Largest Indigenous Youth Sports Gathering in British Columbia’s History Celebrates Culture, Athletics, and Community

Kelowna, BC – The Syilx Okanagan Nation proudly hosted the largest Indigenous youth sports gathering in British Columbia’s history this past week, as the Jr. All Native Tournament (JANT) took place in Kelowna, BC, from March 16th to March 21st. This year’s tournament saw 113 teams from over 100 First Nations communities across the province, making it the largest youth tournament ever held in the region. With a total of 278 games played across seven divisions, the event highlighted the incredible athleticism, passion, and cultural pride of Indigenous youth athletes.

The Jr. All Native Tournament has been a cornerstone event for over 40 years, uniting young athletes from First Nations communities to celebrate basketball and the values of sportsmanship, culture, and community. This year’s tournament marked several milestones, including the first-ever addition of a U10 division, an exciting move that introduces younger players to the competitive spirit of the event. Additionally, the U13 division, which was reintroduced in 2017, continues to thrive, while the U17 division showcased the highest level of competition, with players aspiring to one day play at the collegiate level.

This year’s event was more than just a basketball tournament; it was a celebration of Indigenous culture and community. The gyms were packed with fans and families who came to support their athletes. The energy was palpable as players aged 6 to 17 competed with passion, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement, love, and inspiration.

The U17 Boys division saw the Vancouver Van City Warriors claim first place, followed by Lax Kw’alaams, Strike Force in second, and Ts’ap, Prince Rupert in third. In the U17 Girls division, the Nuxalk Nation, At’maakw Jr. Girls secured a historic third consecutive championship victory (3-peat champions), with the Vancouver Panthers, Van City finishing second and the Port Alberni Tseshaht Pride rounding out the top three.

The U13 divisions were filled with fierce competition. In the U13 Gold Girls division, the Snuneymuxw Islanders took first place, while the Prince Rupert Coastal Pride claimed the top spot in the U13 Gold Boys division. The Maaqtusiis Suns won the U13 Silver Girls, and the Xa’Isla team triumphed in the U13 Silver Boys division.

In the spirit of sportsmanship, the Gitxsan Mini Mystics and Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tatuus were recognized as the Most Sportsmanlike Teams in the U13 Gold Girls and U13 Gold Boys divisions, respectively.

Full Results:

U17 Boys

1. Vancouver Van City Warriors
2. Lax Kw’alaams, Strike Force
3. Ts’ap, Prince Rupert

U17 Girls

1. NUXALK NATION, AT’MAAKW JR GIRLS (3-peat champions)
2. Vancouver Panthers, Van City
3. Port Alberni Tseshaht Pride

U13 Gold Girls

1. Snuneymuxw Islanders
2. Vancouver Grizzlies
3. Tseshaht Lightning
   Most Sportsmanlike Team: Gitxsan Mini Mystics

U13 Gold Boys

1. Prince Rupert Coastal Pride
2. Ahousaht Guardians
3. Kispo Magic
   Most Sportsmanlike Team: Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tatuus

U13 Silver Girls

1. Maaqtusiis Suns
2. Lax Kxeen United
3. Ahousaht Ocean Storm

U13 Silver Boys

1. Xa’Isla
2. Northshore Wolves
3. Heiltsuk Majestics
4. Nunanta 2

This tournament would not have been possible without the generous support of numerous community partners and sponsors, including SD23, First Nations Health Authority, BC Hydro, Mandell Pinder, TD, Columbia Power Corporation, EMB, Associated Engineers, Aboriginal Policing, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, the Foundry, and ISPARK.

