Artists, VANOC clash over aboriginal art

A fight has erupted between some native artists and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Winter Games over the definition of authentic aboriginal art.

The artists complain that the committee, known as VANOC, is misleading the public about the authenticity of aboriginal products sold at Olympic venues and stores such as the Bay.

VANOC is calling products that are manufactured in China with a Canadian aboriginal design "authentic aboriginal products," says Shane Jackson of Vancouver-based Spirit Works.

A group of aboriginal artists in Vancouver began a campaign Tuesday to label art that is truly authentic, meaning it has been designed, made and distributed by aboriginal artists.

Art that meets that criteria will be marked with a new sticker of an aboriginal figure with both hands raised.  

Jackson, whose company has jewelry and bentwood boxes in 80 retail shops, came up with the idea.

"We've been under siege by non-aboriginal actors misleading the public into thinking that we're behind their products," he told CBC News.

"This is a disturbing marketing practice, and it appears the Olympics has jumped on board."

Jackson finds it ironic that Olympic organizers have not put any protection in place for aboriginal artists.

"The Olympics is almost fanatical about the protection of their own brands," he said. "They've stolen the authentic aboriginal product brand. I'm hoping it was unintentional; it certainly doesn't appear that way."

Five major B.C. native artists are so far onboard with Jackson's campaign.

He hopes to put pressure on Canada to introduce legislation to protect aboriginal artists, similar to legislation the United States has had for years.

"The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 has been enacted in the United States — that was 20 years ago. It's absolutely absurd that we don't have something similar," Jackson said.

VANOC-approved products include passport holders, luggage tags, glass boxes and sweaters.

In an email, VANOC spokesperson Renée Smith-Valade conceded that some products were made overseas and some were made by aboriginal artists. But, she stressed, one-third of the royalties from the aboriginal product line will go to VANOC's Aboriginal Youth Legacy Program, which supports education, sport and culture.

"Our aboriginal partners are aware of both streams and have been supporting us in both but clearly want to make sure the customer knows what they're buying and that the customer has a choice," Smith-Valade said in the email.