saʔtikn (Manning Park), Syilx Territory: The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) are proud to announce that our Annual General Assembly (AGA) will take place from July 17-19, 2018. This event provides Syilx people with the opportunity to gather as a Nation, to celebrate the many successes that have taken place for our people over the last year, and reflect on the challenges that we continue to face. This year the Upper Similkameen Indian Band (USIB) in co-operation with the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) are hosting the event at saʔtikn (Manning Park).

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip states that “Last year, my message was that we could not depend on the courts or governments; that we could only depend on each other. Fortunately, that message has resonated throughout the Nation as we continue to cherish and protect our lands, and to safeguard the well-being and quality of life of our people. Positive change requires commitment, persistence and courage. Together, we will realize the great potential of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.”

A central part of this year’s AGA will include the launch of the recent publication “Take The Indian Out of the Child: Okanagan Syilx Experiences in the Violent and Forced Assimilation of Indian Residential Schools.” This publication, along with the many presentations, illustrate how truly tenacious and resilient Syilx peoples have collectively been and continue to be through some of the most difficult times in our history. The official launch of the publication will take place at 2:30 pm at the Alpine Room at the Manning Park Resort.  Other activities will include presentations from community members and representative’s across the Nation, including Dr. Jeannette Armstrong, George Saddleman, and the Wellness and Natural Resource Committees.

Aligned with AGA, the annual Youth Leadership Gathering is also taking place, providing Syilx youth from across the territory with the opportunity gather, and engage in on-the-land based activities.

Full agenda of the event:

www.syilx.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/AGA-2018-Agenda-1.pdf

The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) was formed in 1981 as the inaugural First Nations government in the Okanagan, which represents the 8 member communities of the Okanagan Nation.

For further information please contact:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, ONA Chair
T: 1-250-490-5314

Tara Montgomery, ONA Communications Lead:
T: 1-250-707-0095 ext 120
E: tmontgomery@syilx.org

ONA AGA MEDIA RELEASE 2018

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tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Territory: The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) is honored to announce the publication of “Take The Indian Out of the Child: Okanagan Syilx Experiences in the Violent and Forced Assimilation of Indian Residential Schools.” The official launch of the publication will take place on July 17, 2018, at 2:30 pm during the ONA’s Annual General Assembly at saʔtikn (Manning Park), BC.

This publication contains over 50 contributions, the majority of which are first-hand accounts from Syilx Indian Residential School (SIRS) survivors. The ONA’s Syilx Indian Residential School Committee (SIRS) guided the development of the publication. It is a testament to the strength of the Syilx people in surviving the horrendous experiences of Indian Residential Schools and the aftermath that followed.

This book was written so that Syilx people, today and for generations to come, will know the atrocities that occurred and how we survived. Learning through the past is an integral part of living well today, and lays the foundation for a healthy future. It also celebrates the fact that the Syilx people are here and are thriving. As such, it is a tribute to the former Indian residential school students who shared their stories – and is a memory of the many whose stories will never be able to be told, and is an historical and personal account of Truth telling. This is critically important to share so that families, communities, tribes, Nations of indigenous peoples all will continue a pathway forward. As stated by Denise Lecoy, Syilx community member, “we’re here in the name of hope, I wish you all healing and strength”.

It was created to educate all Canadians about the history of the Indian residential school system, the inhumane nature of its operations and its significant impacts on the Syilx Nation, which are felt today. Importantly, our people wanted to tell their own stories of their experience, not have it told for them.

“We have held hurt feelings and shameful stories in our hearts and minds for many years. They were secrets at one time, but now we are trying to make our communities aware of the crimes that were committed against us”, stated Hazel Squakin, Syilx elder and Indian Residential School Survivor.

This publication is a continued part of the ongoing commitment of the ONA’s Chiefs Executive Council to honor and support the survivors and their families. As part of the Nation’s Healing Strategy, this publication represents yet another step on the path toward healing, which over the last year has seen the unveiling of a Syilx Indian Residential School Monument and the hosting of the ‘Syilx Resiliency: A Day of Discussion on Healing’ Forum, which had Senator Murray Sinclair as the keynote.

ONA’s Syilx Indian Residential School Committee is comprised of representatives from all seven member communities, many of whom are Indian Residential School survivors. This Committee is committed to telling the truth and their stories, developing and implementing healing strategies throughout the Nation, and rebuilding their family systems. This group is highly dedicated, committed, and has provided invaluable direction to ONA staff on numerous projects. The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) was formed in 1981 as the inaugural First Nations government in the Okanagan.

For further information please contact:
Jennifer Lewis, ONA Wellness Manager
T: 1-250-826-7844
E: wellness.manager@syilx.org

MEDIA RELEASE- SIRS Publication Announcement

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snpíntktn (Penticton), Syilx Territory: On July 3, 2018, the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) hosted the ‘Syilx Resiliency: A Day of Discussion on Healing’ Forum. This gathering is as part of the ongoing commitment of the ONA’s Chiefs Executive Council to support and honor the Syilx Indian Residential School (SIRS) Committee, as well as further dialogue and action in regards to Syilx peoples resiliency in the face of the Indian Residential School experience. This event is demonstrative of how the tenacity of Syilx peoples calls upon the need to make more people aware of the IRS history.

A number of topics were discussed including the development of a Syilx Indian Residential School Healing Strategy, Reconciliation with Our Allies, and personal strategies on healing and wellness. Senator Murray Sinclair was the keynote speaker, and is an indigenous lawyer and politician who served as Chairman of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission from 2009 to 2015.

Senator Murray Sinclair stated that “We need to find a way to tell these stories and cause no further harm. Survivors must realize that it’s not only about us, it’s about our children.”

It is important to recognize that long before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Syilx Indian Residential school survivors determination brought us to this day. They were committed to rebuilding their family systems, lobbying governments for redress of this dark era in Canadian history and were always guiding and advocating for healing strategies for the people. The current Syilx Indian Residential School Committee provided the direction to keep this work moving forward, they wanted Senator Murray Sinclair to come and speak to the Nation, they wanted discussed how Syilx Allies can walk with us in reconciliation between all people. However, most importantly it is a forum to create further awareness and a reminder to everyone how resilient Syilx Peoples truly are and how we can take care of one another and those who are experiencing hurt and trauma attributed to our people’s colonization and specifically intergenerational impacts of Indian Residential Schools. Eric Mitchell, Syilx Indian Residential School survivor further stated that: “For our Nation this is a very important kind of gathering that needs to happen more and more. In terms of learning to heal ourselves and heal our families and ultimately our Nation.”

This work will continue to move forward with a forthcoming publication of the Syilx Indian Residential School experience. The launch of this publication will take place at the ONA Annual General Assembly, on July 17, 2018.

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The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) was formed in 1981 as the inaugural First Nations government in the Okanagan, which represents the 8 member communities of the Okanagan Nation.

