Archives: Events

ks‿kəɬqayxʷntim iʔ siwɬkʷ – We will protect the water

May 10th, 2021

DATE HAS BEEN POSTPONED, NEW DATE IS JUNE 22, 2021 FROM 2:00 PM TO 3:30 PM

We invite you to join us in celebrating the release of the syilx siwɬkʷ (water) Strategy. This document would not have been possible without the contributions from over a 100 members, elders, nsyilxcen speakers, leadership, women and youth from all 8 member communities.

The syilx siwɬkʷ Strategy is a call to action that outlines how the Syilx Okanagan Nation intends to steward and care for our territory and work to ensure that siwɬkʷ is properly respected and available for all living things.

Open to Syilx Okanagan Nation Members, Community Members, & Community Partners.

More info coming soon!

Water Strategy Webinar Poster

COVID-19 Update

April 16th, 2021

This virtual session is to share up-to-date information on variants, vaccines, and the third wave, share experiences and ensure our communities have the opportunity to ask questions of professionals.

Open to public

Zoom Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/96822459959?pwd=WnQ0UXdLakFnRzRHNjU1bmpydHkyQT09

Topic: Virtual COVID-19 Update

Time: Apr 21, 2021 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PST

Meeting ID: 968 2245 9959

Passcode: 120322

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aej2HNg6jW

COVID-19 Update Poster-Agenda

 

Syilx Knowledge Circle

March 3rd, 2021

Data governance is what Syilx have done from time immemorial – protected, gathered, stored, and shared their knowledge. One of the main aspects of Syilx data governance has been protection. Careful consideration was given to who should be trained as the safe keeper of certain knowledge, and how and when the knowledge was shared.

The second Syilx Knowledge Circle Gathering will build on the first Syilx Knowledge Circle Gathering, and will ask participants to share their ideas for Syilx data sovereignty.

The first Syilx Knowledge Circle Gathering was held in July, 2020. It gave an overview of what data governance is and how ONA is approaching Syilx data governance. We discussed Syilx data sovereignty.

Syilx Knowledge Circle 2021

Syilx Teachings for Healing

March 1st, 2021

The Okanagan Nation Response Team presents a virtual mental health workshop with Leon Louis of LSIB and Wilfred “Grouse” Barnes of WFN. They will be sharing their knowledge of Syilx medicines & teachings for healing.

This workshop will provide space for Nation members to talk, laugh, engage, and learn more about themselves. The workshop will encourage strengthening connections with others in the nation, and with cultural practices that foster wellbeing.

Syilx Teachings For Healing

Circle of Healing: Family & Sexual Violence

February 3rd, 2021

This online weekly group series is hosted by the You Empowered Strong Program (YES) for the support, healing and prevention of family & sexual violence. YES in partnership with the South Okanagan Women In Needs Society are hosting 8 ‘Circle of Healing’ sessions to support individuals who have experienced sexual violence.

The meetings will be held on the GoToMeeting platform and will take place on Tuesday & Thursday evenings.

Open to Syilx Okanagan Nation member women, non-binary, and gender divergent relatives.

Poster YES Healing Circle

Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, & Two Spirit Gathering

December 8th, 2020

The Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLBTQQIA+ (MMIWG2S) has been a National tragedy over many decades, and has affected the Syilx Nation directly through the loss of our loved ones within our communities.

The 4th annual MMIWG2S Gathering will feature Keynote speakers and presentations on some of the current issues so the Syilx Nation can begin to take action moving forward.

Syilx Water Forum

November 18th, 2016

Honouring our siwɬkʷ

Every year in recognition of World Water Day the ONA hosts a forum that focuses on various water tributaries, watersheds or bodies of water to raise awareness around the state of siwɬkʷ, water within the territory. One of the main goals of the Water Strategy is to improve the way water is managed within Syilx Territory and ensure that clean, flowing water is properly respected and available for all living things. This year the forum is focused on nx̌ʷaqʷaʔstn, Mission Creek. The forum will include a blend of syilx teachings, habitat restoration, and water informed collaborative conversations.

