The Winter Olympics are in full swing this week in Sochi. We thought we'd take a look back to the 2002 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony which featured Native Americans from the five major Utah tribes; The Ute, Shoshone, Goshute, Paiute and Navajo (Dine). Each major tribal leader greets the athletes to the 2002 Olympics in their own language.
In the second part, representatives of the five Utah tribes dance. Robbie Robertson sings with Rita Coolidge/Walela. They sing Stomp Dance (Unity).
Photo from Stuart Johnson, Deseret News
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Leslie Dixon says:
This was one of the most fantastic experiences of my life and it still gives me chills to watch it. I was in the audience watching, my daughter was the 4th athlete in the video who gave a gift to the tribal leader and received his welcome. It was one of the high points of her Olympic experience as well as mind. Words can’t describe the feeling.
Brenda Kay Scholes says:
Oh my that was touching and beautiful ..Thank you to all Tribes , you are a beautiful people !!
Jason says:
THE 2002 WINTER OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONIES WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE MY WIFE AND I HAVE EVER WITNESSED. WE WERE BOTH DANCERS IN THE OPENING CEREMONIES. WE’VE ASKED EACH OTHER IF THERE WAS ANOTHER CHANCE TO DO IT ALL OVER WE BOTH AGREED.
Saag-en-nah says:
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL ! This program FILLS my HEART with PRIDE ! and I Know it makes the Ancestors HAPPY !
GREAT Job, whoever Planned this !!
Charlene Arias says:
So magnificently beautiful!
Eileen Andolina says:
Best opening and closing ceremony ever.
Laura says:
This is so beautiful! I have cried watching this. I don’t remember this happening, but I believe this is the best way to represent America. They need to do this every year for the olympics.