For further information please contact:

Jennifer Lewis, Wellness Manager, ONA

T: 1-250-707-0095 ext. 151 C: 1-250-826-7844 E: Wellness.Manager@syilx.org

MEDIA RELEASE- Syilx Resiliency

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tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Territory: The ONA congratulates Syilx youth, Cole Cassidy, as the artist of the 2018 Okanagan Nation Salmon Feast logo. Every year the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) has a Nation community member create an original design to represent the annual Okanagan Nation Salmon Feast. This year, his artwork, titled “Under the Morning Light” will become part of an ongoing collection of unique representations that illustrate our Nation members’ connection to and the general importance of the Salmon Feast. To see a gallery of all the commissioned artwork to date please visit: www.syilx.org/events/okanagan-nation-salmon-feast/

Cassidy shares that “Since I can remember I have always been drawing, if you ask anyone they will say I’m always drawing something. I also like working with other mediums like digital and clay. I like creating my own characters for comics that I make. My creativity and natural skills for sketching make art very relaxing and enjoyable for me. My family has and continues to support me and my journey in the arts.”

Cole Cassidy is a 14-year old who resides in West Kelowna and is at his last year at Glen Rosa Middle School. His parents are Shayla Lawrence and David Cassidy, and grandparents Kathy Lawrence, Donna and Tony Cassidy. His great-grandparents are the late Eva and William Lawrence.

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The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) was formed in 1981 as the inaugural First Nations government in the Okanagan, which represents the 8 member communities of the Okanagan Nation. The Salmon Feast honours the sacredness of the river at sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ (Okanagan Falls), which is a culturally significant site for the Syilx (Okanagan) People, and an important traditional fishing camp, gathering place and trading site.

For further information please contact:

Tara Montgomery, ONA Communications Lead

T: 1-250-707-0095 ext. 120

E: tmontgomery@syilx.org

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(Unceded Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, BC: May 23, 2018): Late last week, the three Indigenous Nations – the rightful title and rights holders of the Upper Columbia Basin: the Ktunaxa Nation, Secwepemc Nation and Syilx Okanagan Nation – were told by the Government of Canada that they would be excluded from direct participation in the re-negotiation of the Columbia River Treaty (“CRT”). The CRT is the largest international water storage agreement between Canada and the United States. The three Indigenous Nations are united in their approach to the re-negotiation of the Treaty and are shocked that Global Affairs Canada would unilaterally forgo an important opportunity for Prime Minister Trudeau and his Liberal government to demonstrate his commitment to rights recognition and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples of Canada.

The CRT holds back 15.5 million acres/feet of water every year for flood control and power generation with an estimated annual value of $3 billion USD. The CRT has had massive impacts on the Territory of the three Nations including; the desecration of sacred, village and burial sites; the loss of fish populations and harvest areas, and; the turning of a vibrant river into industrial water storage reservoirs. All residents of the Columbia River Basin continue to live with the devastating impacts of the CRT and its destructive legacy. Indigenous Nations have been excluded since 1964 when the CRT was ratified and are now being told that they will continue to be marginalized and shut out of decisions directly affecting their title and rights. This decision is blatantly inconsistent with the Government’s commitments to advance reconciliation.

Since July 2017, the Government of Canada has continuously highlighted its commitment to “achieving reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through a renewed, nation-to-nation, government-to-government, and Inuit-Crown relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership as the foundation of transformative change” as expressed in the Federal Government’s Ten Reconciliation Principles statement. This commitment was further solidified by the Prime Minister’s speech made in the House of Commons of February 14, 2018 in relation to the implementation of the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UNDRIP”). Since 2011, the three Nations have been participating in good faith in the CRT renewal process and over the last few years we have had the full intention of holding the Trudeau government true to their commitment of reconciliation through respecting the self-determination and aspirations of the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, and Syilx Okanagan Nations.

The Columbia River Treaty exclusion is amongst the latest of political disappointments experienced by Indigenous Peoples, including the continued Liberal support for the Kinder Morgan Pipeline. Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, and Syilx Okanagan leadership are expressing their collective outrage by providing the following comments:

Kathryn Teneese, Chairperson of the Ktunaxa Nation Council has stated, “Our Nation has suffered profound losses to our culture and way of life as a result of the Columbia River Treaty.” Teneese concluded her remarks by stating, “We have been working very closely with the Syilx Okanagan, Secwepemc, Canada and BC to chart a new future for the CRT that creates positive outcomes for Indigenous Nations, the region, BC and Canada. We have to find a comprehensive and effective means to fully participate in the negotiations process in order to achieve these positive outcomes.”

Kukpi7 Wayne Christian, Chair of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council has stated that, “The Secwepemc Nation has worked collaboratively with Canada on Columbia River Treaty matters to date. This exclusion represents another of Prime Minister Trudeau’s lies to the world about reconciliation.” Kukpi7 Christian concluded by stating that, “The Secwepemc Nation must be involved in all decisions about Secwepemc Territory.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Chair of the Syilx Okanagan Nation has stated that, “This completely unexpected and shocking unilateral decision by Minister Freeland to exclude Indigenous Nations is an act of absolute treachery. Canada has begun to replicate the aggressively destructive behaviour of President Trump against Indigenous Nations.” Grand Chief Phillip concluded by stating that, “This is a fundamental betrayal of our three Nations’ Indigenous Rights; it undermines recognition and threatens the reconciliation path that Prime Minister Trudeau has so boldly championed. I’m genuinely afraid for Canada’s future economic stability if Canada lacks the courage to stand by its convictions and can so easily disregard its commitments to Indigenous Peoples.”

As next steps, the three Nations will be exploring all options available to them in response to Canada’s decision to exclude them from the re-negotiation of the Columbia River Treaty with the United States.

For Media Inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip Okanagan Nation Alliance
(250) 490-5314

Kukpi7 Wayne Christian
Shuswap Nation Tribal Council
(250) 503-7072

Jesse Nicholas
Ktunaxa Nation Council
(250) 342-6301

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Unceded Syilx Territory/Westbank, BC: The Chiefs of the Syilx Okanagan Nation welcome yesterday’s announcement establishing a $30 million fund targeted towards Mental Wellness. The much-anticipated funding agreement is a result of collaboration between the Province, Canada and the First Nations Health Council and will provide the much-needed resources to provide resources needed to address mental wellness issues at the community-level. The funding announcement is also an important step towards improving health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples, including Syilx Peoples. The funding announcement comes at a critical time where Syilx families and communities continue to battle the impacts of mental health and addictions-related issues on a daily basis.

