 Olympic torch relay. It's an event that could draw attention from aboriginal activists, as well.

National Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations, stated activists could target the 2010 torch relay to communicate their message of aboriginal oppression.

In 2008 Fontaine said, "We'll take whatever opportunity is presented to us to state our case, to set the record straight, to tell Canadians the true story about our situation. They have to stand up and demand immediate action on the part of their government to fix this."

According to Jim Richards, director of the torch relay for the 2010 games, VANOC is looking for nominees "who amplify those Olympic spirits of brotherhood, of fair play, of being a leader and showing leaders to a community."

The Assembly of First Nations, The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council/Métis Nation B.C. are all involved in the organization of the relay, which starts in Victoria and will make its way across the country.

"Our goal is to inspire and engage. Get people excited," Richards said.

When asked about the fact that the relay maybe subject to protest, Richards said he respects the right to protest, but hopes it will remain peaceful and will not take away from the "family-style event that we're trying to put together."

"We're accepting the fact there are always going to be critics of our project or of the Olympics in general or various aspects of life in Canada that people want to protest and they will use the torch relay as a means to communicate," he said. "There is so much media following the relay, it's a great opportunity to get up on the soap box."  

Richards said the culture and traditions of aboriginal people would be incorporated into the relay.