The Jr. All Native Tournament takes place each year during spring break, promoting sportsmanship, cultural pride, and community connection. It rotates annually between the three regions of Northern BC, Coastal BC, and Interior BC, with this year’s tournament hosted by the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

The Syilx Okanagan Nation congratulates all teams for their outstanding efforts and athleticism. With the incredible success of this year’s tournament, JANT continues to grow as a powerful celebration of Indigenous youth sports, and we look forward to seeing this event thrive in future years.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Tara Montgomery, Tournament Director
C: 250-862-6866 E: tmontgomery@syilx.org

 

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Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds: Join Us at OKM Secondary School for a Week of Wellness

Toolkit and Resource Guide Here

Okanagan Mission Secondary School, Kelowna, BC – Syilx Basketball and the Jr. All Native Tournament are excited to invite athletes, parents, coaches, and spectators to the Pathways to Wellness Fair this Tuesday and Wednesday, March 18th and 19th, at OKM Secondary School in Kelowna. The fair is designed to offer a unique opportunity for attendees to explore holistic health and wellness techniques that support physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The event will showcase a variety of health and wellness resources, including:

• Free Smoothie Bar: Refresh and rehydrate with delicious, nutrient-packed smoothies available for all attendees.
• Syilx Cultural Wellness Techniques: Experience traditional practices that promote overall wellness, guided by cultural teachings from the Syilx people.
• Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health Resources: Learn valuable techniques and gain insight into practices that nurture mental clarity, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth.

“We believe that the Pathways to Wellness Fair offers a great opportunity for everyone involved in the Jr. All Native Tournament to not only enjoy the games but also learn about the importance of taking care of their overall health,” said a representative from Syilx Basketball. “Our goal is to ensure that athletes and their families walk away with tools and resources to support their well-being, both on and off the court.”

The fair is free to attend and open to all – whether you’re a player, coach, parent, or simply a community member looking to learn more about wellness.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event that merges sports, culture, and wellness. Visit OKM Secondary School this March 18th and 19th to discover how you can support your journey toward better health!

About Syilx Basketball & Jr. All Native Tournament

Syilx Basketball is dedicated to fostering growth and opportunity for First Nations athletes through sport, culture, and community engagement. The Jr. All Native Tournament is one of the largest Indigenous youth basketball tournaments in Canada, bringing together talented young athletes to compete, learn, and connect.

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kiɁlawnaɁ (Kelowna), British Columbia– Get ready for one of the largest and most anticipated basketball tournaments in Canada – the Jr. All Native Tournament (JANT) – which kicks off in Kelowna, B.C. this Sunday, March 16th, at 2:00 PM for Opening Ceremonies at UBC Okanagan. With over 110 teams and more than 1200 youth from across the province participating, this tournament will be the biggest gathering of First Nations youth athletes in British Columbia.

The Jr. All Native Tournament brings together young First Nations athletes from across the region to showcase their sportsmanship, and passion for the game. It is an event where players, families, and supporters come together to reconnect, build new relationships, and honor the rich traditions of First Nations basketball. Representing over 100 First Nations communities, athletes aged 6-17 will compete across various divisions, including the traditional 17U boys and girls categories.

“This tournament is so much more than just a basketball competition,” said Tara Montgomery, JANT tournament director and member of the Syilx Nation. “There were so many littles who just wanted to play basketball and follow in the footsteps of their siblings or cousins. We see the impact that this tournament has on our youth and children. For me, it’s for the kids. I think, in this day and age, anything we can do to support our youth is worth it.”

“Bringing First Nations youth together through basketball is about more than just the game—it’s about connection, culture, and creating opportunities. When our young people step onto the court, they’re building confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging. As a coach, my goal is to support and uplift them, and this is what we hope to achieve,” said Peter Waardenburg, Syilx Head Coach.

JANT is supported by numerous community partners and sponsors, including SD23, First Nations Health Authority, BC Hydro, Mandell Pinder, Columbia Power Corporation, EMB, Associated Engineers, Aboriginal Policing, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, and ISPARK, all of whom help make this incredible event possible.

The tournament not only provides an opportunity for young athletes to showcase their development as athletes, but it also offers a platform for connection, cultural pride, and growth. The Opening Ceremonies will serve as a powerful celebration of sport, unity, and community.
Date: Sunday March 16th – Friday March 21st
Locations: https://jant.ca/gyms/
Time: https://jant.ca/schedules/
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For over 40 years the Jr. All Native Tournament (JANT) has brought teams together from First Nations villages and communities throughout BC to compete, celebrate and connect through the game of basketball. JANT takes place every year during spring break, promoting sportsmanship, cultural pride, and community. The tournament moves each year between three regions: the North, Coast and Interior.