Each year of the Water Forum focuses on a different area within Syilx Okanagan Territory and the water in that area, as well as different topics to focus on each year.  The event brings together Syilx Okanagan Nation members, community members, local partners and organizations, and leadership. The event is held close to World Water Day, March 22, each year.

This year, the Syilx Nation would like to invite you to join us for a ceremony to honour and pray for siwɬkʷ, water in the territory.

Event Information: 

  • We will be starting out on the watershed with a water ceremony/syilx water teachings and a presentation on river restoration
  • Conversations will continue at Manteo Resort. Lunch will be provided.

Who Should Attend:

  • Syilx Nation Members
  • Those connected to the Mission Creek by way of planning and the work they undertake
  • Those who live on or benefit from mission creek
  • Seats are limited

Please note: Participants will be contacted with exact event location upon registration.  Please register below for more details.

Spirit of Syilx Unity Run

November 23rd, 2016

We run for our people and our land

The Unity Run emerged in June 2009, as a response to youth requesting to come together and find a way to raise awareness about suicide and violence in their communities. This event allows the ONA to engage with the youth in the community, provides a significant opportunity to reach the ever-growing number of youth among the eight member communities and hearing what issues are important to them. Between 140 and 200 Okanagan Nation members will come together over the multi-day event, with a minimum of 100 partakers joining for the entire event. Based on the previous years, the average age of runners will be in between the ages of 14 and 18, with the youngest runner being 5 and the oldest in their 60’s.

The majority of the runners will be members of Okanagan Nation communities who are chaperoned by designated community members. If you have youth that would like to participate, please contact your local member community youth worker or Wellness/Health department. If you would like to bring your own youth or yourselves please register directly with the ONA.

This event occurs annually on the first weekend in June!

If you’re a youth interested in participating in the 2026 Spirit of Syilx Unity Run, connect with your local youth worker:

WFN – Nicole Werstuik – nwerstuik@wfn.ca

UNB – Tanya McRae – Interm_ea2@uppernicola.com or youth@uppernicola.com

OKIB – Brenden Caron – sractivitiescoordinator@okanagan.org

OIB – Tony Pulido – Tpulido@oib.ca

PIB – Keisha Kruger – Sd.kkruger@pib.ca

LSIB – Guri Singh – yw@lsib.net

USIB – Lindsay Fairweather – Lindsay.Fairweather@usib.ca

If you’re a family interested in participating in the 2026 Spirit of Syilx Unity Run, here’s who to contact:

ONA – Brenden Moore – youthwellness1@syilx.org 778-392-8966

Donations:

If you are interested in donating to the Spirit of Syilx Unity Run for Suicide and Violence Awareness, please see payment options below:

  • E-transfer to etransfertd@syilx.org (we are registered for auto-deposit – no password required)
    • Please include a note for your e-transfer in the message box stating “Donation – Unity Run 2024”
  • Cheques payable to “Okanagan Nation Alliance” (please see mailing address below)
    • Please include a note of your cheque in the memo box stating “Donation – Unity Run 2024”
  • Cash donations can be dropped off at our main office

Mailing Address: 101-3535 Old Okanagan Hwy, Westbank BC V4T 3L7

Fry Releases

November 18th, 2016

kł cp’elk’ stim’

This ceremonial release of Okanagan Sockeye fry takes place by members of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and over 430 students from local schools so that kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ (cause to come back) will continue. These fry have been raised as part of Okanagan Nation Alliance’s (ONA) Fish in Schools Program along with fry from the hatchery. ntyitix (salmon) is central to the Syilx Okanagan peoples creation stories and through our captikwl (oral history), passed down through generations; it is our responsibility to be stewards of our lands and waters. These ceremonies with our language, songs and prayers are an integral part of the work that we continue, to ensure our efforts to revitalize our culture. For thousands of years these ceremonies and customs have been brought forward for our children.

