Tracy Recollet makes history as participant in Olympic Opening Ceremonies

When Tracy Recollet watches the closing ceremonies for the 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games, it will bring back memories. A First Nation, Métis and Inuit Support Worker for the Rainbow District School Board, Recollet was among the First Nations representatives who participated in the opening ceremonies at B.C. Stadium in Vancouver on February 12th.

Tracy Recollet had the privilege of being one of 350 Aboriginal dancers selected from across Canada, the only one from the Sudbury area. At the opening ceremonies, she performed the Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance before a crowd of 65,000 spectators on site and some 3.5 billion people watching from home. She called the experience “emotional”, adding that the acknowledgement of Aboriginal people in Canada was an important step towards building cultural awareness.

“The whole world was watching and it was an honour to share our story as the First Nation, Métis and Inuit people,” she says. She adds: “When the athletes came into the stadium, the atmosphere was intense. The cheers grew so loud for the Canadian athletes, I could feel my heart pounding. My shawl was shaking from the sheer energy. It was an unforgettable experience.”

Now that the opening ceremonies are over, Tracy Recollet is no longer sworn to secrecy about her involvement. “The organizers wanted the world to be surprised, so I really did have to contain my excitement about having been selected,” she says. “I welcome this opportunity to celebrate the prominent role that all First Nations, Métis and Inuit people played in this historic occasion. I will be watching the closing ceremonies with a tremendous sense of pride.”

Now that she is back home, Tracy Recollet can share her experience with the First Nations, Métis and Inuit students that she supports at Confederation Secondary School and Sudbury Secondary School. “In my role as an Aboriginal Support Worker, I promote student success,” she says. “The Olympics exemplify excellence. The athletes are role models for all young people who are being encouraged to reach their full potential. I hope that through my participation, I will model for First Nation, Métis and Inuit youth that it is important to be proud of who you are and where you come from.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.