For further information please contact:
Tara Montgomery, Tournament Director
C: 250-862-6866 E: tmontgomery@syilx.org

 

MEDIA ADVISORY-JANT 2025

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Penticton, BC – March 7, 2025 – The salmon are returning home. On March 7th, the Syilx people and partners celebrated a historic groundbreaking ceremony for the East Salmon Passage at Okanagan Lake Dam. This long-awaited project marks the first time in generations that Indigenous salmonids will be able to pass freely into Okanagan Lake, accessing their ancestral spawning grounds and restoring a crucial link in the region’s ecosystem.

The ceremony was more than just the beginning of a project—it was a cultural reminder about our connection to the land and water, that underscored the importance of bringing the salmon home. Elder caylx Richard Armstrong, who has led countless salmon ceremonies shared the importance and uniquely individual responsibility we all have to take care of the water and land for all living things: “Our hard work, our prayers, and our ceremonies have made this possible. This is a proud moment for all of us, as we see the salmon return to the waters where they belong.”

“Today the Okanagan Nation Alliance is the largest First Nations Fisheries management team in Canada. Our nation has continued for a long time to help bring the salmon back, and although we have had our battles with the province, we the Syilx people will continue as the responsible authority to the salmon,” said Chief Clarence Louie.

“Our collective success has been a series of processes all coming together, like keeping the water flowing in the river, restoring the habitat that we had available and then adding more habitat over time” says Chief Greg Gabriel “everyone in our Nation has been supportive of this important work and many have worked directly with the ONA Fisheries department to get the work done”

The East Salmon Passage will create a nature-like fishway channel bypassing the Okanagan Lake Outlet Dam, allowing over 2 million salmon and other Indigenous fish to pass through to Okanagan Lake for the first time. The fishway will optimize migration conditions, with adjustable barriers to prevent invasive species, while supporting dam operations during drought and lake level fluctuations.

“In the Yakima basin there wasn’t any sockeye there for over 100 years, because of the reservoir dams. Because of our reintroduction and the help from the Okanagan Nation Alliance and coming here to learn, we are now in the process of completing permanent fish passage at Cle Elum Lake Dam, the largest lake in the Yakim Basin,” said Councilor Brian Saluskin, from the Yakima Nation.

Chad Fuller, ONA Fisheries Program Manager, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “This is more than just a project; it’s the next chapter for salmon in the Okanagan. It restores migration routes, supports the ecosystem, and brings the salmon back to their rightful place in the land.” The project will also enhance riparian and lakeshore habitats, benefiting native wildlife, including species-at-risk. A monitoring station will be established to support future research and conservation efforts. This is a crucial step in ensuring the sustainability of our salmon populations and the entire ecosystem. The work we’ve done today will have a lasting impact for generations to come.

“We have built an amazing collaborative partnership to this point where we meet at the culmination and see the last of the barriers to free passage of Okanagan sockeye” said Jocelyn Campbell Director for the Province of BC Ministry of Water and Resource Stewardship.

For more information, please contact:
Tara Montgomery, Communications Lead
E: tmontgomery@syilx.org
T: 250-862-6866
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For over 20 years, the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) and Syilx people have worked tirelessly to bring salmon back from the brink of extinction. This new fishway channel will bypass the Okanagan Lake Outlet Dam, ensuring safe migration for over 2 million salmon and other Indigenous fish species. The project also includes safeguards against invasive species and will continue supporting the dam’s operations during fluctuating water levels and extreme droughts.
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This project is made possible through the collaboration of the Penticton Indian Band, the City of Penticton, the Province of British Columbia, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, with funding from the Habitat Conservation Plan, the Habitat Subcommittee of the Priest Rapids Coordinating Committee, and TD Friends of the Environment Fund.

