Vancouver, BC (Jan 26, 2010):   From February 12-28, the lobby of the Pan Pacific Hotel will be transformed into an Aboriginal village called “Kla-how-ya”, a word recognized by Aboriginal Nations meaning “welcome”.

 

A partnership between the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (AtBC), the Pan Pacific Hotel and Terasen Gas, the stunning 16-day showcase of Aboriginal art, performances, and culture is free to residents and visitors during the upcoming 2010 Games. Working with the governments of Canada and British Columbia, the aim is to share the cultural richness, stories and traditions of British Columbia’s Aboriginal people, and promote Aboriginal tourism across British Columbia.

 

“Aboriginal tourism is a growing part of our province’s tourism sector, particularly as more and more visitors look for authentic Aboriginal experiences,” explained Dr. Linnea Battel, CEO of Xa;ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre and Co-chair of AtBC. “We have more than 60 members in our Association, from resorts and wineries to galleries and adventure tours. The calibre of the visitor experience is exceptional. Today, we’re the fastest growing tourism sector in British Columbia, and we’re looking forward to giving the world a taste of what they can experience when they visit.”

 

The spectacular lobby of the Pan Pacific, overlooking the harbour and mountains, will be transformed by Kla-how-ya.

 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Aboriginal Tourism BC to our hotel, and to provide this world class experience for our guests and our community,” said Tim Tindle, General Manager of the Pan Pacific Vancouver. “Our Executive Chef, Daryle Nagata is well known for his creativity and his passion for local foods, so this authentic Aboriginal experience will extend into our kitchens and onto our menus with many incredible surprises.”

 

During the 16-day showcase, Kla-how-ya will feature traditional dancing, cedar bark weaving, Aboriginal fashions, birch bark chewing, moose hide tufting, jewelry making, carving, storytelling and an opportunity to explore the harvesting of wild herbs for traditional medicines.

 

Key to the success of the cultural tourism sector is the support of the federal and provincial governments as Aboriginal entrepreneurs gain necessary skills and experience.

 

Terasen Gas is one example of what can happen when two organizations come together, each with a genuine desire to learn and work together.

 

“Our relationship with AtBC began in a quiet way with an emphasis on building goodwill and a better understanding of each other,” said Doug Stout, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Terasen Gas. “It has definitely evolved over time to reflect our social and environmental sustainability values, and those of the Fortis Inc. family. From skills training to supporting their marketing initiatives, Terasen Gas is proud to invest in the ongoing success of AtBC and in Kla-how-ya, helping foster an important games time legacy in communities across B.C.”

 

Kla-how-ya opens to the public on February 12th. Though vehicle access will be restricted, the Pan Pacific Hotel remains open for foot traffic and is accessible by transit, including SkyTrain, SeaBus and the Canada Line. The hotel’s dining room and lounges provide front row viewing of Kla-how-ya.

At one time, we were many Nations. We spoke different languages and had different customs. But when we came together, we spoke a common trading language called Chinook. In Chinook, Kla-how-ya means “hello”, but it is more than a greeting. It means welcome from the heart. There is a spirit in the word Kla-how-ya that connects us all.  It is the spirit of inclusion. In this land, when we say Kla-how-ya, there are no strangers, no enemies, no outsiders. All are welcome. Let the spirit of inclusion extend the open hands of welcome. Kla-how-ya.

In the past, British Columbia’s waterways were the highways for First Nations people and today the canoe continues to represent the journey that connects us all. In the spirit of Kla-how-ya, the Tsimshian Nations of northern British Columbia request permission to land their canoe, Raven Song, in the Territories of the Four Host Nations. Welcoming them in friendship is Chief Bill Williams of the Squamish Nation and the Spakwus Slolem, The Eagle Song Dancers. This spiritual ceremony of welcome and peace represents inclusion – one world for everyone. The spectacular Raven Song canoe is built of red cedar, the traditional wood held sacred for its many uses in Aboriginal culture. From shelter to traditional fishing weirs to baskets and clothing, cedar played a critical role in the survival of coastal First Nations. In today’s ceremony, Ravens Song symbolizes the coming together of many Nations in preparation for the Winter Olympic Games and the celebration of the human spirit. Kla-how-ya.

The 60 stakeholders with AtBC range from gallery curators to jet boat guides, wineries and cultural interpretative experiences and are located in every corner of the province. Each member is an Aboriginal-owned business that guarantees cultural authenticity as part of its attraction. More information about the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia is available at http://www.aboriginalbc.com/.

The luxurious Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, located downtown on the waterfront, offers 503 guest rooms and suites with panoramic vistas of the harbour, mountains, Stanley Park and city skyline. With its waterfront restaurants and lounge featuring an award-winning selection of West Coast cuisine, this world-renowned hotel combines the warmth of Canadian hospitality with contemporary North American service excellence. Visit http://www.panpacific.com/.

Terasen Gas is mainly composed of the operations of Terasen Gas Inc. and Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc., both indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada, serves more than two million gas and electric customers and has total assets approaching $12 billion. Its regulated holdings include Terasen Gas and electric utilities in five Canadian provinces and three Caribbean countries. Fortis Inc. owns non-regulated hydroelectric generation assets across Canada and in Belize and upper New York State. It also owns hotels and commercial real estate in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at http://www.fortisinc.com/ or http://www.sedar.com/.

 

 

 

Corporate and Marketing Communications

Terasen Gas

T: 604-785-8946

 

Media Relations

Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia

T: 604 921-1070

Media Relations

The Pace Group

T: 250-888-8767