For countless generations, Indigenous health has been connected to the health and well-being of our lands. The Syilx Okanagan Chiefs have been working at every level of advocacy to bring mental health and addictions issues to the forefront and welcomes this funding commitment that will hopefully shed light on these critical issues. The funding agreement also outlines priorities to improve structuring at the local, regional, and provincial levels aimed at ensuring that BC First Nations are full partners in the planning, design, funding in delivery of mental health and substance use services. This work will require effective partnerships with the Ministry of Child and Family Development, Interior Health and other organizations recognizing and respecting the need for Syilx-specific approaches to be fully developed and implemented.

OKIB Councillor Allan Louis, FNHC Interior Representative has stated that, “The Syilx Okanagan Nation’s health and well-being is directly tied to the health of our lands. The Syilx Okanagan Nation has a long tradition of healing practices and approaches and the Nation is best positioned to design approaches aimed at improving the mental wellness outcomes for Syilx Peoples.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Syilx Okanagan Nation has stated that, “For years, we have advocated at every level for the funding necessary to initiate a Nation-coordinated approach to provide mental wellness services to our families and communities.” Grand Chief Phillip concluded by stating, “Yesterday’s announcement confirms that our years of advocacy has finally been heard.”

Media Inquiries:
Jennifer Lewis, Wellness Manager
Phone: at (250) 826-7844
E-mail: Wellness.Manager@syilx.org

MEDIA RELEASE- 2018 May 18 – Syilx Chiefs Welcomes Mental Wellness Funding Announcement

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tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Territory: From May 10-13, 2018, the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) will celebrate the 10th Annual Spirit of Syilx Youth Unity Run., This annual event is an innovative approach to raising awareness and education with all participants and the public on issues of suicide and violence that continue to confront Syilx communities. The Run exceeds these initial goals and continues to be a proven prevention platform to de-normalize violence, while creating a healing space for Syilx youth.

It addresses these issues by encouraging a healthy lifestyle and living through action, and physical exercise. Syilx youth are also provided the opportunity to experience being out on their territory together as Nation. As such this event addresses a broad range of community and societal issues from suicide and violence, to cultural reconnection with nationhood and the land. Overall, by utilizing a wide range of tools, from physical activity, connection to the territory and implementation of the Syilx teachings the Run enables participants to cultivate a greater sense of well-being.

“Over the last ten years, the Unity Run has evolved to provide a dynamic means of addressing issues of suicide and violence, while enabling an opportunity for greater awareness of cultural identity and healing to take place. A growing body of research shines a light on how such connections to community and land cannot only prevent but to also restore physical, mental and spiritual well-being of our youth. These best practices of gathering and engaging on the territory are resonate to our People as they have always been an intrinsic part of Syilx life. Any participant that has contributed to the Run over the last ten years can attest to these lasting experiences” states Jennifer Houde, Wellness Manager, ONA.

This year the Unity Run will begin at Blanket Creek Provincial Park, heading south to Nakusp and Fauquier, on to Cherryville and finishing at Polson Park in Vernon at 2:30 on May 13. In total, the Run will go through 309 km of the Syilx Territory. There will be a multitude of participants including Syilx youth, elders, leaders, community members and a range of other participants that wish to contribute to the event.

“Our 10th year of hosting the Unity Run is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all our member communities that come together to celebrate and hold up our Youth. This Run creates new experiences that instil wellness and pride in our culture and nsyilxcen language for generations to come. Our Youth are out on the land with our elders, cultural knowledge keepers, meeting other youth from across the Territory and building and fostering strength in each other and our Nation” states Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, ONA Chairman.

For additional information please contact:

Jennifer Houde, ONA CFYH Service Manager

Cell: 250-826-7844

Email: jhoude@syilx.org

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tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Territory: On April 10, 2018, the Okanagan Nation Alliance, in collaboration with the Province of British Columbia and the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) announced that $1.45 million has been secured to enhance flood mapping for the Okanagan Valley.

The funds received will go towards LiDAR* and digital aerial imagery acquisition for the entire Okanagan Valley watershed, which will greatly assist all partners to facilitate effective and dynamic flood mapping and risk assessments. Following the dramatic flooding throughout Syilx territory in 2017 that threatened the safety and wellbeing of multiple communities throughout the Nation, there is a pressing need to undertake risk assessments and flood mapping, and make the Okanagan more resilient to extreme precipitation.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Okanagan Nation Alliance Chair states “The Okanagan Nation affirms our constitutional rights and responsibilities related to our siwlɬkʷ (water). This announcement comes at a critical point in our shared history when we have the culmination of multiple challenges, including those posed by climate change, that threaten the health and function of siwlɬkʷ systems in the Okanagan. We must step away from old approaches and practices and to come together in partnership to commit to the sustainability of siwlɬkʷ and the safety of everyone who inhabits Syilx territory”.

This project will provide information for the entire watershed, allowing for more strategic planning and risk assessment to occur. By managing our land responsibly today, we entrust our future generations to a healthy land base and clean siwlɬkʷ. The project will be coordinated by all three parties, with funds being managed by the OBWB.

Chief Chad Eneas, Penticton Indian Band, reiterates “siwlɬkʷis one of our most sacred responsibilities, to protect and care for.  This partnership is another small step that demonstrates an integrated approach to fully understanding all aspects of the siwlɬkʷ cycle. We need to respect siwlɬkʷ and comprehend the impacts development has had on the floodplain, specifically over the last 100 years. This requires the research and data to highlight and responsibly plan for climate change.”

In July 2014, the Okanagan Nation Alliance endorsed the Syilx Water Declaration. The Syilx Water Declaration serves as a living document on our relations and values to water. For more information visit: www.syilx.org/about-us/syilx-nation/water-declaration/

* LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging and is a remote imaging method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.

QUESTION & ANSWER

Q: What is LiDAR? Why has this project been initiated?

A: LIDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging and is a remote imaging method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics. Following the dramatic flooding throughout Syilx territory in 2017, there is a need to undertake risk assessments and flood mapping, and make the Okanagan more resilient to extreme precipitation. LiDAR and digital aerial imagery for the Okanagan watershed will greatly assist all parties to facilitate flood mapping and risk assessments. All information gathered will be made available to Okanagan Nation communities to further enhance the capacity for emergency planning and community development.

Q: Who are all the parties involved?

A: The main partners on this project include the Okanagan Nation Alliance, the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB), the Province of BC’s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and GeoBC (a branch within the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development). The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is a local government watershed agency, structured as a partnership of the Regional District of North Okanagan, the Regional District of Central Okanagan, and the Regional District of Okanagan‐Similkameen.

Q: What will these funds be used to accomplish?

A: The project will obtain LiDAR and produce orthoimagery for the entire watershed, and has structured this RFP to accommodate mapping requirements, the timing of funding approvals, and environmental constraints (the need for low water, snow free and smoke free conditions, among others). These funds will be administered by the OBWB. All Nation member communities will have access to the technical information and knowledge from these studies, enabling them to create more resilient and dynamic watershed management plans.

Q: Why is this project significant?

