Squamish Nation women showcase culture at Vancouver World Cup fan festival

Amidst the bustling Vancouver World Cup FIFA fan festival, a small stand offered a unique cultural experience as Laurine Daniels and her family, members of the Squamish Nation, showcased their artisan jewelry. Instead of football merchandise, they presented handmade earrings, necklaces, and trinkets to fans gathered to watch Canada's match against South Africa.

“

It's amazing. This is one reason why we said yes when we were asked to come and represent Squamish Nation - we were excited because this is part of history.

Daniels expressed her excitement about representing the Squamish Nation at such a historic event. "We're making history by having the World Cup, and we're part of the hosts, so it's amazing," she told Reuters. While thousands of fans were engrossed in the game, which Canada won 1-0, Daniels and her daughters, Amanda and Heather, engaged with passers-by, sharing their craft and culture.

"We're beaders, we're artists, and this is part of our culture," Daniels explained. "That's why we're here, there's a lot of people, there's a great vibe here. Everybody's energetic and happy, and we've had some people show up and show interest in the bead work. We've sold a few pieces."

“

We're making history by having the World Cup, and we're part of the hosts, so it's amazing.

The family business utilizes traditional Squamish designs and techniques passed down through generations. Participating in the fan festival provided a valuable opportunity to share their heritage with a global audience. "This (the World Cup) puts us on the map - like, people on the other side of the world have never heard of Squamish Nation, so now that we're here being co-hosts, we're on the map, people know who we are. It's amazing," Daniels added.

“

We're beaders, we're artists, and this is part of our culture.

While some small businesses in Vancouver faced challenges due to the World Cup, the Daniels family found the experience overwhelmingly positive. For them, it was more than just a sales opportunity; it was a chance to assert their presence and share their world on unceded indigenous territory.

“

This (the World Cup) puts us on the map - like, people on the other side of the world have never heard of Squamish Nation, so now that we're here being co-hosts, we're on the map, people know who we are. It's amazing.