Historic MOU Signing between ONA and Wild Sheep Society to Protect yilíkʷlxkn

October 25th, 2024

snpinktn (Penticton), Syilx Territory: The Syilx Okanagan Nation and the Wild Sheep Society of BC invited the community to join them in honoring the yilíkʷlxkn (Bighorn Sheep) at a significant ceremony that marked the official opening of the pens for the upcoming Psoroptic Mange drug trials. This important event took place at the Penticton Indian Band Sheep Pens.

“What I want to recognize is the many hands it takes to do this type of work and do something meaningful on the land for our four-leggeds, that which provided for us, it is our turn to provide back for them. I am so grateful that we have so many partners and people pulling together to do this work.” – Jordan Coble, ONA Natural Resources Committee Chair

During this ceremony, the Okanagan Nation Alliance and the Wild Sheep Society of BC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing their shared commitment to the conservation and protection of Bighorn Sheep, particularly in relation to the upcoming drug trials for Psoroptic mange. “Without Wild Sheep Society backing us up, we would be having a harder time, we would still be doing it, but we would be having a harder time,” said Cailyn Glasser, Manager of Okanagan Nation Alliance’s Natural Resource Department.

The MOU highlighted the vital integration of traditional ecological knowledge from the Syilx people with the scientific research and conservation strategies employed by the Wild Sheep Society. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to enhance the health of Bighorn Sheep populations, tackle challenges such as disease management, and promote sustainable practices that benefit the broader ecosystem.

“The Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia is grateful for this opportunity to formalize our collaboration with the Okanagan Nation Alliance and to support the Okanagan’s California Bighorn Sheep. The Syilx people have long been the caregivers of this land and the wild sheep, and it is a privilege to support them in this historic MOU signing. The Society’s mission is to look after wild sheep, and this signifies our commitment to work together for the health and vitality of these Bighorn Sheep populations.” – Kyle Stelter Chief Executive Officer, Wild Sheep Society British Columbia.

Psoroptic mange is a severe skin disease caused by an infestation of mites, which severely impacted the health of Bighorn Sheep. As an indicator species, their health reflected the overall condition of their habitat. The threat of diseases like Psoroptic mange underscored the urgent need for proactive management, as addressing these issues not only safeguarded Bighorn Sheep but also supported the health of other wildlife and livestock in the area.

For the Syilx people, there remained an enduring responsibility to care for the land and the tmixw (all living creatures), including yilíkʷlxkn, who hold a special place in Syilx culture. The yilíkʷlxkn are relatives with whom they have shared the tmxʷulaxʷ (land) and resources for thousands of years. The upcoming drug trials aimed to evaluate effective treatments for Psoroptic mange, with successful trials potentially paving the way for widespread treatment protocols that would enhance conservation efforts and improve the overall health of Bighorn Sheep in the Okanagan and beyond.

For more information, please contact:

Mackenzie Clarke, Okanagan Nation Alliance

Senior tmixʷ Biologist

C: 250-681-0131 E: mclarke@syilx.org

Cailyn Glasser, Okanagan Nation Alliance

ONA Natural Resource Manager

C: 1-250-469-1595  E: cglasser@syilx.org

 

The ONA is committed to conserve, manage, co-manage the wildlife, lands and waters of the Nation’s territory. In doing so, the Nation will be true to its spiritual and environmental values, mindful of the cultural and social needs and aspirations of its individual bands, and strong in its assertion of the Nation’s rights and title to its entire area of occupancy and use.

 


500 March for Healing and Remembrance – Walk for the Children 2024 Penticton

October 1st, 2024

snpinktn (Penticton), Syilx Territory — September 30, 2024

On a sunny Monday of reflection and healing, approximately 500 participants including the Syilx survivors, elders, nation members, local leaders, and allies gathered in snpinktn, Penticton to commemorate the children who never returned home from Indian residential schools and celebrated the resilience of survivors and their families on Truth and Reconciliation Day with a respective 2 km walk.

Participants of all ages wore orange shirts as they walked together toward the Syilx Indian Residential School monument, known as kʷu səckm̓antaʔx iʔ scəcmalaʔtət k̓l citxʷtət, meaning “Bringing Our Kids Home” created by the late ‘Smoker’ Virgil Marchand, the monument stands in front of the Okanagan Nation Alliance kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery, serving as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of residential schools on the Syilx community.

Syilx elder and survivor Sarah McLeod shared her harrowing experience of being sent to the Kamloops Indian Residential School, where she stayed for eight and a half years. “When it was time for us to go home, we had to travel in a cattle truck, surrounded by the smell of cows and horses. Now, I feel sad thinking about what happened to us in that residential school,” she reflected. The monument serves as a landmark for the children who were returned in cattle cars after enduring horrific experiences at the Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Others spoke about the intergenerational trauma their families have experienced due to the Kamloops Indian Residential School. smúkʷaʔxn, Inez Pierre expressed frustration over the lack of investigation into the buried children who never returned home. “We always knew there were buried children because our elders don’t lie. The survivors told the truth. In our language, there is no word for lie. There is no word for ‘I’m sorry.’ That’s not in our nsyilxcən language,” she said.