A: This project is a continuance of the collaborative work being carried out by ONA to address water-based issues in the territory, that includes the Environmental Flow Needs project: https://syilx.org/projects/environmental-flow-needs-efn/ . Building on the success of this work the LiDAR project is the first of its kind based on the fact that all partners came together, rather than each doing their own work. This has allowed for the review and administration process to be rapidly expedited, providing all parties with valuable information in a timely manner.

For further information please contact:
Lisa Wilson, ONA Natural Resource Department Manager
T: 1-250-707-0095 ext. 221 E: nrmanager@syilx.org
www.okanagannation.com

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tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Territory: On March 22, 2018, as part of World Water Day, the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) hosted our 4^th siwɬkʷ (Water) Forum. This event brought together 85 people, including Syilx leadership, elders, traditional knowledge keepers and community members, alongside regional and provincial government, NGO representatives and academics to connect out on the land, share perspective and build a collective siwɬkʷ (water) consciousness. The Okanagan Basin Water Board and BC Ministry of Forest, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations, both ONA partners on the Environmental Flow Needs project were present, continuing to develop and build on working relationships necessary for better water management within the Territory. Participants engaged in dialogue on drinking water protection, wetlands, and other important issues to uptake all our responsibilities to manage water responsibly.

The tour began with a Syilx Water Ceremony on nx̌ʷaqʷaʔstn (Mission Creek). Attendees then toured the watershed with Syilx elder’s and knowledge holders who shared place names, protocols, and the Syilx natural laws regarding ukʷnakinx (Okanagan) watershed. These Syilx guides exhibited how water centric planning and management is a long-standing concept that Syilx people continue to practice as fundamental guiding principles.

Other stops on the tour included the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery, Penticton Oxbows Restoration site, and significant Syilx siwɬkʷ (water) places. These visits allowed for a deeper conversation to take place in regards to the need for continuing to develop water partnerships in the region. “When I think of how important Water is for all living beings in balance and harmony with the natural world, I think of the original agreement of Creation.  We as indigenous Peoples know and understand how we are inter-dependent on clean, safe, drinking water which was put here for us by the Creator.  It is all of our responsibility to be educated about the sacredness of Water,” stated Chief Chad Eneas, Penticton Indian Band .

The Syilx Nation envision a sustainable Territorial land, culture, and ways of life hundreds of years from now. By managing our land responsibly today, we entrust our future generations to a healthy land base and clean waters.

ONA recognize World Water Day and all the efforts globally that provide a deeper recognition to the sacredness of our water, a key to the future of our shared survival. In July 2014, the Okanagan Nation Alliance endorsed the Syilx Water Declaration. The Syilx Water Declaration serves as a living document on our relations and values to water. As it states ““The Okanagan Nation has accepted the unique responsibility bestowed upon us by the Creator to serve for all time as protectors of the lands and waters in our territories, so that all living things return to us regenerated. When we take care of the land and water, the land and water takes care of us. This is our law.” For more information visit: www.syilx.org/about-us/syilx-nation/water-declaration/

For further information please contact:

Lisa Wilson, ONA Natural Resource Department Manager

T: 1-250-707-0095 ext. 221 E: nrmanager@syilx.org

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Syilx Language House Association Year 3 Interim Report

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(Syilx Territory: Westbank, BC) – Community members from the Syilx Okanagan Nation gathered at the Penticton Courthouse on Monday February 26, 2018 to rally against the systemic injustices exposed by the deaths of Colten Boushie and Tina Fontaine.

The deaths highlight how Canada’s legal system continues to fail Indigenous people. Earlier this month, an all-white jury acquitted a white Saskatchewan farmer of Colten Boushie’s murder. Colten Boushie was from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation. Almost two weeks later, a jury acquitted a Winnipeg man accused of killing 15-year old Tina Fontaine, a member of the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba.

“We are here to stand with the families and communities who are hurting from continued brutality and injustice”, said the rally’s organizers. “More must be done to protect our brothers and sisters who continue to suffer from injustice and indignity.”

In response to Colten Boushie’s death, the federal government has promised to reform how juries are selected in Canada. The Syilx Okanagan Chiefs are calling on the Trudeau government to take the steps necessary to ensure that Indigenous people can have faith in the criminal justice system and to partner with First Nations in this important work.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Chair of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, attended the rally to stand in solidarity with the Boushie and Fontaine families. He noted that criminal justice reform must be part of the Government of Canada’s recently announced Recognition and Implementation of Rights Framework (“Framework”). Grand Chief Stewart Phillip stated that, “True justice must not be delayed any further but felt by all our communities now if we are to advance our relationship, an opportunity we have always demanded, and the Prime Minister and his government now envision. There cannot be true reconciliation until our people are safe.”

Since the 1910 Sir Wilfred Laurier Memorial, the Syilx Okanagan Nation has been advocating for the recognition and implementation of Syilx Title and Rights. The Prime Minister’s announcement on the Framework was long overdue. Although the Syilx Okanagan Chiefs are concerned about the unrealistic timeline that has been set for developing the Framework, it is critical that First Nations be full partners in designing the Framework to ensure full implementation of Indigenous rights.

Chief Chad Eneas, Chair of the Syilx Okanagan Nation Natural Resources Council, noted that, “We have always governed ourselves. This is an opportunity for the federal government to finally recognize and support that fact.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, concluded by stating that, “Words alone are not enough. Concrete outcomes need to be realized. Although it is premature to speculate on whether the Framework will be a historic breakthrough, the Syilx Okanagan Nation is ready to engage on the Framework at the highest level in order to ensure our Title and Rights are rightfully upheld and fully realized. With the 2018 federal budget announcement recently made, we expect that the long-term and overdue resources are properly allocated to support the activities and innovation necessary to build healthier and stronger communities resulting in safer environments for our children and families.”

The Syilx Okanagan Nation represents its member communities and is mandated to protect, advance and defend its collective Title and Rights. The Nation’s member communities include: Okanagan Indian Band, Upper Nicola Band, Westbank First Nation, Penticton Indian Band, Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, and Osoyoos Indian Band.

For more information please contact:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Okanagan Nation Alliance Chair

Tel: (250) 490-5314

Media Release -Syilx Okanagan Nation Calls for Justice Reform

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Media Release – Seeking Our Snaqsilx Gathering

Westbank, Okanagan Territory: From February 5-6, 2017, Okanagan Nation Alliance’s (ONA) BRIDGE’s program, in Partnership with Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation, and Okanagan Indian Band’s Pre-Employment Support team, are hosting a networking event at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, which brings Syilx youth and front line workers ( youth, social, education, employment, HR, Syilx organizations and industry) for a 2 day event that will connect youth with the various programs that can holistically support them in pursuing their educational and employment dreams.

This event has 54 Syilx youth from all Okanagan communities, 9 industry partners and 33 frontline staff all participating. The event includes engaging workshops, interactive panel discussions, cultural activities, inspirational Okanagan youth speakers, resource presentations and display tables from Bands, organizations and industry that want to connect with youth.

