In partnership with the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), the Yukon is extremely excited to participate and perform in the nation’s Aboriginal celebrations during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Our goals include the creation of an extraordinary Yukon First Nations experience for all visitors to Vancouver while providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for the YFN 2010 delegation.

YFN 2010 Mission
To develop and deliver a world class program that will showcase and celebrate Yukon’s diverse and distinctive First Nation’s people and culture on the world stage and maximize the economic, social and cultural opportunities presented by the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

YFN2010 Guiding Principles

• YFN 2010 has set the following principles to set the operating tone and to guide their activities:
• Create the conditions that will provide an extraordinary experience for YFN2010 participants and visitors to our events
• Manage the social, cultural, and economic opportunities surrounding the YFN 2010 in ways that will create lasting benefits for all Yukoners
• Develop and foster partnerships that will maximize the 2010 opportunities and provide long lasting benefits for Yukon First Nations
• Use YFN2010 as a means to build capacity within Yukon First Nations communities and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, artists and leaders
• Wherever possible, create mentorship opportunities for Yukon First Nations
• Take responsibility for successful relationships with all Yukon First Nations in order to optimize their participation in, contribution to and legacy from YFN 2010

Project highlights include:

• Multidisciplinary show featuring over 40 traditional and contemporary performing artists from across Yukon.
• Visual Art Exhibition featuring 10 of Yukon’s most accomplished traditional and contemporary artists.
• Art and Craft Market featuring a wide range of wood and antler carvings, paintings, prints, beaded hide products, jewellery and more
• Artist and Traditional Sport Demonstrations  including Stick Gambling, carving, weaving and more.
• Business Showcase and Networking Forum showcasing successful First Nations business in Mining, Tourism and Cultural Industries.
• VIP Potlatch Reception and Gift Giving Program for First Nations leaders and dignitaries from across Canada.

Seven Key Objectives
YFN2010 will focus on these seven areas leading up to, during and after the games:

1. Celebrate and Revitalize Yukon First Nations Arts & Culture
YFN2010 will develop and present a world class program that will showcase and celebrate Yukon’s diverse and distinctive First Nations Culture to the world and in doing so will preserve, revitalize, enhance and promote Yukon First Nations languages, arts and culture.

2. Economic Development
YFN2010 will provide momentum for Yukon First Nations entrepreneurs, building on the diversity of the Yukon’s economy through the participation and development of Yukon First Nations business people that are or can become market-ready.  A clear priority will be placed on aboriginal tourism and cultural industries with an opportunity to showcase other Yukon First Nations businesses and their success stories.

3. Youth Leadership
YFN2010 will strive to create training and leadership opportunities for young leaders in First Nations communities.   Our youth program will provide leadership training and hands on experience in hosting and sharing Yukon First Nations arts and culture with an international audience.   Youth will also have the opportunity to network with Canada’s Aboriginal shining stars in business, sport and culture.   These experiences will help youth realize the opportunities available to them and inspire them to become leaders in their communities.

4. Partnership & Collaboration
YFN 2010 will strive to increase collaboration and partnership between Yukon First Nations communities and all levels of government.   It will build new relationships with Yukon’s pan-northern and BC neighbours, creating opportunities to share ideas and leverage resources. Internationally, YFN 2010 will open the door to new ventures and provide an opportunity for cultural exchange with nations across the country and beyond.

5. Build Capacity
YFN2010 will Raise the Bar and set new standards of excellence for the arts, culture, business and tourism sector.  To achieve this goal, YFN 2010 will provide creative and professional development training and marketing assistance to all participants to prepare them for 2010 and future regional, national and international events and gatherings.

6. Build Awareness
YFN2010 will strive to Increase national and international understanding and awareness of Yukon’s diverse and distinctive First Nations history, languages and culture