Hazelton Celebrates
It is day 93 of the '2010 Olympic Torch Relay' as the Hazelton community prepares for its day of celebration. Hazelton, a community that lies cradled within majestic mountains is abundant with a rich ecosystem of wildlife, forests, sparkling rivers and serene lakes that provide the basis for outdoor activity and adventure...
This stunning backdrop is home to the Gitxsan nation, a people rich in culture and heritage. The Gitxsan and Hazeltonians enjoy healthy living and a myriad of outdoor activities such as skiing, curling, skating, snowboarding, and hockey; though it must be said, we are first and foremost a hockey town as evidenced by the many jersey clad crowd members.
Our Olympic Relay ceremony started at the Gitanmaax Hall at 6pm. As we saw community members enter, occasionally interspersed with elders dressed in traditional regalia, it was brought home to us that we were seeing a rare and unique event, a once in a lifetime merging of two very ancient traditions, the Gitxsan culture and the Olympics, both having existed since time immemorial.
Hereditary Chief Frances Sampson blessed the opening of the Gitanmaax Torch Relay celebration; followed by a movie produced by Kirsten Barnes. The movie, devoted to Hazelton's history of sports, brought smiles, laughter and nostalgia as the audience saw footage of family members playing hockey back in the day.
Next, our community was treated to a special performance by the K'san dancers'. Many of us in the crowd were rapt with eagerness as we saw the presence of our elders in full regalia. The inclusion of Fanny Smith singing was very special as we were aware of witnessing a rare moment that demonstrated the solemnity of this occasion.
Notably, our community was gifted the pleasure of seeing another culture's song and dance provided by the 'Thundering Stones'. The 'All Clans Dancers' concluded the traditional performances with a full complement of enthusiastic youth led by Mr Bob Sebastian. Soon after, the community proceeded outside and watched spellbound as fireworks illuminated the night sky.
Then attention turned to the convoy of vehicles signalling the arrival of torchbearer Cee Jay Turner and the subsequent blessing of the torch. Among others, Kirsten Barnes and Carol Huynh also had the privilege and honour of carrying the torch in Hazelton. The torch flame lit the night and inspired so much pride and joy as our torchbearers held the hopes and faith of a community.
The Gitksan Wet'suwet'en Education Society/First Nations High School also hosted a roadside vigil, waving flags and lighting candles with a drum beating in the background. Our event quickly swelled to a large impromptu celebration and many commented on how our vigil inspired feelings of warmth and comradeship. We could hear people in the torch relay caravan say "Whoa, you guys rock!"
Our torchbearers encompass all the ideals of our community and helped to bring the magic of the 2010 Olympics to us in Hazelton. Notably, was Torchbearer Cee Jay Turner who at a young age has led such an inspiring role as an athlete, role model and mentor. In addition, Torchbearer Kirsten Barnes has proven a strong leader and advocate for Hazelton both in the bid for Hockeyville and Hazelton's economic crisis. Carol Huynh, who has our hearts and has won Canada's first gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, shows us the importance of having a dream and doing all that you can to achieve it.
In conclusion, the Hazeltonians and the Gitxsan Nation bore witness to the Olympic Torch Relay (flame) which shone brightly and united us as a community and as Canadians. Seeing the Olympic Flame has truly brought hope for the future.
Learn about the Olympics...