“The event is special because the youth have assisted in setting the agenda and identified the topics. And the opportunity to bring youth and those that provide the services within the community to have a dialogue about the gaps and barriers to services is a critical conversation that we hope will improve services and access for youth,” states Brenda Baptiste, ONA BRIDGES Program Manager.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, ONA Chairman applauds these efforts, stating that, “This event signifies the importance of these partnerships in ensuring our youth are successful. It exemplifies the progress being made by our Nation in addressing the gaps and barriers that have prevented our youth past and present in gainfully benefiting from employment and training programs and services that were meant to serve them”.

There are a number of barriers and challenges for youth to gain employment. This includes the number of different agencies and systems that youth are expected to find their way through. This event is an opportunity to hear from the youth what they see as the barriers and seek input from them about how to address these barriers.

“snaqsilx refers to all syilx people and their connection to one another, to their land, and all living things”.

Building Resources for Innovative Development, Growth and Economic Stability (BRIDGES) program is built upon the understanding that by creating a program that is rooted in culture, our youth will experience an increase in confidence and personal strength. This project is designed for youth ages 15-30 that may require assistance before accessing standard training programs and/or educational outlets.

For more information please contact:
Brenda Baptiste, BRIDGES Program Manager
T: 1.250.469.1791
E:PMBridges@syilx.org

Media Release – Seeking Our Snaqsilx Gathering

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Westbank), Syilx Territory: The ONA has been taking action to reduce pressures on ki?lawna? and recover threatened populations. Most recently, in collaboration with ONA, Clayton Lamb at the University of Alberta Department of Biological Sciences, released the results of a new study that provides insight on the relationships between ki?lawna? and road density. The results of Lamb’s study provide a scientific foundation for access management and habitat securement for this iconic and culturally significant species in the Kettle Granby region. This information will support similar work in the North Cascades and other threatened populations in the BC Southern Interior.

“Decommissioning roads and securing core habitat and linkage areas is now known to have tangible effects on grizzly bear numbers, which is information that we can apply to support recovery across Syilx Territory and the Province,” states Lisa Wilson, ONA Natural Resource Manager.

For the Syilx people, ki?lawna? is a significant part of our laws and protocols. ki?lawna?, as are other species, is an important part of our creation stories to our people reminding us of our responsibilities to our tmuxlawx (land). The decline of the population demonstrates that the health and security of the landscape is in dire need of protection. For generations, habitat fragmentation, ecosystem degradation and a number of other factors have contributed to the decline of ki?lawna?.

The ONA has also hosted a number of meetings with neighboring First Nations, Conservation Northwest as part of a Joint Nation Grizzly Bear recovery initiative. The group’s main objective is to recover threatened populations of ki?lawna? within our Territories. ONA is excited to seeing the results of positive working partnerships raising the importance of this work to ensure ki?lawna is recovered.

“It is our duty and responsibility to protect and care for the lands that are inhabited by our relations. The Province of British Columbia, Government of Canada, as well as the State of Washington and the United States Government have a fiduciary obligation to protect the Grizzly Bear from potential extinction. The ONA is calling on them to act promptly and effectively to implement cooperative actions for the protection of ki?lawna?.” states Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.

For further info contact:
Lisa Wilson, ONA Natural Resources Manager
t: 1.250.707.0095 ext.221 e: nrmanager@syilx.org

MEDIA RELEASE – Grizzly Bear Reintroduction

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From November 28-30, 2017, Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) and Penticton Indian Band (PIB) crews will be working together to install four PIT (Passive Integrated Transponders) arrays in the Penticton channel, just north of the former KVR bridge. These arrays are used to record the movement of any PIT tagged fish species that use the channel for habitat or migration. PIT tags are detected and logged as they pass through antennae arrays.  There are many arrays located throughout the Columbia River for tracking the movement and survival of tagged fish.

What are PIT tags: About the size of a grain of rice, these electronic, battery-free tags are similar to the tags installed in dogs and cats by veterinarians to track lost pets. Each tag contains a unique code. When a tag passes by an antenna’s electrical field, a transceiver detects and stores the unique PIT tag number and the time that the tagged fish passed through the field. PIT tags allow us to identify and track individual fish from their release as juveniles to their return as adults. Sockeye smolts are PIT tagged by ONA and community members from both Osoyoos Lake and the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery.

Where: The four PIT arrays are being installed within the 100m of channel north of the KVR abutments, south of Skaha Ford.

Safety – please refrain from interfering with any equipment and gear left on site

Why this is important/what are we learning: By monitoring the movement of PIT tagged fish, we can learn key information about species that use the Penticton channel:

• Run-timing and survival of sockeye smolts to the lower most hydro-dam (Bonneville Dam) in the Columbia River system
• Migratory timing, delays on the return, and smolt to adult ratios (total survival from smolt to return) from tagged fish that return as adult

Background/History: Construction of permanent flood control dams in the Canadian portion of the Okanagan Basin in the 1950’s has blocked anadromous salmon from a significant portion of their historical range, which includes q̓awst’ik’^wt (Skaha Lake) and kłusxənitk^w (Okanagan Lake). In 1999, the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) and Colville Confederated Tribes (CCT) initiated a research program, funded by Bonneville Power Administration, to evaluate the feasibility of reintroducing sockeye salmon into their historical range. A 3-year risk assessment of Sockeye reintroduction was carried out by the Canadian Okanagan Basin Technical Working Group (COBTWG), whose participants include the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO). The risk assessment, completed in April 2003, concluded that the reintroduction of sockeye into Skaha Lake posed little risk to existing Okanagan Sockeye and resident Skaha Lake Kokanee populations.

The decision was made to introduce hatchery-reared sockeye fry into Skaha Lake as it posed little risk and would allow for in-lake monitoring of food web response. The COBTWG worked to develop and approve a 12-year framework for the Experimental Reintroduction of Sockeye Salmon into Skaha Lake: Proposed Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (Wright and Smith 2003), which outlines the project rationale, method of reintroduction, and a series of performance measures to address production, growth and survival of sockeye and kokanee. The 12-Year, adaptive management experiment was designed to be reversible if monitoring demonstrates significant negative impacts to either the existing Osoyoos Sockeye or Skaha Lake Kokanee populations.

Typically, hatchery-raised, thermal marked fry produced are released into Penticton Channel upstream of Skaha Lake. In 2014, a record number of 2.5 million eggs were collected from the Okanagan stock, and a significant number of eggs were produced from natural Sockeye spawning in the Penticton Channel upstream of Skaha Lake. Sockeye fry spend one year in Skaha and Osoyoos lakes before migrating to the ocean. The migration typically begins in early spring. Understanding migration patterns and biological traits of sockeye smolts from both lakes is necessary for monitoring and evaluating the Skaha Lake Sockeye Reintroduction Program. An important objective is to determine the migration timing, size, and age structure of wild and hatchery-origin sockeye smolts as they migrate through Osoyoos Lake.