The walk’s destination of the Syilx Indian Residential School monument, is intentionally located near the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ hatchery, which translates to “to cause to come back.” This proximity resonates deeply with the community’s ongoing journey of healing and restoration, akin to the revival of salmon populations in the region. The textured concrete wall of the monument features storyboards that recount the harrowing history of residential schools and the strength of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, adorned with imagery of bears and salmon, symbolizing protection and hope for future generations.

This year’s theme, niʔʕayp kus alaʔx, meaning “We Have Always Been Here,” underscores the enduring presence and resilience of the Syilx people. In a moving address, local leaders emphasized the importance of remembering those who have suffered. Chief Greg Gabriel of the Penticton Indian Band welcomed the elders and survivors in attendance, noting, “Make no mistake, we are still experiencing intergenerational trauma as a result of residential school history. Your support and honor today help guide us on our path toward reconciliation.”

The walk served not only as a tribute but also as a commitment to educating future generations about the realities of the residential school experience, ensuring that truth is recognized as we move forward on the path toward healing. As participants left the event, they carried with them the stories shared, the lessons learned, and a renewed determination to support Indigenous peoples and their ongoing journey toward justice. Together, everyone embraced the understanding that while challenges remain, collective efforts to acknowledge truth and foster healing are vital for future generations.

 


Okanagan Nation Alliance Release the 2023-2024 Annual Report

August 8th, 2024

We are pleased to present to you the Okanagan Nation Alliance Annual Report for the 2023-24 fiscal year, which reports on initiatives, activities, partnerships and progress as we work to uphold the Okanagan Nation Declaration. From our work defending and asserting Title and Rights, to continued efforts to call salmon back to the territory, or promoting the self-determination of Syilx Okanagan communities, the work of the Nation has been wide ranging. Please share with any organizations and people that would benefit from better understanding the work of the Syilx Okanagan Nation over the last year.

ONA Annual Report 2023_2024_Web Protected

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The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) was formed in 1981 as the inaugural First Nations government in the Okanagan to work collectively on areas of common concern and to advance and assert Syilx Okanagan Nation Title and Rights over Syilx Okanagan Territory. The ONA Chiefs Executive Council (CEC) is dedicated to upholding our inherent rights and responsibilities.


20th Anniversary Sockeye Fry Release Ceremony at akɬ xʷuminaʔ, Shingle Creek on May 2, 2024

May 3rd, 2024

The 20th anniversary celebration of the sockeye salmon fry release along the Penticton channel riverbanks was a heartening display of community involvement and commitment to environmental stewardship. This annual release ceremony is part of an ongoing effort to revitalize the sockeye salmon population in local waterways and educate the public about the importance of culture and conservation.

The presence of over 700 students from various schools in the South Okanagan, participating through the Fish in Schools program, reflects a concerted effort to engage and educate the younger generation about the significance of restoring ntytyix, chief salmon and the importance of ceremony. As well as the responsibility we as Syilx people have to the land and water.

Penticton Indian Band Chief Greg Gabriel said that even though the event has been ongoing for 20 years, this was the largest he had seen to date.  The nation was joined by our Fish in Schools program, with over 700 students throughout the south Okanagan in attendance.  Each student was gifted a can of Okanagan Select Salmon.

“It’s just a beautiful sight to see the children here, because they need to learn about these things. They are our future caretakers of the land and this is an important part of it,” Gabriel said.

“The more we educate each other, the general public and even our own community members, it’s going to make it easier for our future to survive, and especially things like our salmon, which is so important for our own people,” Gabriel said.

The ONA’s comprehensive approach, which includes stream restoration, rehabilitation, and dam passage initiatives alongside the fry release, demonstrates a holistic commitment to ensuring the salmon’s long-term survival. The variability in fry numbers from year to year, as noted by Hatchery Biologist Tyson Marsel, underscores the challenges faced in maintaining a sustainable salmon population.

The act of releasing the fry into the channel, accompanied by whispered wishes for their safe return, encapsulates the community’s collective hope for the salmon’s well-being and future abundance. Chief Gabriel’s closing sentiment, expressing a wish for the salmon’s safe return to the community for future feasts, reflects the profound connection between the people and the natural world.

Overall, the anniversary celebration serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between culture, conservation, and community, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding our environment for generations to come.

