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BC’s People Make it Happen

Behind every illustrious event is a team of industrious creators. And the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to be held in Vancouver and Whistler promises to be no exception. Inside city skyscrapers and home offices, on construction sites, staffing phone lines, in industrial shops – a behind-the-scenes workforce of employees and volunteers is on the job. With talents and abilities as varied as a snowflake, these innovators are breaking new ground and creating a lasting legacy. A sampling?  Tewanee Joseph of the Squamish First Nation is known for his boundless enthusiasm. As CEO of the Four Host First Nations Secretariat, he strives to ensure that the traditions and protocols of the Indigenous peoples of Canada play an integral part of the 2010 Winter Games – a partnership which marks a first in the history of the Games between organizers and Indigenous peoples. And speaking of firsts, one Kootenay Rockies-based company is planning to break out the woolies…in a big way.  Fifteen years ago, Cathy Rella, working from the spare room in her Cranbrook home, introduced the avid outdoorsman to her stylish knitted sweaters and toques. Today, Rella heads Kootenay Knitting Company, an official clothing supplier for the Games.  Inuik hoody, anyone?  Come time for the medal ceremonies, Louis Naknakin will likely have his eye on more than just the gold prize.  The fine sculpting of the podium, perhaps?  And why not…he may just have had a hand in building it.  Trained at the RONA 2010 Fabrication Shop, the 25-year-old is one of dozens who have been tutored to construct some 8,000 items – everything from ski racks to wheelchair ramps – for the Games.  And build it they will. www.vancouver2010.com; www.fourhostfirstnations.com