Since 2012, ONA has been implanting Sockeye smolts with uniquely coded PIT tags. PIT tags can be detected and logged as they pass through antennae arrays located throughout the Columbia River. From these detections, we are able to estimate smolt travel time and overall survival as Sockeye migrate to the Pacific Ocean. Ideally, a large number of PIT tagged Sockeye will return as adults and be detected in the arrays as they migrate back to the Okanagan to spawn.

In partnership with Penticton Indian Band.

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Courtesy of the Wilderness Committee

VANCOUVER – The Wilderness Committee is awarding the 2017 Eugene Rogers Environmental Award to Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and Joan Phillip at the Wilderness Committee’s Annual Open House.

They were chosen for their decades of commitment to preserving and protecting lands, waters and the environment for future generations. They have stood up against damaging industrial development such as the Site C dam, Kinder Morgan pipeline, Ajax open-pit copper mine and the salmon farm industry, to name a few.

“Stewart and Joan are two of the hardest working environmental activists that I have ever met,” said Joe Foy, Wilderness Committee National Campaign Director. “They are constantly attending gatherings, meetings, and rallies, visiting communities and speaking to the public and the media on the environmental issues of our time. Stewart and Joan have provided invaluable direction and support to those working to protect BC from ill-conceived industrial projects.”

This year is the 25th anniversary of the award. The Wilderness Committee presents the Eugene Rogers Environmental Award each year to citizens who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to protect the environment and advocate for a better society. The award comes with a $1,000 dollar prize.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip is an Okanagan Indigenous leader who has served as president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs since 1998. Joan Phillip is an elected member of the Penticton Indian Band Council and a lifelong advocate for Indigenous rights. They have been married for over 30 years.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and Joan Phillip will received the award on November 25, 2017, at the open house starting at 3 p.m. at 46 East 6th Ave.

For more information, please contact:
Joe Foy | National Campaign Director,  Wilderness Committee
(604) 880-2580, joe@wildernesscommittee.org

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Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) is pleased to announce that the Syilx Indian Residential Committee have officially selected artist ‘Smoker’ Virgil Marchand to procure the art for the monument. ‘Smoker’, himself a survivor of the Indian Residential School system at St. Mary’s Mission boarding school, will create the art, which will be an essential part of the monument. Marchand is a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, and is a self-taught artist whose practice is based on bronze and steel works.

As Marchand has stated “I will always embrace the natural elements of my culture and heritage and share my art talents with others whenever I can. I know how much it helped me, and how it took a troubled youth and made him a person others respect and admire. If my experiences, trials and errors can contribute to bringing out the talents of others, than I have truly appreciated the spirit of the gift art has given me”.

The Syilx Indian Residential School Committee (SIRSC) has been working for over a year to develop a collective Nation monument to recognize Syilx attendees of Indian Residential Schools. This substantial monument will honour the resilience of Syilx residential school survivors and recognize a time in our history. It will also provide a significant opportunity to educate and create awareness with the general public in regards to this often-unrecognized part of colonial history.

On September 27, 2017, construction began on the monument located on just outside of the Okanagan Nation’s kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery. The site was chosen as an important historical place marker where Syilx children were gathered and displaced to residential schools using trains and cattle trucks.

The unveiling of the Okanagan Nation’s Indian Residential School Monument will take place on November 28, 2017 at 11:00 am. It will include a formal unveiling of the monument with key contributors and dignitaries, followed by a feast. This event is open to the public.

For More Information on the project please contact Jennifer Houde, ONA Wellness Manager at wellness.manager@syilx.org or go to www.okanagannation.com

ONIRS Monument Artist Announcement

 

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip                            Chief Byron Louis

Okanagan Nation Alliance                                      Okanagan Indian Band

(250) 490-5314                                                          (250) 542-0045

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE: GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

OSOYOOS, BRITISH COLUMBIA – With rolling hills and sweeping valleys, the South Okanagan offers a stunning landscape ranging from near-desert to rich forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir that support an incredible range of rare animals and plants. The South Okanagan is one of Canada’s most unique habitats and has sustained Syilx/Okanagan communities for thousands of years.

Today, three Southern Communities of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation, alongside the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, announced a renewed commitment to work together to establish a new national park reserve in the South Okanagan. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, George Heyman, and Chief Clarence Louie, representing the three Southern Communities of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation, made the announcement at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos.

Three Southern Communities of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation, Parks Canada, and British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy are resuming discussions to protect lands as a national park reserve in the South Okanagan. Planning discussions through this joint partnership will commence immediately.

“A new national park reserve in the South Okanagan would protect one of Canada’s iconic natural and cultural landscapes and provide opportunities to share this inspiring place with Canadians and visitors from around the world,” said Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna. “By renewing our commitment to work together to establish a national park reserve in the South Okanagan, we can conserve this incredible landscape for future generations. In so doing, we also honour and recognize the important role of Indigenous People of the region and their traditional use of these lands.”

As climate change continues, it is important to take protective measures to safeguard the significant and diverse regions of our country, such as the B.C. interior. The South Okanagan region represents an area of significant ecological, geographical, and cultural importance and offers a wide range of recreation and tourism opportunities. The Okanagan is one of the most ecologically-diverse regions of Canada, and protecting this area would support recovery of over 60 federally listed species-at-risk.

“We know the South Okanagan is a unique place that many British Columbians want to see protected as a national park reserve. We will work hard to make this happen, to preserve and protect the biodiversity of this special region, and for the positive contributions a national park reserve will make to the local economies,” said Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, George Heyman.

The establishment of a national park reserve in the South Okanagan represents a valuable opportunity to advance reconciliation and for Nation-to-Nation engagement with the three Southern Communities of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation leading to a new partnership model for management of the proposed national park reserve. These discussions will also take into consideration the continuation of ranching and recreational activities in the region.

“The collaborative work to develop national park reserve in the South Okanagan started decades ago. In 2002, I along with Senator Ross Fitzpatrick and others went to Ottawa to meet with the Prime Minister’s staff to explore the possibility of a national park in the South Okanagan. More recently, in 2011 the Osoyoos Indian Band and Lower Similkameen Indian Band took the lead on behalf of the Okanagan Nation to develop a Syilx Feasibility Study to allow for the inclusion of the Okanagan Nation perspectives. The funding provided to these two Bands resulted in the formation of the Syilx Parks Working Group, which completed its final report on December 18, 2012. Now, five years later we look forward to re-establishing the same process and implementing the recommendations of the Syilx Parks Working Group in light of the new advancements that have been made toward a new relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership, which promotes a lasting reconciliation,” said Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band.

The Syilx/Okanagan people have a responsibility to take care of their lands, waters, plants and animals and have always done so through protocols of respect and reciprocity.