Everyone is welcome to attend and participate. Due to logistics, we ask that all large groups please contact the organizer prior to attending.

snpintktn, Penticton Fry Release Location (Skaha Lake East Marina)

nɬəɬt́pmuscin, Vernon Fry Release Location (by Marshall Fields Dog Park)

kiʔláwnaʔ, Kelowna Fry Release Location (Rotary Beach Park)

sənƛ̓uxuxtan, Six Mile Creek Fry Release Location (by OKIB Fire Hall)

snɬuxwqnm, Castlegar Fry Release Location (Millennium Park)

takliʕaickst, Slocan Fry Release Location (Village of Slocan Boat Ramp)

snkx̌ykntn, Revelstoke Fry Release Location (Centennial Park Boat Launch)

sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park (Okanagan Falls Provincial Park)

Spallumcheen River Release Location (Cherryville Recreation Site)

Salmon River Release Location (Tim’s By The River Campsite)

Please Note: Locations may not be exact but ONA Signage and vehicles will be onsite to assist. 

Salmon Calling Ceremonies

November 29th, 2016

Honoring Our Ancestors & Praying for the Salmon

We honour our ancestors with this annual ceremony in which we gather in five separate locations along the Columbia River to help pray for the return of the salmon, two on the United States side and three on the Canadian side. This five-day event starts at Kettle Falls, Washington which is organized by the Inchelium Language House Association and then takes place in Castlegar, Revelstoke, and at McIntyre Dam in BC and Enloe Dam in Washington on successive dates. These locations were chosen for their traditional location our people used to gather at to fish. Both these days start by gathering along the banks of the river to pray for the return of the fish. Everyone is welcome to attend, so please bring your drum and help us pray for the return of the salmon. Registration is not needed.

Kettle Falls Ceremony Location

Castlegar Ceremony Location

Revelstoke Ceremony Location*

McIntyre Ceremony Location

Enloe Ceremony Location

*Revelstoke Ceremony: Please meet at this location by 9:45 am to walk to the calling site together. 

Please Note: Locations may not be exact so please look around for ONA Signage and Vehicles.

 

Annual General Assembly & Syilx Youth Leadership Gathering

November 29th, 2016

skc exwexwipla  / uł stełtalt

The Annual General Assembly takes place each year, along with the Syilx Youth Leadership Gathering.  The event brings together the Syilx Okanagan Nation to celebrate our accomplishments and provide an opportunity for Nation members to come together.  The AGA is hosted by each of the Syilx Okanagan communities on a rotating basis.

The 2025 AGA and YLG will be hosted by the Upper Nicola Band.

__________________________________________________________________________

Registration Forms:

Adults and Elders: Annual General Assembly

Youth and Youth Workers: Syilx Youth Leadership Gathering

__________________________________________________________________________

Hotels: 

All attendees of the Annual General Assembly and Youth Leadership Gathering must book their own rooms. Rooms are extremely limited in Merritt, so please book as soon as possible.

The ONA special rate is no longer available as all rooms have been booked.

If you are a youth needing accommodations, please contact your member communities Youth Worker.

If you are an elder needing accommodations, please contact your member communities Elder’s Coordinator.

__________________________________________________________________________

AGA 2025 Agenda
 YLG 2025 Agenda
 ONA AGA-YLG Event Map
 AGA 2025 Poster
 YLG 2025 Poster

 

Purple Ribbon Campaign

August 14th, 2020

#EndOverdose

The Purple Ribbon Campaign is an annual campaign to raise awareness leading up to International Opioid Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.  The campaign focuses on sharing resources, promoting discussion, and offering information related to the drug and opioid crisis and is a response to the urgent need to address the stigma that surrounds drug use.  Through raising awareness, the campaign supports healing and creating change within our communities and our Nation.

