• Syilx Nation youth ages 18-30 committed to creating success and opportunity for other Syilx youth
• Submissions will be compiled by the BRIDGES team and will select 14 representatives
• Selected group members will advise on the BRIDGES program, including planning and implementation, and communicating out to the Okanagan Nation membership
• Time committment: Meet with BRIDGES team on a bi-monthly basis for 1 year
• Help plan exciting opportunities for Okanagan Youth

Kick-off Gathering October 14-15, 2017 at the Spirit Ridge Resort, Nk ‘Mip

How to Apply:

1. RSVP to Kick-Off Gathering at Spirit Ridge. October 14-15, 2017

2. After the gathering, submit an Expression of Interest that includes:

• Introduction of yourself
• What you think the highest priority that needs to be addressed in regards to the success for youth?
• Why is it important to have a BRIDGES Youth Advisory Group?

RSVP Deadline: October 12, 2017

To RSVP or for more information contact:

Amanda Montgomery, BRIDGES Support Team

Tel: 1-250-826-3773

Email: amandacmontgomery@gmail.com

 

 

 

---

It is one of the goals of the Syilx Nation to carry on the work of our Elders, who have taught us the importance of preserving and revitalizing our traditions, customs, and language. As part of this commitment the annual Salmon Feast provides the opportunity for snxa?l’iwlem (to honor the sacredness of the river) at […]

swiw’s (Osoyoos), Syilx Territory, British Columbia: With global political and social turmoil on the rise it has never been more important to have a united voice advocating for peace, justice and human rights. On August 17 as part of the Okanagan Nation’s Annual General Assembly (AGA) a run will take place from chuchuwaya (Hedley) to […]

The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA), in collaboration with multiple organizations and agencies, have worked tirelessly to bring sockeye salmon back to the Okanagan region. This program has exceeded expectations, with in some years hundreds of thousands of fish entering the Columbia River system. Though previous years have seen plentiful returns, 2017 will be a below-average […]

What is it? The salmon fishery is open to members of the: Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Okanagan Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian band, Penticton Indian Band, Upper Nicola Band, Upper Similkameen Indian Band and the Westbank First Nation. All community members are encouraged to harvest fish.   Fraser River Chinook are available for harvest between Mable Lake […]

(Syilx Okanagan Territory/Westbank, BC – July 21, 2017): The Okanagan Nation Alliance is pleased to receive the Principles respecting the Government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples that were released on Friday July 14, 2017. From the Nation’s perspective, these new principles will greatly assist the federal government in its reconciliation mandate and serve as a […]

July 31 Wildfires Update FireSmart – Evacutation ChecklistWildfires can start easily and spread quickly. Knowing what to do in an emergency is critical to ensuring the health and safety of your community members and protecting your critical infrastructure. Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), BC Region, has prepared this information package to help your community […]

Be advised that during the summer months between June and September, the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) will be conducting annual research and monitoring along the Okanagan Lake and River system (including connecting lakes and tributaries). Similar to previous years, sampling activities will involve/occur: in-lake and along shore lines at various times during the day/night from […]

The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) Fisheries Research Team is conducting a 2017 fish behaviour study of Okanagan River Sockeye.  HOW TO ENTER/HELP If you catch a Sockeye salmon in the Okanagan River and Osoyoos Lake, please check to see if the fish has a tag attached under the large top fin or inside the cavity […]

The Okanagan Nation proudly recognizes the 38 Syilx participants from across the Territory who will be competing in the 2017 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). All of these competitors demonstrate a high level of dedication and excellence in their sport. They have further exhibited a strong commitment to their participation and representation at NAIG through […]

From June 19 to July 3, the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) has Ron Ned (Upper Nicola Band) and Mic Werstuik (Westbank First Nation) to help initiate xᵂminaʔ (trout) harvest in Pennask Lake for communal distribution.  Historically about 45,000-50,000 rainbow trout were harvested yearly from Pennask Lake. This harvest was abruptly stopped in the mid 1920’s with privatization of most of Pennask […]

The Provincial Regional Emergency Operation Centre (PREOC) is leading the Province’s recovery actions. The Emergency Management BC’s (EMBC) Interim Provincial of Sandbags Policy, which was distributed to Local Governments (includes local authorities, First Nation communities and their respective Band Councils) on June 17 provides the following information: For the 2017 Runoff Season, sandbag disposal will […]

There are many ways to celebrate Syilx pride or show support this National Aboriginal Day. Events and Celebrations include: Okanagan Indian Band: https://okib.ca/calendar/event/aboriginal-day-celebration-1 En’owkin Centre: http://www.castanet.net/news/Penticton/199421/Aboriginal-Day-this-week#.WUgyikvs3mc.email Kelowna Friendship Center: http://www.kfs.bc.ca/news-events-2/national-aboriginal-day  

