Invite to attend Vancouver 2010 Indigenous Youth Gathering - January 30 to February 14, 2010
Click here for a PDF copy of the Application Form
APPLICATION DEADLINE of September 30, 2009
Vancouver 2010 Indigenous Youth Gathering
January 30 to February 14, 2010
Do you want to be part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games?
Do you want to meet First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth from across Canada?
Apply now to be part of the Vancouver 2010 Indigenous Youth Gathering.
Hosted by the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), the gathering will bring together more than 300 First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth from across Canada.
Selected youth will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the 2010 Winter Games — participating and performing in Games cultural activities. In addition to culture, programming for the gathering will focus on healthy living, sport, leadership, sustainability and the Olympic Truce. Guest speakers will include Olympians and Paralympians, Aboriginal athletes and other role models.
Participation in this event is on a non-paid, volunteer basis. However, transportation, accommodation and meals related to participation in the Vancouver 2010 Indigenous Youth Gathering will be provided by VANOC, the FHFN, the Government of Canada and provincial/territorial governments.
Aboriginal youth aged 19 to 29, who are interested in this spectacular opportunity, are encouraged to read the enclosed for more information. Eligible candidates may either apply online at
2010iyg.com or by completing the attached form.
When: January 30 to February 14, 2010
Where: Vancouver/Lower Mainland Area, British Columbia
Application Requirements: To apply for this program you must:
- Be of Aboriginal ancestry [First Nations (Status, non-Status, Treaty Indian), Inuit, Métis]. Proof of Aboriginal ancestry is required;
- Be aged from 19 to 29 as of July 1, 2009;
- Demonstrate and possess leadership qualities and be recognized within your community as a role model;
- Have experience in a cultural, community performance or leadership capacity (for example, music, drumming, dance, theatre or public speaking), or in competitive sport;
- Be outgoing, physically fit, able to follow instructions and be willing to learn professionally choreographed, rhythmic movement;
- Have access to traditional clothing and/or performance regalia and be willing to wear it at certain Youth Gathering cultural activities;
- Be willing to represent your First Nation/Inuit/Métis group in a public environment and to international audiences;
- Be willing to appear in photographs, video or audio recordings associated with public performances and the marketing, promotion and hosting of the 2010 Winter Games; and
- Be willing to undergo a background check by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for security and accreditation purposes.
As you will be participating in this program representing your Nation in several cultural events, you will be required to bring your traditional clothing/ regalia with you. Please include the following with your application:
- Two (2) colour photographs of you wearing your traditional clothing/regalia (full-length images [head to toe]). Please do not wear non-traditional clothing. Where applicable, feel free to incorporate accessories such as head gear (roaches/masks), hair ornaments, face or body paint, jewellery (earrings/pendants), arm or leg bracelets or bands (wristlets/anklets), skins/furs/bark, footwear and instruments or implements (for example, drums and rattles). Please print your name clearly on the back of all photos.
- One (1) colour photograph of yourself (head and shoulders). The photo must meet the same specifications as a standard passport style photo (that is, no hats or sunglasses, a neutral expression and a white background). Should you be selected to participate in the Youth Gathering, this photo will be used for event ID purposes. Please print your name clearly on the back of all photos.
How to Apply:
The deadline for submitting applications is Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at midnight Pacific Time (PT).
Submit your application:
1. ONLINE: Fill out the online application form at http://2010iyg.com
2. BY FAX: (778) 331.3387 (photos should be submitted by mail)
3. BY MAIL: Vancouver 2010 Indigenous Youth Gathering
c/o PO Box 5193, Station Terminal
Vancouver, BC V6B 4B3