Printable Purple Ribbons: #endoverdose

Resources:

Emergency Contact List

Home Detox Resource

IH Self-Management Resources

Counting Your Drinks

Safer Drinking Tips

BC COVID-19 Mental Health Network

For more resources and information visit: our-programs-and-services/purple-ribbon-campaign

 

Salmon Feast

November 29th, 2016

Join our Celebration and Honour the Sacredness of the River

It is one of the goals of the Syilx Okanagan Nation to carry on the work of the people’s ancestors and Elders who taught the importance of preserving and revitalizing the traditions, customs, and language of the Syilx people. 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. The Salmon Feast is a three-day event that involves multiple activities including: ceremonies, a canoe paddle, and on Sunday a salmon feast and ceremony for snx̌aʔiwləm (to honour the sacredness of the river).

The Annual  Salmon Feast is an essential practice in the continued organized efforts of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and member communities to raise the importance of the habitat protection and rehabilitation of local ecosystems, watersheds, and renew connections and relationships between all residents of the Region with water and fish. It is vitally important that we honour the salmon so they will always come back to feed the people.

SF Call for Cooks 2025

The 2024 Salmon Feast was proudly sponsored by:

 

 

     

ONA Salmon Feast Artwork Gallery
Early Years Gathering

November 18th, 2016

iʔ scəcmálaʔtet

The Early Years Gathering provides opportunity for Aboriginal Early Childhood professionals to engage in a manner that can contribute to capacity building and resource development through a process that draws on the wisdom and experience of the attending staff, managers and parents. This annual two-day training fulfills the Professional Development requirements of frontline Early Childhood Development staff in a manner that is grounded in Syilx values and practices.

A Time of Sharing and Caring.

The Early Years Program provides support for Early Years centres, daycares, workers, and children and families through cultural resources, trainings, programs and workshops.

Event Information

  • This event is by invite only
  • Travel subsidies and accommodation reimbursement available
  • Breakfast and Lunch included
Elders and Youth Gathering

November 18th, 2016

Way p inłaxexłxap uł iʔspepleltet uł stakwilxtet

The Elder and Youth Gathering is held annually as a platform for relationship building, knowledge transfer and nation building between our elders and youth. The participants come from each of the bands to a new part of our territory each year to become more familiar with the land and learn from each other. This event started as a way to facilitate these goals as well as to gather input from youth and elders on creating strategies to help bridge any gaps between the two groups.

This event takes place over the weekend which includes workshops, keynote addresses, crafts and activities that are geared towards a theme of connecting all the participants together. Having an outdoor activity on the land is an important aspect of the event which connects the youth and elders to the land through stories and language.

All accommodations and meals are covered for this free event. Carpooling to this event is greatly suggested and transportation should be organized with your band’s Elder/Youth Worker. Registration is a must for space, accommodation and meal counts.

Grandmothers Gathering

January 24th, 2020

Calling Syilx Grandmothers who are passionate about working with children and families to reclaim and restore Syilx family ways of being.

This event is an opportunity for Grandmothers within the Syilx Okanagan Nation to gather and focus on familial roles, Nation needs, and traditional models of child-raising in today’s world.  Grandmothers will identify training and capacity needs within the Nation, define and reclaim family roles and responsibilities, and connect with one another.

Syilx Grandmothers have an inherent role and responsibility to strengthen/teach the practice of Syilx traditions, culture and language. Following Phase II, and Phase IV of the Grandmothers Group Strategy, this event includes Nation and community relationship development and initial steps to the development of a Grandmothers Group Work Plan.

Open to all Syilx Nation Grandmothers | Spaces are limited

Syilx Nation Drug & Human Trafficking Forum

June 20th, 2019

Responding to the opioid drug crisis

The Syilx Nation Drug Forum is an annual event to create space for sharing of information, resources, tools, stories and personal experiences related to drug and alcohol use. It began in response to the opioid drug crisis and focuses on bringing awareness to overdose. This will be a space for meaningful discussion around what is needed for the Nation going forward; capacity building as well as healing – these are integral elements to overall Syilx well-being which is the main objective of the ONA wellness program. We want to explore the personal experiences of people, families, and communities in the Nation and focus on what the needs are in moving toward wider opportunities for healing. Addiction and overdose is a complex issue that requires complex attention. We want to bring together Nation members, workers, and partners to continue meaningful conversations around addressing needs and creating healing.