ONA Press Release OK Dam Ground Breaking Ceremony

 

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Snpink’tn, Penticton, Syilx Territory: Today, at a historic gathering, Chiefs of the Syilx Nation, Mayors, councillors and Regional Districts representatives signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to protect siwɬkʷ, water.  The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is the first time that elected leaders from the Syilx Nation and Local Governments have come together to discuss issues of common concern that transcend jurisdictional boundaries.  The MOA supports a shared pathway to address watershed challenges and opportunities.

The signatories to the MOA represent 126 elected leaders who have formalized their shared commitment to protecting water and we hope remaining districts and municipalities join this agreement in the future.  This signals a new era of cooperation, collaboration and action for reconciliation.  Chief Gabriel of the Penticton Indian Band acknowledged that “the signing of the MOA and creation of the leaders table developed through the Collaborative Leadership Initiative (CLI) has been a long time coming and provides leaders who know their watersheds best, a platform to discuss and act on water challenges that are too big for any one government to solve alone”.

The CLI process is a collaborative and inclusive engagement process that builds relationships based on respect, trust, cooperation and partnerships. Facilitated by the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) the leaders have been meeting for the past 18 months to build trust and to draft the MOA. Victor Cummings, Mayor of the City of Vernon commented “that there are very few opportunities and processes for leaders to come together and work together, CLI facilitation was important in supporting the leaders as they developed the MOA.”

The MOA identifies, shared principles, goals, areas of common concern and next steps that include the development of a Terms of Reference – providing a framework for how the Leaders will work together as neighbours and in partnership.

Chief Robert Louie from Westbank First Nation reminded the leaders “that the health of our water impacts everyone of us in this room, it affects our families and anybody who lives here and visits here. In our culture and in our beliefs – water is sacred, without it, we cannot live.”

Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield provided opening remarks and set the tone of the celebratory signing of the MOA, by encouraging the leaders that “this is our opportunity to build a new history together.”

Syilx Elder caylx, Richard Armstrong who has provided guidance throughout the CLI process commented that “as you move forward, I encourage you to make a commitment to working together for the benefit of the water that we share. siwɬkʷ connects us all, this connection flows through our communities, it carries with it a responsibility that we should not take lightly.  I hold my hands up to each of you for taking the first step in protecting our water”.

The leaders plan to convene their next meeting in the coming months to get the important work ahead of them demonstrating reconciliation in action.

“By creating the Okanagan Similkameen Collaborative Leadership Table and committing to working closely together on matters of concern in your two watersheds now for generations to come you will accomplish far more and bestow more benefits on the region than you can presently imagine”.

-Robert Sandford, Senior Government Relations Liaison, United Nation University.

“What is especially inspiring is how this agreement came to be. This is a Syilx-led approach to co-governance rooted in values, protocols and stewardship practices that have sustained these lands and waters since time immemorial…”As the newly formed Canada Water Agency advances its mandate to foster collaborative governance and coordination in water management Nation-wide, this Memorandum of Agreement shines as a remarkable example of that vision in action. Your shared priorities protecting headwaters, restoring ecosystems, addressing climate impacts, and safeguarding of water quality align closely with the Agency’s goals.”

-Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water

This agreement supports the frameworks and implementation of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the BC Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). The Agreement lays a foundation for government-to-government relationships between the Syilx Nation and Local Governments through a collaborative and inclusive engagement process that builds relationships based on respect, trust, cooperation and partnerships.  Chief Clarence Louie from Osoyoos Indian Band comments that this is the first time a gathering like this has been done. Long overdue. Native leadership is in the same room as non-Native leadership.”

The establishment of the Collaborative Leadership Table was designed to support the ongoing work of the Syilx Nation and its efforts to work with all levels of government through the Okanagan Lake Responsibility Initiative that was initiated in 2019.   In 2022, ONA and the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources began discussion on how to implement a Collaborative Leadership Initiative in the Okanagan and Similkameen regions. The formation of the Collaborative Leadership Table is a direct result of their involvement.

For more information on this initiative, please contact:

Jordan Coble

Natural Resources Committee Chair

250-300-5673

Syilx Chiefs and Local Leaders Sign Historic Agreement to Address Water Issues Across the Okanagan and Similkameen Watersheds

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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

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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

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