And for their next trick Domnina and Shabalin don blackface to dance the routine of the "Happy Plantation" to the tune Dixieland....
Why is it some people find it so difficult to understand that they're being offensive?
Good on the Four Host First Nations for promising to intervene.
Video
Olympic skaters on thin ice with B.C. First Nations over Aussie aboriginal costume flap
VANCOUVER — A Russian figure-skating duo who wore an aboriginal-themed outfit at a recent competition in Europe are skating on thin ice with natives in British Columbia.
And when ice-dancing stars Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin arrive in Vancouver next month to compete at the Olympics, Tewanee Joseph, the CEO of the Four Host First Nations, hopes to talk to the couple about Canada’s indigenous culture.
Domnina and Shabalin — favoured to win a medal in Vancouver — made headlines last week with their performance at the European championships. The two were criticized for a dance routine on Thursday that offended Australia’s aboriginal people.
Despite the criticism of their aboriginal ensemble, Shabalin made matters worse by indicating he would be wearing the same outfit at the Vancouver Olympics.
Joseph, who represents the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh bands who are partners with VANOC, said they are working hard to avoid stereotypes and cultural put-downs.
He plans on sending Domnina and Shabalin a letter so they can meet when they come to Vancouver for the ice-dancing competition.
“I’m sending them a letter and would like to meet and educate them on aboriginal culture,” said Joseph.
”When they come here they will get a real sense of aboriginal culture.
“We’re not just Indians with a headdress and feathers.”
In their European performance, the skating stars said their dance was based on traditional practises of Australia’s indigenous people.
The dancers wore brown bodysuits with paint patterns similar to those seen on Australia’s aboriginals.
To round out the outfit, the dancers wore red loincloths and had strands of green leaves hanging down.
In an editorial in the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian aboriginal leader Bev Manton wrote: ”From an aboriginal perspective this performance is offensive.”
Aboriginals from other parts of B.C. said the outfit is a mockery.
“Sometimes people make fun of us and it is painful,” said Arthur Manuel, a former chief of the Neskonlith band in Chase. “That is something they should have been very cognizant of.
“It gets you upset about the way indigenous people are represented.”
Figure-skating experts say it may be difficult for the Russians to change their routine so close to the Olympics
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9 comments:
Good on Joseph,I suppose but speaking of education it would seem Joseph T is also in need of a little education himself,According to Joseph the Olympics are ‘the world biggest potlatch’...like please.
Its interesting that Joseph had nothing to say about the Cowichan sweater put-down, nor the fact that Chinese made goods are being marketed as 'aboriginal".
http://www.liberatedyet.com/index.php/featured/four-host-ruins-my-favorite-song
http://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/Olympic+organizers+accused+stealing+aboriginal+product+brand/2363974/story.html
http://www.timescolonist.com/life/Olympic+Cowichan+sweater+knit+First+Nation/2080617/story.html
Yesiree the Olympics really give a damn,they just ooze "cultural respect". Seeing as Joseph is a paid spokesperson for VANOC ,I suppose certain topics are off limits.Indeed it's quite hard to take Joseph's sincerity seriously
OMG! This ice dance routine is horrible. It's like watching a scene from "Blades of Glory."
How did they make Nationals, let alone the Olympics??!!
Good point Googoo!I was so busy being offended that I hadn't really considered how bad they actually are.
And Dirk, you bring up a point.
I suppose the Four Host Nations have a right to do what they want with thier land, and if they feel all happy consulted and accomodated good one them.
But with the whole world watching we are not just there to dance and entertain. Sure we should show off our culture, but it's my view that we should show a whole picture of who we are.
Having said this, the good news is that the February 14 Women's March is on.
Wait - I don't understand. I want to present a legitimate question without offending anyone.
I think of dance - all dances - as an expression of the soul in movement.
Break-dance - the "street dance" is actually born of ancient tribal dance moves and steps given a rebirth by today’s generation of dancers.
I can think of lot's of Countries that have a "dance" if you will that represents their culture. Spain...we can think of a dance, Ireland, yup I can visualize a dance. How come it's ok to share some dance and not others and how do we define right from wrong?
Hey Wideye, appreciate the thoughts.
In my mind it's this is slam-dunk offensive because:
1) cultural appropration of spiritual symbols and dance without permission, and against objections
2)They have caricaturized the deeply spiritual in a very direspectful way.
You asked:
1) How could they know what is right or wrong?
They could have contacted the nation and asked about their laws and customs.
I mean, this isn't just an indigenous thing, modern countries have copyright laws.
2)How can they define right from wrong?
My understanding is that they've been repeatedly told what they are doing is offensive, they refuse to stop.
The skaters keep saying how much they "admire" these dances they saw on the internet, but they refuse to respect the people they have 'borrowed' from. There's the rub.
If they'd tried to make a respectful connection, this could have been a different story, even a proud one.
Here's some thoughts from Australia that I support.
"Our dance, our ceremony, our image - and, importantly, how they are depicted - are sacred to Aboriginal Australians."