Mental health, substance use, and human trafficking has been a growing epidemic in the Okanagan region and has directly affected Syilx Nation member communities for too long. Prevention and intervention is the only way to combat this fast growing business and protect Syilx Nation members.

This event is for Syilx Nation members, community members, and community member staff.

RNative Voice

November 29th, 2016

R’Native Voice is a youth mental health program for ages 12-18 and is a prevention program to reduce drug use, incidence of suicide, depression and community violence through learning about Syilx identity and belonging, life skills and culture and language.

The R’Native Voice Coordinator works with the Band Youth Worker to plan and coordinate this program which is delivered once per year. R’Native Voice continues to work with school districts to provide school credits for participants.

The program is delivered in the seven member communities and three urban centers over 8-12 weeks, depending on community needs. In each community, a Community Liaison Worker is assigned to assist in delivery of program. The curriculum is structured in a way that encourages each group to invite local resource people such as Elders, Storytellers, Mentors and other community teachers to participate and share their knowledge. The curriculum has been revised utilizing captikwl and nsyilxcәn in all components.

R’Native Voice Curriculum

  1. Orientation
  2. Write It On Your Heart: ɋʹayantx l aspuɁɋʹus
  3. Our Roots Our Beliefs Part 1: iɁ skcxˇ wiplaɁtət
  4. Our Roots Our Beliefs Part 2: iɁ skcxˇ wiplaɁtət
  5. Depression: spaɁa
  6. Grief: qəlspuɁus
  7. Loving Yourself: xˇ ast spuɁus
  8. Physical Health: kwu͜ xiɁtmíst (we run)
  9. Drugs & Alcohol: nkncintn uł nxˇ wus (poison and alcohol)
  10. Sexual Health: iɁ scxwəl xˇ wáltət (our health or our life)
  11. Community Project: iɁ snqsilxwtət
  12. Self Esteem: npútaɁtn (respect)
  13. Bullying: nxilsm (respect one’s feelings)
  14. Social Justice & Current Issues: scmʹ aɁmʹ áy (news)
  15. Wrap Up: paƛmcín (end of a story)
kwu x̌ast

November 18th, 2016

kwu x̌ast is a prevention program that creates a space for children to safely express and explore their creativity through a variety of art forms and settings. Participants will at times work in one large group, small groups or individually.

As a large group, children will come together to talk and decide about a group art project. While in small groups children will participate in role-playing games and a variety of fun activities to further develop their social interaction skills. Individual work may include working on one’s own art project. Such projects may include photography, shadow puppetry, theatre, singing and more. Some of these activities will take place on the land, to allow children to connect with nature.

kwu x̌ast encourages children to expand their creativity while also learning new skills to express themselves, and become their authentic self through personal development.

The kwu x̌ast Program Coordinator works with the community contact to arrange and plan delivery of the kwu x̌ast Program.

 

Fish in Schools (FinS)

November 18th, 2016

ONA’s Fish in Schools program is one of the key fish education programs for youth in the region, particularly the Sockeye salmon, so that students may become future advocates for both salmon and their habitat.

Since 2003 Okanagan Nation Alliance’s FinS (Fish in Schools, previously S2S-Stream to Sea) in-class program has been educating regional students and teachers about the salmon lifecycle and the importance of their ecosystem so that they may become future advocates for both salmon and their habitat. FinS supplies the necessary equipment and support needed for students to raise from egg to fry stage. ONA provides a 29 Gallon tank with cover, stand/cart, aquarium chiller, and start up supplies; gravel, filters, filter replacements, siphon, insulated cover, thermometer, water conditioners as well as the salmon spawn.

