Okanagan Nation Alliance

A wonderful turn out at this mornings n̓xaʔcín̓ (Elders) Luncheon, we had 85 Nation members who attended the gathering at Head of the Lake Hall! Everyone participated in a few intense games of bingo, visited, shared laughs and a nice meal together. 🩷

Looking forward to seeing everyone again at the next luncheon on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 which will be hosted in Merritt/ Upper Nicola.

Registration for September 18th is open:
https://forms.gle/PM6UXHmDZRyeUX7S9

Sharing information: 23rd Annual Border Crossing Canoe Paddle on July 4, 2024!

The Annual Border Crossing Canoe Paddle gives us the opportunity to uphold our border crossing rights within the Syilx Okanagan Territory.

For more information, please see the poster.

Join us for the Annual General Assembly, in conjunction with the Syilx Youth Leadership Gathering in sẁiẁs at Spirit Ridge. This event brings together the Syilx Okanagan Nation to celebrate our accomplishments and provide an opportunity for Nation members to come together.

For more information please visit our website: https://syilx.org/events/annual-general-assembly/

Please register for the AGA here: https://forms.gle/FUgcXNPHecs1P7Zm8
Please register for the Youth Leadership Gathering Here: https://forms.gle/RskVP24zAkXXqKGSA

Calling all Syilx Elders to join us Tomorrow for a Summer luncheon where we can visit, laugh, and share stories!

The elders luncheon beginning tomorrow morning will feature music, bingo, and door prizes. 🩷

Register here:
https://forms.gle/KU6G1wYgzojdhxsK9

Register today for the Syilx Youth Leadership Gathering that will be held in conjunction with the AGA on July 24th and 25th. Choose from various activities such as on the land tours, sqilxʷ identity, horseback riding and much more!

Register Here: https://forms.gle/5nUFU8snuKbbFgKVA so we know you're coming.

For more information please get in touch with your band youth worker or our ONA Youth Coordinator Brenden Moore at [email protected]

Contest: x̌ast sputaʔ - Celebrate the Magic of the Holidays

Share your magical holiday memory or photo with us and tag a friend in the comments to enter to win a prize!

captikʷɬ: k̓ʷəck̓ʷəcstim iʔ stəɬtaɬtet ✨

This session will feature a reading of snk’lip cxʷuysts iʔ kɬkʷuwaptət naʔɬ iʔ kɬkəkʷuwapaʔtət k̓əl iʔ tmxʷu’laʔxʷtət - Coyote Brings the Horse and the Dog to the Interior (from the book,) Stories And Images Of What The Horse Has Done For Us, Edited by Bill Cohen, published by Theytus Books Ltd. The story will be followed by a panel discussion from our keynote and language speakers. In the afternoon, we will break into smaller groups where Syilx Nation members can provide feedback and guidance.

REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/AaJfiJoMfP3x2zy98

Honouring kiʔláwnaʔ Ceremony - December 21st 🐻

The Syilx Nation would like to invite you to join us for a ceremony to honour and pray for kiʔláwnaʔ (grizzly bear) in the territory.

For more info, please visit: https://www.syilx.org/events/honouring-ki%ca%94lawna%ca%94-ceremony/

Join Our Team - Employment Opportunities 📩

For more info and full job descriptions, please visit: https://www.syilx.org/job_openings/family-decision-making-coordinator-2-or-3/

Contest: x̌ast sputaʔ - Celebrate the gift of Gratitude

Tell us who or what you are grateful for this holiday season and tag a friend in the comments to enter to win a prize!

Sharing Information: Winter Solstice Pow wow

CANCELLED - Sharing Information: OIB Screening of Bringing the Salmon Home Film

It is with great sadness and respect for the community that after a tragic loss this past weekend in OIB, Bringing the Salmon Home will be cancelling our film event at SenPokChin (Tues, Dec 5, 2023) and will be rescheduled at a later date. We send our deepest condolences to the family and community.

smik’ʷt - snow on the ground ❄️

As the snow begins to fall this winter season, please remember to check on our elders and community members in need of assistance.

Stay safe out there!

Contest: x̌ast sputaʔ - Celebrate the gift of friendship

Post a photo of your friend, and why their friendship is a gift in the comments to enter to win a prize!

Sharing Information: Species at Risk Open House!

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service (ECCC-CWS) is inviting Indigenous community members and their personal guests to an open house!

Join us to talk about terrestrial species at risk in your area. This open house is an informal place to share information, have good discussions, and ask questions. We want to learn about your perspectives, experiences, observations, and thoughts on how to protect birds, plants and other wildlife at risk and their habitats.

Date: Tuesday December 5, 2023
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Elders Hall 3255D Shannon Lake Rd, Westbank BC, V4T1V4
Free registration: https://yourcier.jotform.com/232916143443251

There will also be light refreshments and door prizes!

nsyilxcən Winter Words ☃️

To learn more nsyilxcen winter words, visit: https://www.firstvoices.com/syilx/

Join Our Team - Employment Opportunities 📩

For more info and full job descriptions, please visit: https://www.syilx.org/about-us/operations/employment/

Contest: x̌ast sputaʔ - Celebrate the gift of friendship

Post a photo of your friend, and why their friendship is a gift in the comments to enter to win a prize!

City of Kelowna Recreation Passes for Syilx Nation Members 💙

Our Jordan’s Principle team has received a limited number of family passes for Syilx Nation members from the City of Kelowna to access several recreation centres, including Parkinson Rec Centre and H2O!

To access, please contact: Valerie Thomas, Jordans Principle Coordinator at [email protected]

Sharing Information: Announcement of the Lorraine Loomis Memorial Scholarship

Please see this great opportunity for any Syilx students who are interested in fisheries. Lorraine Loomis was an incredible advocate for Indigenous fishing rights and salmon conservation.

Details for applicants will be provided at www.psc.org under “News and Announcements” beginning in winter 2024.

Next week on Dec 5th, 2023, at the Sen Pok Chin Gym in OIB, come to the Bringing The Salmon Home night!