Other News Published on this Event:

https://www.castanet.net/news/Penticton/485409/Hundreds-attend-milestone-year-for-fry-release-ceremony-at-Penticton-s-Shingle-Creek#:~:text=The%20goal%20is%20to%20eventually,important%20part%20of%20the%20ceremony.

https://www.pentictonherald.ca/news/article_9fe9d044-08b3-11ef-b173-4b6a90b5e158.html


Decades of Advocacy and Collaboration lead to a ki?lawna? (Grizzly Bear) Restoration Plan for the North Cascades as the US recently Releases a Joint Record of Decision

April 30th, 2024

tkwəɬniwt Westbank, BC: With great support and celebration, the Syilx Okanagan Nation commends the National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for the Announcement of the Decision to Actively Restore ki?lawna? (Grizzly Bear) to the North Cascades Ecosystem. The Nation looks forward to continuing our collaboration with the U.S. to restore grizzly bear populations to this transboundary ecosystem. We acknowledge the work of the two U.S. agencies: Department of Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with the U.S. National Park Service, various ENGOs, and the public for their extensive community engagement, comments, and review of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), March 21, 2024.

ki?lawna are an integral part of Syilx Okanagan culture and are a critical indicator of the health and well-being of the land and Syilx Okanagan people since time immemorial. “The decision to restore grizzly bears to this sacred part of the landscape is an indicator of our leadership’s commitments that demonstrates a clear example of our Nation’s continuing efforts to uphold our responsibilities for the tmixw. We are beginning a long process of recovery, and we are pleased to embark on this journey together with our US partners” stated Chief Clarence Louie, Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) Tribal Chairman. The ONA has been recently apprised that the two agencies have signed a Record of Decision (April 25, 2024) selecting an alternative involving the active restoration of grizzly bears to the ecosystem under a 10(j) nonessential experimental population designation. When hearing about the announcement, ONA Natural
Resources Chair, Councillor Jordan Coble added, “The announcement of the Decision to Actively Restore ki?lawna? to the U.S. North Cascades Ecosystem in the U.S. marks an important moment in history for recovery efforts on both sides of the border. Restoring ki?lawna? to the North Cascades Ecosystem has involved multiple decades of work by many committed people, leading us to where we are now. From the Syilx Okanagan Nation’s perspective, our partnership with our U.S. cohorts on this work demonstrates a clear example of naqsmiʔst xə̌l tmixʷ (coming together for all living things) and that we are collectively righting a wrong and returning ki?lawna to a transboundary ecosystem that depends on their presence. This decision re-confirms our commitment to protecting ki?lawna today and for generations to come.”

The Syilx Okanagan territory is transboundary, as the North Cascades Ecosystem is transboundary, thus requires coordinated efforts on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border. In 2014, the ONA Chief’s Executive Council declared ki?lawna protected across the territory and set a mandate to take action to restore and protect endangered populations, including throughout the North Cascades Ecosystem. ONA has since led recovery and stewardship planning efforts in partnership with our nations communities and neighbouring Nations, including the S’olh Temexw Stewardship Alliance, the Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative and Conservation Northwest. We also look forward to continuing to advance collaborative efforts to prepare for Grizzly Bear recovery in the British Columbian portion of the North Cascades with the BC and Federal Governments.

For more information, please contact:
ki law’na, Chief Clarence Louie, ONA Tribal Chair

Councilor, Jordan Coble, ONA NRC Chair
T: 1-250-498-9132 T: 1-250-300-5673

Cailyn Glasser, ONA Natural Resource Manager
T: 1-250-469-1595

ONA Grizzly Bear Backgrounder
FAQ 2024 Northern Cascades Grizzly Bear

Other Related Links: 

ONA Previous News Story Links

https://syilx.org/natural-resources/tmix%CA%B7-wildlife/ki%C9%82lawna%C9%82-grizzly-bear/north-cascades/

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/tribes-first-nations-chart-path-for-grizzlies-return-to-pnw/

https://syilx.org/restoration-of-ki%C9%82lawna%C9%82-grizzly-bear-to-the-us-north-cascades-ecosystem/

https://globalnews.ca/video/10035040/okanagan-nation-applauds-u-s-proposal-to-restore-grizzly-bears-to-north-cascades

https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/hope-for-syilx-okanagan-nation-as-us-looks-to-restore-grizzly-bear-populations-5559436

https://www.castanet.net/news/Penticton/450854/Okanagan-Nation-cheers-return-of-U-S-proposal-to-reintroduce-grizzly-bears-to-North-Cascades

https://www.kelownacapnews.com/community/okanagan-nation-alliance-calls-for-protection-of-grizzly-bears-3214176

https://www.castanet.net/news/Penticton/356985/Okanagan-Nation-calls-on-U-S-to-restart-grizzly-bear-recovery

https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/environment/federal-officials-grizzly-north-cascades/281-16c5b859-92bc-471a-a033-1b0b841f6cfd

https://kw3.com/grizzlies-are-coming-back-to-the-north-cascades/

https://watershedsentinel.ca/articles/no-borders-for-ki%CA%94lawna%CA%94/

Record of Decision Links

Grizzly Bear Restoration Record of Decision Signed

ParkPlanning – Joint Record of Decision (nps.gov)

US News Release

Agencies announce decision to restore grizzly bears to North Cascades – North Cascades National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

10j Rule

The final 10(j) rule will be available in the Federal Register and at https://www.regulations.gov/ in the coming days (reference Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2023-0074).

US GB Project Page

https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=112008

EIS Page

https://www.fws.gov/project/north-cascades-grizzly-bear-restoration-eis