Vancouver 2010

I'm watching the opening ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. I usually don't go for this kind of stuff -- but hey, it's happening in Canada. And I have to say, it's quite a show we're putting on for the world. For some of the world, this may form some opinions of our country -- or what we may want them to think of us, regardless of the realities. Some of it may very well be a little bit of propaganda to inspire a little bit of nationalism -- which wouldn't be such a bad thing, either. We are a great country of 33 million.

I was surprised by the amount of homage paid to the First Nations people -- considering the amount of protests that followed the flame around the country -- including during the opening ceremony. The homage was great to see. Made me proud to see the First Nations people welcome the world's atheletes to Canada -- to their lands -- and it was especially nice to see that the First Nations leaders were treated the same as other heads of states -- and sat in the same VIP seats occupied by Harper and other world leaders.

Of course, after the Olympics, things will go back to normal -- but maybe -- maybe, there will be just a little change left behind permanently.

in reference to:

"The status arrangement is part of a long-standing multiparty agreement signed by civic, provincial, federal, aboriginal and local Olympic officials ahead of Vancouver's successful bid to stage the 2010 Winter Games. In return for their support, the Four Host First Nations became equal Olympic partners, an unprecedented standing at the Games for aboriginal representatives."
- News | About Vancouver | Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games | CTV Olympics (view on Google Sidewiki)