The Government of Canada is committed to expanding its network of protected areas and protecting Canada’s biodiversity by conserving at least 17 per cent of our country’s land and freshwater by 2020 in collaboration with the provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and other key partners.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy has also committed to developing endangered species legislation to better protect British Columbia’s species-at-risk.

Media Contacts:

Media Relations

Chief Clarence Louie

Osoyoos Indian Band

250-498-3444

Media Relations

Chief Keith Crow

Lower Similkameen Indian Band

250-499-9333

Media Relations

Ministry of Environment

and Climate Change Strategy

250-953-3834

Media Relations

Parks Canada Agency

855-862-1812

pc.media@pc.gc.ca

 

 

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WHO: Syilx & Non Syilx Actors

WHAT: Series of 3 two-minute PSA style videos to introduce the ONA YES Program. For more information on the YES Program please visit: www.syilx.org/wellness/our-programs-and-services/you-empowered-strong/

WHEN: Saturday Oct 28 2017, Vernon 10am-12am (maybe Sunday morning)

No/low pay but Copy, Credit and Good Food

AUDITIONS: Thursday, Oct 26, and Friday, Oct 27, by appointment

Send Headshot (clear photo of you, no shadows) and resume (description of why you want to do this) to sqilxwapna@gmail.com

 

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

LEAD:

SALLY: 25-35. Aboriginal female.

Young pretty, mother. Works in community as an accountant. Dresses in business attire at work but has an abundant club wardrobe.

JEFFERY, 25-35 Aboriginal male

Ruggid, construction/logger type. Angry kid type, ex hockey player

SECONDARY:

MARCY, 25 -35 ABORIGINAL, FEMALE

Jeffrey’s sister, Sally’s best friend. Works as a receptionist in community

MITCH 25-35 NON Syilx/Aboriginal

Jeffrey’s football friend

STEVE 25-40 ABORIGINAL

Jeffrey’s childhood friend

Granny/Grampa 60-75 ABORIGNAL female

Jeffrey’s Syilx Grandparent

ARIEL 3-5 – Aboriginal Female

Jeffrey and Sally’s daughter

ROBYN – 15-18 Aboriginal Female

Sally’s younger sister who hates babysitting

ANNIE: 25-40 Aboriginal Female

Woman from community, works in the same office as SALLY, MARCY

KAREN 40’s ABORIGINAL Female

YES Program worker – Relative to Sally

EXTRAS

5-10 Party-goers 25-40 mixed male female, mixed Aboriginal/ non Aboriginal

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The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA), with support from the Wellness Committee, applied to INAC (originally Aboriginal and Northern Development Canada) and was awarded funding in 2012 for Truth & Reconciliation Commemorative (TRC) Project. This project was guided by the former TRC Council of Elders, who represented each member community of the Okanagan Nation. This council is now the Syilx Indian Residential School Committee (SIRSC), which operates within its Terms of Reference (ToR).

Over the last year SIRSC has been working to develop a collective Nation monument to recognize Syilx attendees of Indian Residential Schools. The objective is to bring communities together to acknowledge former students of the Indian Residential School and recognize our resilience, culture and spirituality. It will also provide a significant opportunity to educate and create awareness with the general public in regards to this often- unrecognized part of colonial history.

On September 27, 2017, construction began on the monument located on the Penticton Indian Band reserve just outside of the Okanagan Nation’s kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery. The site was chosen as a important, historical place marker where Syilx children were gathered and displaced to residential schools using cattle trucks and trains.

On the walls of the monument there will be five panels of information that serve as storyboards that speak to the historical experience while providing information and education for those who visit the monument. A sculpture/art piece will be created by an Okanagan/Syilx Artist and erected in the centre on the large circle.

Currently the forms are being forged for the overall structure at the chosen site. The construction component will be completed by the first week in November and then landscaping will commence and the art piece will be installed the middle of November.

An unveiling ceremony will take place late November 2017, with a final date to be confirmed. We will be providing more information about the unveiling event at a later date.

 

Construction taking place in preparation for the concrete pour of the walls.

For more information contact:

Jennifer Houde, Wellness Manager / T: 1250-707-0095 ext. 128

E: wellness.manager@syilx.org

ONA Community Bulletin TRC Monument

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In 2017 a total run of 25,000-35,000 sc’win (Okanagan sockeye salmon) returned to the fishing grounds. High summer flows provided ideal conditions in suwiw̓s (Osoyoos Lake) and q̓awst’ik’ʷt (Skaha Lake), where salmon held until now when they ready to spawn. This year’s return of sc’win is entirely natural origin, offspring from the 2013 run in which no hatchery fry were released. Optimal river conditions have increased survival for migrating salmon.

Broodstock, the collection of eggs and milt, began on October 2^nd and depending on the amount of spawners will finish towards the end of October. The collection is taking place in Okanagan River, near Oliver, BC. Even with such a moderate Sockeye run, the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery will still be in full broodstock operation with an expected egg take of 3.5 million. With the low returns we anticipate to still achieve the egg numbers.  This egg take falls within our conservation limits for taking 10% or less of the spawners for broodstock.

BROODSTOCK GOALS & CONCERNS

The overarching goal of broodstock is to stabilize and rebuild the wild sc’win population, returning them to their former habitat and migration range, and to revitalize the Okanagan Nation salmon fishery. The kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery produces Sockeye Salmon as mitigation for habitat loss due to hydro-electric dams on the Columbia River. Recent fish passage mitigation at McIntyre Dam has resulted in fish access into Skaha Lake and Penticton Channel; as such the effects of hatchery production on kokanee are a concern as are key questions for research requiring regulation of adults into the study stream. In order to comply with program needs (broodstock/egg collection) and minimize hybridization effects to kokanee, a problem statement has been identified that identify actions to enable collection of local broodstock and manage hatchery fish on the spawning grounds.

For more information:

Howie Wright, ONA Fisheries Program Manager

Email: hwright@syilx.org

Phone: 1-250-707-0095 ext. 104

 

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Penticton BC – The Penticton Indian Band community members call for the Ministry of Children and Families to recognize and respect the fundamental human Rights of Penticton Indian Band Children and Families. Generations of failed policies and systems have harmed our families and continue to erode critical relationships between MCFD and the Penticton Indian Band community.

Past partnerships have shown successes can be achieved in the overrepresentation of our children involved in the child welfare system. There are good people on both sides that wish to work towards healthy community. The oppressive, overly paternalistic system is where the biggest change needs to be.

The Penticton Indian Band community will not tolerate any further attendance to our lands by MCFD officials to apprehend our children without our informed consent and full participation. MCFD has got to realize what we employ skilled staff and have concerned and involved families who are able to assess and deal with risk and offer strength based solutions.

Respect must be fully accorded to our fundamental legal and human rights in regard to our jurisdiction over our Children & Families.