Mrs Manton, chairwoman of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, has urged the three-time Russian national champions to rethink their routine before the Olympics in Vancouver.
"Interest must be expressed in a way that is respectful. The ripping off of our art and songs is not, and nor is this depiction of my culture," she wrote.
Ward wrote..."I suppose the Four Host Nations have a right to do what they want with thier land, and if they feel all happy consulted and accomodated good one them"
I am not sure you are reading my comment in the right vein. I am "cynical"/mistrusting of the leaders of the "four host nations" and the Joseph T types. The whole F.N participation is just corporate PR,i.e pay off a few Indian Act Chiefs to help deflect the criticisms.
And the Russian as far as I am concerned they are a couple of clowns
Ward wrote..."But with the whole world watching we are not just there to dance and entertain. Sure we should show off our culture, but it's my view that we should show a whole picture of who we are...
I agree one hundred percent,again maybe my comment was not clear enough
I always like talking with you too Ward - especially when we don't see things the same way - and only because I like to think about things alot (as you know). If we always agreed...well how would either of us grow?
Hey Wideye, appreciate the thoughts.
In my mind it's this is slam-dunk offensive because:
1) cultural appropration of spiritual symbols and dance without permission, and against objections
I don’t see a slam dunk
These same symbols are found in many places around the world. In fact I remember working with a group of people from New Zealand who commented that the symbols in the Coast Salish blankets were identical to those from their community. Similar symbols have been found in on artefacts in Hawaii, in fact all along the West Coast. We figured (because we’re not ethnologists or archaeologist or any of the “ologist” science people) but we figured there must have been traders from long ago using currents and tides trading goods with decorative symbols engraved or woven into materials.
Symbols – simply scrawled lines in dirt or on paper unless context is applied to them – they simply become patterns unless context or order is placed around them. I remember an Indigenous women standing up furious that a government meeting would be held in a circle because it was “cultural appropriation” the “circle” was sacred and the government was trying to appropriate it. OK......How many other symbols must non-Indigenous people be wary of using?
2)They have caricaturized the deeply spiritual in a very direspectful way.
Like when John Kim Bell does his big huge themes on stage for the Achievement Awards? Or are you saying it’s OK to commercialize symbols and culture – as long as we’re the ones doing it? Or do you mean more like Monty Python and the Catholic Church? Is it just Indigenous spirituality that is off limits and why is that, is it because we’re too insecure as it is to be poked at any more? What about what’s her face who used to dress up like an Indian from that comedy show (crap I wish I could remember things like this)? In Nim’s Island the woman lead(Jodi Foster) watches an-internet clip of “African dancers” and get’s up and dances around her apartment copying the movement and steps to work off nervous energy – was that cultural appropriation? Did they consult with the Africa Tribe in question to ensure respect was given it’s due place in the film?(No – I checked) Or are we upset because as mgoogoo pointed out – they were bad, in which case...why all the extra time and space?
You asked:
1) How could they know what is right or wrong?
They could have contacted the nation and asked about their laws and customs. Yup and it might actually have improved their dance routine but I bet they were simply thinking – we’re going for gold – I need the best coach and the best choreographer in the world – I bet they are not politically aware of the term “consultation” never mind it’s definition. I would surmise that they like any artist looked for inspiration.
I think the fact that they were inspired by the beauty and chose to explore the rhythm and energy is – kind of exciting.
Rather than call them names and condemn them – why not look at the opportunity that is now present – a chance for the world to learn and grow with them about a people that very few knew anything about prior to this?
I mean, this isn't just an indigenous thing, modern countries have copyright laws.
Yes – we see our paintings and symbols on everything from canned Salmon to tea’s---and we may have had nothing to do with it’s makings.........Hence the new “Authentic Aboriginal” label you can now apply to your business product and services.
2)How can they define right from wrong?
My understanding is that they've been repeatedly told what they are doing is offensive, they refuse to stop.
The skaters keep saying how much they "admire" these dances they saw on the internet, but they refuse to respect the people they have 'borrowed' from. There's the rub.
If they'd tried to make a respectful connection, this could have been a different story, even a proud one.
Here's some thoughts from Australia that I support.
"Our dance, our ceremony, our image - and, importantly, how they are depicted - are sacred to Aboriginal Australians."
Mrs Manton, chairwoman of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, has urged the three-time Russian national champions to rethink their routine before the Olympics in Vancouver.
"Interest must be expressed in a way that is respectful. The ripping off of our art and songs is not, and nor is this depiction of my culture," she wrote.
I agree it can be an opportunity to learn from.
Hi Dirk and Ward -
I need to disagree with both of you on this one - the Olympics are about the athletes. It's not about you or me or the culture (stolen good, bad, or indifferent) I'm really tired of people who forget that.
Maybe we need more stories on the work, effort, and sacrifices these kids make to achieve their goals and less about whose taking advantage of what... Just my two cents.
Dirk Buchholz Wrote:
Ward wrote..."But with the whole world watching we are not just there to dance and entertain. Sure we should show off our culture, but it's my view that we should show a whole picture of who we are...
I agree one hundred percent,again maybe my comment was not clear enough
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