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.