It was recently reported that Okanagan Lake water level was not lowered sooner due to the decision to protect fish stocks (Global News, June 9, 2017). Unfortunately this position is out of context and missing key information, particularly in regards to the use of the Fish Water Management Tool in current Okanagan water management. Fish […]

Westbank, BC Syilx Okanagan Territory: From June 15-20th, 2017, a series of five Salmon Ceremonies will take place throughout the Columbia Basin. These Salmon Ceremonies empower Syilx Okanagan people throughout the Territory, providing the opportunity to both honor their ancestors and continue to conduct ceremony for the successful return of the salmon. All locations are […]

Okanagan Nation Territory (Westbank, British Columbia): Starting June 6, 2017, the Okanagan Nation Alliance’s (ONA) kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓  Hatchery will be providing sockeye salmon fry for releases taking place at 6 Mile Creek, Trout Creek, and Mission Creek. The releases of 230,000 fry are in recognition and celebration of the Syilx peoples’ continued successful efforts […]

WHEN: Wednesday, May 17th, 2017. 9:30am – 11:00am WHERE: Penticton Channel, off Hwy 97 & Green Mountain Road, Penticton, BC. Please drive slowly. Parking will be available along the left side of the Dyke and behind the Save on Gas station. Due to higher than normal water levels we are asking people to be particularly […]

WHAT: The Annual Spirit of Syilx Youth Unity Run will begin at Blanket Creek Provincial Park, heading north to Revelstoke, on to and around BC Hydro’s Mica Dam. In total the Run will go through 309 km of the Okanagan Territory, ending at Martha Creek Provincial Park. We are estimating around 120 Syilx youth to […]

The National Inquiry has extended the deadline for receiving Standing Applications and applications for funding related to standing to Monday May 1, 2017, at 5:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is now accepting applications for standing from interested parties. There is also an opportunity for […]

First, we want to thank our communities within the Okanagan for their continued support. Specifically, we want to thank those who came forward with information when Roxanne first went missing. Thank you to all those who showed their support during the “Prayer Walk” while Roxanne was still missing. We believe the added pressure from community support finally drove the Robotti’s to confess their crime. Thank you to everyone who organized and attended rallies at the Penticton courthouse during the bail hearing and preliminary hearing. Thank you to all the organizers of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s annual vigil on February 14th. Additional thanks to the UBCO Women’s Resource Centre for holding Tea Talks on Missing and Murdered Indigenous women. These events are crucial for raising awareness and empowering Indigenous voices. Additional thanks to the Osoyoos Indian Band and the Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House (ONTAH). Also, special thanks to Okanagan Nation Alliance emergency response team for their support throughout the trial.

Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Westbank BC:  The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) is welcoming the provincial court’s March 27, 2017 Desautel decision. The decision arose as a result of hunting charges laid by the Province against Rick Desautel in 2010. The court acquitted Desautel and held that the descendants of the Sinixt continue to exist and […]

From March 19-24 2017 Syilx Basketball, the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) and Westbank First Nation (WFN) will welcome over 700 athletes to Okanagan Nation territory for the annual, provincial, Junior All Native Basketball Tournament (JANT). This is the largest First Nations youth sporting event in BC. Alongside the current tournament, JANT is will also be […]

As Terra Madre Day 2016 nears the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) would like to take the opportunity to thank Slow Food Thompson Okanagan, Slow Food Canada, Slow Food Turtle Island and Slow Food International’s continued support in sharing the story of the return our sc’win and advocating for indigenous food sovereignty in general.

At the core of our connection with Slow Food is a set of shared values around the deeper significance of food and food systems, not only for sustenance, but for the well-being and resilience of people, cultures and ecologies. The key tenants of Slow Food “good clean and fair” food resonates with our indigenous perspective and experience, particularly regarding social justice, conviviality and the sacred nature of food that connects all of us. On Terre Madre Day the Syilx Nation acknowledge the importance and significance of this day set aside for reflecting upon our actions. We stand with our sisters and brothers around the world in our hard work advancing food security efforts for our beautiful peoples, beautiful lands, resources, and sacred waters. We look forward to collectively furthering these practices in the year to come.

November 23, 2016  Stq’aˀtxʷ niw’t, Okanagan Nation Territory: The Okanagan Nation Chiefs Executive Council welcomes the much anticipated report from Grand Chief Ed John, Special Advisor on Aboriginal Child Welfare titled Indigenous Resilience, Connectedness and Reunification – from Root Causes to Root Solutions presented to Premier Clark, Minister Cadieux and Indigenous Leadership on November 21, […]

Hartman Lutz chaired the North American Studies Program at the University of Greifswald until March 2011. He gained his PhD in Philosphy from the University of Tubingen in 1975. Professor Lutz will reflect on his experiences working in Indigenous Studies and speak about and screen his film Trapped in a Human Zoo, a 2016 documentary about […]