by Jobie Weetaluktuk

Created on: January 26, 2010

The troubles of the Vancouver Olympics have caused a series of ripples and some very torrent storms since Vancouver was chosen to host the 2010 winter Olympics.  Although this could be a very successful Olympics for Canada and BC, as the Premier of British Columbia (BC) Gordon Campbell and the mayor of Vancouver Gregor Robertson are very determined to have a favourable and successful winter Olympics.  There are many factors to why there is widespread opposition to the Vancouver/Whistler winter Olympics. 

Vancouver has the world’s least affordable housing.  In a city that has many profoundly homeless people, these two sides of the housing coin make for a vocal and pointed opposition.  Community groups are very unhappy that multiple millions are being invested into the sport, when affordable housing is such a big and glaring issue in Vancouver. 

The “stolen native lands” refer to the lack of treaties with the First Nations of BC.  BC and all jurisdictions within Canada are required to settle land treaties with the indigenous or first peoples.  Although BC is going through with treaty negotiations, many areas, including much of the Vancouver region still have not been formally negotiated for. 

The four host nations, have formally agreed with Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC) for the games but even with these first nation community there is opposition. 

12 percent of Vancouverites plan to leave the city during the Vancouver Olympics.  Many Vancouverites are opposed to the games and many plan to vote with their feet. 

VANOC rips off the Cowichan First Nations sweater knitters. The Cowichan knitters have been making and marketing a world-renowned sweater by that name.  VANOC and the Hudson’s Bay Company started to market a look alike, without the consent of the Cowichan sweater knitters.  This was especially brazen given that VANOC has been very jealous to guard any knock-offs (Lululemon comes to mind). 

The Aboriginal artists are disgruntled at what VANOC has to offer and calls products by aboriginal artists.  Some are of souvenir items are designed by aboriginal artist and then massed produced in China.  The trouble is these cheap imports are then called authentic aboriginal art and compete with the handcrafted art. 

VANOC alienates the Vancouver Symphony over requirement for actors, not musicians to ad-lib the opening score.  This echoes the

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