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RBC recognizes Aboriginal Torchbearers for the Vancouver
2010 Olympic Torch Relay
VANCOUVER, B.C., October 15, 2009 — RBC today
announced the names of more than 150 Aboriginal people who
have been given the opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame
during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
On October 30 in Victoria, B.C., the Olympic Flame will begin
its 45,000 kilometre journey across Canada, visiting over
1000 communities, including 119 Aboriginal areas. RBC is a
presenting sponsor of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
Aboriginal Torchbearers selected by RBC come from every region
and age group across Canada. Torchbearers were recognized
for their contributions as part of a team or for their outstanding
individual efforts.
"RBC is proud to sponsor the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay
and give all Canadians the opportunity to carry the Olympic
Flame," said Graham MacLachlan, RBC regional president
for British Columbia. "Today, we are pleased to celebrate
the rich and diverse Aboriginal culture in Canada and encourage
many of them to pursue their Olympic dreams."
The Team Torchbearer program was created for the Vancouver
2010 Olympic Torch Relay to provide teams with the opportunity
to carry the Olympic Flame and be recognized for making a
difference in their community through teamwork. Three of RBC's
Aboriginal team torchbearer spots include:
- First Nations Snowboard Team - Established in 2004,
the team strives to improve the quality of life for youth
through its innovative snowboarding programs. Experienced
snowboard athletes are prepared to compete at provincial,
national and international levels, while their recreational
program trains snowboarders for entry level competitions.
The First Nations Snowboard Team also operates an outreach
program which enables elite snowboarders to inspire and
mentor athletes in the high performance and recreational
programs.
- Dolphus Nitsiza - Mr. Nitsiza won the RBC Local
Hockey Leaders award for Hockey North. Mr. Nitsiza, from
Behchoko, Northwest Territories, is a volunteer who works
tirelessly to make hockey accessible to young people in
northern Canada, where travel costs become an obstacle for
kids hoping to play hockey. Every Saturday morning he drives
many kilometres to pick up the kids to take them to hockey
games and practices. Mr. Nitisiza will carry the Torch along
with 19 members of his hockey community.
- John Baptiste Sewepagaham School - This school
represents a remote and Cree speaking population in the
community of Fox Lake, Alberta. Fox Lake is a unique First
Nations Reserve that has held on to its culture, traditions
and language. JBS was awarded a team torchbearer spot in
the RBC 2010 Olympic Torch Relay School Team Torchbearer
Spot Contest. Their students and staff pledged to make Canada
a better place by promoting healthy lifestyles and awareness
of diabetes. JBS students and staff are promoting health
and exercise by participating in Running Club, Hip Hop and
Volleyball and by participating in the Diabetes Walk each
year.
Many notable Aboriginal people will also participate as 2010
Olympic Torchbearers,including:
- Phil Fontaine - Mr. Fontaine recently completed
an unprecedented third term as National Chief of the Assembly
of First Nations (AFN). He is a dedicated and highly respected
leader in Canada and beyond. He has been instrumental in
facilitating change and advancement for First Nations people
from the time he was first elected to public office as Chief
when he was 28 years old. Fontaine is a proud member of
the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba and still plays an
active role in the support of his community. He is currently
a special advisor to RBC.
"RBC is giving many Aboriginal Canadians the chance
to tell their unique stories to the rest of Canada and the
entire world. It is a wonderful opportunity for our people
o share, participate and represent their communities in
the Olympic Torch Relay. I am grateful to have been associated
with this initiative through RBC and the Assembly of First
Nations," said Mr. Fontaine.
- Ojibway Elder Lillian McGregor - Ms. McGregor has
served numerous organizations as a board member or Elder.
Originally from Whitefish River First Nation in Birch Island,
Ontario, Dr. McGregor is a former nurse who most recently
served as an elder-in-residence at the University of Toronto.
She is also a member of the Order of Ontario.
- Wilton Littlechild - Dr. Littlechild is a lawyer,
athlete and international advocate for the rights of indigenous
peoples around the world. Born on the Ermineskin Cree Reserve
near Hobbema, Alberta, Dr. Littlechild became the first
Treaty First Nation person to earn a law degree from the
University of Alberta and the first to be elected as a Member
of Parliament. He currently serves on the Government of
Canada's Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation
Commission.
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For more information or interviews contact:
Matt Gierasimczuk, Media Relations, 416-974-2124, matthew.gierasimczuk@rbc.com
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