March to MCFD Office

Date:              Friday October 13, 2017

Time:              9:30 to 11:00

Location         Green Mountain Road Bridge to Plaza and back

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Inez Pierre, Grandmother

Tel: (250) 328-0172

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snpintktn (Penticton), BC Syilx Territory: On October 3-4, 2017, Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) will host a “15 Years of Restoring Salmon Habitat in the q̓awsitkʷ (Okanagan River)” workshop at the En’owkin Centre in snpintktn, BC. Participants to include government representatives from the Department of Fisheries & Oceans(DFO) and the Ministry of Forest, Land and Natural Resource Operations(MoFLNR), Indigenous organizations including the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance, NGOs and environmental and engineering consultants from across BC and Washington state.

The Syilx Okanagan Nation is a leader in the restoration of salmon to the Okanagan region.  Over the last 15 years the ONA, in collaboration with a multitude of project partners, have worked persistently to restore spawning and rearing habitat for Columbia River sockeye salmon on the Okanagan River. In order to be successful the ONA has engaged a wide range of practices including Traditional Ecological Knowledge, best management practices, measured stream geometry and the natural habitat features, which have all guided the restoration work. Participants will be provided the opportunity to learn about what enabled for a successful restoration of salmon habitat and how to apply lessons learned.

Key successful actions and initiatives include:

• Riffle creation & gate refitting to provide fish passage at flood control dam (McIntyre Dam)
• River meanders reconnection, historic floodplain re-engagement & habitat features addition (ORRI – Phase I)
• Side channel restoration (ORRI – Phase II)
• Riffle backwatering a drop structure (VDS 12)
• Spawning beds creation in Penticton Channel

The workshop will discuss the stream analysis and hydraulics that directed the restoration designs and describe the planning, construction, monitoring methods and successful results. Presentations and discussions will include:

• History and biology of the Okanagan Sockeye and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK);
• Overview and site visit of habitat restoration projects in the q̓awsitk^w (Okanagan River);
• Project approach, process, modelling & designs, construction works and adaptive management;
• Stream analysis, hydraulics and riffle design;
• Project monitoring methods and results;
• Posters and discussion sessions: hydraulic modelling, habitat diversity, nature-like features, spawning beds, riffles, fish passage at barriers, wetland restoration, Stream Restoration Hydraulics manual examples.

About fish passage in the Columbia: In the 1930’s the Okanagan River was deeply impacted by channelization, in an attempt to divert waters to prevent flooding and support industrial agriculture. This was followed in the 1960s by the Columbia River Treaty, which led to the creation of industrial reservoirs and the building hydro-electric development, making it impossible for fish passage, while deeply impacting Syilx cultural and food systems. Years of hard work, direct action and political advocacy, particularly in the two decades, have seen the ONA working with provincial, federal and US Tribes & transboundary entities and local and regional agencies to restore ecosystems on the Okanagan River, and rebuild this sockeye run from 3000 to 500,000 sockeye salmon returning annually. TheSyilx Okanagan Nation remain vigilant in their dedication to restore all salmon species back to their territory.

For further info contact: Howie Wright, ONA Fisheries Manager / 1.250.718.5215 / hwright@syilx.org

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• 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

 

 

 

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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 sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ (Okanagan Falls). sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ is a culturally significant site for Syilx People, and an important traditional fishing camp, gathering place and trading site.

What: The 2017 Salmon Feast is a three-day event with multiple activities including: a canoe paddle, a 2.5km and 5 km run/walk, stick game tournament, performances and ceremonies, and on September 17 a salmon feast and ceremony  to snxa?l’iwlem.

Why:  Along with continuing snxa?l’iwlem  the importance of the Salmon Feast is highlighted by the return of sc’win (Okanagan sockeye salmon) to Syilx territory. The Annual Salmon Feast is an essential practice in the continued  organized efforts of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and member communities  to also raise awareness in regards to the importance of the habitat protection and rehabilitation of  local ecosystems, watersheds and a renewed connection  between all  residents of the region in regards to water and fish. It is vitally important that we honour the salmon so they will always come back to feed the people. 

When: September 15-17, 2017

Where: sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ (Okanagan Falls) Provincial Park

The Salmon Feast would not be possible without contributions from our generous sponsors including Okanagan Nation member communities, BC Hydro, Fortis BC, Columbia Power, Mandell Pinder, Gorman Bros., Big White Resort, Watermark Resort, Donovan and Company, UBCO Aboriginal and International Programs and many others.

Contact:

Tara Montgomery, ONA Communications

Tel: 1.250.707.0095 ext. 120

Email: tmontgomery@syilx.org

Cell: 250.862.6866

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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 swiw’s, BC, to commemorate the OKA Run for Peace. The original Run took place in the summer 1990 over six weeks, and saw more than 73 Okanagan Nation members run from Syilx to Kanehsatà:ke territory to show solidarity with the Mohawk resistance to developments on their sacred burial grounds during the Oka Crisis.

Chief Clarence Louie affirmed that “This Commemoration Run is meant to honor and recognize this time Syilx history where the Syilx Nation took a stand for peace and solidarity with the Kahnawá:ke during the Oka Crisis and whereby all Indian Nations continue to do so to protect their lands, peoples and resources”. The same struggles that ignited the 1990 Oka Crisis persist within the Okanagan territory, as Chief Keith Crow states that “it is a disgrace that we have had to wait almost a year and a half, and still we have no resolve on our disturbed ancestral burial grounds”.

These historical acts continue to resonate with the current need to face the challenges imposed on Syilx territory and our member communities and indigenous peoples across Canada. Though the Oka Crisis highlighted the struggles faced by indigenous communities in Canada we continue to demand for the right and responsibility to protect our sacred sites and territories. The nation will welcome Ellen Gabriel, a Kanehsatà:ke Mohawk Territory indigenous human rights activist and a key spokesperson during the Oka Crisis, to the event.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip (ONA Chairman) stated, “the ONA’s 2017 Annual General Assembly provides Syilx people with the opportunity to gather as a Nation, to celebrate the many successes that have taken place for our people over the last year, and reflect on the challenges that we continue to face. With an ambitious political agenda from the Province of BC to fully embrace the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, endorment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and support our ongoing opposition to the Site C dam project, Kinder Morgan pipeline proposal and BC/Petronas’s Lelu Island LNG facility, the coming year will demand that we stand united to ensure that our collective Title and Rights are recognized and respected”.

The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) was formed in 1981 as the inaugural First Nations government in the Okanagan, which represents the 8 member communities of the Okanagan Nation.

For further information please contact:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip

ONA Chair

1-250-490-5314

Tara Montgomery

 ONA Communications Lead

 1-250-707-0095 ext. 120

Okanagan Nation Alliance

101-3500 Old Okanagan Hwy Westbank, BC V4T 3J6: (250) 707-0095 www.syilx.org

Media Advisory

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