Beginning in mid-January, ONA staff delivered the fertilized eggs to the participating schools and explain the lifecycle and habitat requirements to the students. We also explain the external physical attributes of both male and female Sockeye and answer any questions. Once the eggs have hatched, and buttoned up, the fry will be fed daily until ready for release. During incubation and rearing, the tank will be monitored to ensure that water and temperatures are within the healthy limits for raising sockeye.

VIDEO: cewelna Leon Louis Praying for Sockeye Fry Release

2024 Participating Schools

Okanagan Subbasin
1) Casorso Elementary
2) South Kelowna Elementary
3) Ellison Elementary
4) Dorothea Walker Elementary
5) Sensisyusten
6) Peachland Elementary
7) Giants Head Elementary
8) Summerland Montessori School
9) Princess Margaret Secondary
10) Snxastwilxtn Recovery House
11) Enowkin Centre
12) Outma Sqilxw
13) PIB Health Centre
14) West Bench Elementary
15) Queens Park Elementary
16) KVR Middle School
17) Columbia Elementary
18) Wiltse Elementary
19) Penticton K-12 Excel
20) OK Falls Elementary
21) Tuc-el-nuit Elementary
22) Senpokchin Elementary
23) Oliver Elementary
24) Southern Okanagan Secondary School
25) Osoyoos Elementary
26) Osoyoos Secondary
27) Ntamqen School
28) Cawston Primary
29) Similkameen Elementary Secondary School
30) John Allison Elementary
31) Ecole Entre-Lacs

Upper Columbia
1) Perley Elementary
2) Greenwood Elementary
3) Hutton Elementary
4) Christina Lake Elementary
5) Big White Community School
6) Christina Lake Stewardship Society
7) Hume Elementary
8) WE Graham Community School
9) Brent Kennedy Elementary
10) Wildflower School
11) Jewett Elementary School
12) JL Crowe Secondary
13) Twin Rivers Elementary
14) Kinnaird Elementary
15) Glenmerry Elementary
16) Rossland Summit School
17) JL Webster Elementary
18) Robson Community School
19) Fruitvale Elementary
20) Kootenay-Columbia Learning Centre
21) Lucerne Elementary
22) Nakusp Elementary
23) Edgewood Elementary
24) Burton Elementary
25) Ecole des sentiers-alpins
26) Ecole des Sept-sommets
27) St. Michael’s Catholic School
28) Valhalla Children’s Centre
29) FortisBC Kootenay Ops Centre

When the sockeye fry are ready, they will be released with the rest of the Hatchery fry at the Annual ONA Sockeye Fry Releases.

Broodstock Tours

November 18th, 2016

As part of the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ initiative, ONA has been beach seining and collecting eggs and milt from adult Sockeye in the Okanagan River for rearing and release into Skaha Lake. Since 2004, ONA has stocked Skaha and Osyoyoos Lake with hatchery-reared fry and monitored their growth, survival, and impacts on the Skaha Lake food-web and effects on kokanee populations.  Results so far have been very promising; the program has been a success story.  Beginning in 2014, ONA has been rearing the fry in the new kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery.

As part of our dedication to promoting education and awareness around Okanagan sockeye and other fish species in the region, the ONA invites teachers to bring students for a self-guided tour to see our crews beach-seining in the Okanagan River along the International Hike and Bike Trail.

Tour Details

Broodstock generally takes place following the Thanksgiving weekend, lasting for about two weeks, typically around October 15 to 25. Crews are usually in the river between 9 am – 1 pm.

Broodstock Map

Please Note: Broodstock dates and times may vary based on river temperature and transportation schedules. While we cannot guarantee that our teams will be present on specific days or at exact times, you can still take pleasure in a stroll along the river and witness the salmon migration.

Alternatively, you may use the video resource below as a tool for students:

 

Hatchery Tours

November 18th, 2016

The kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery is a testament to the perseverance of the Syilx Okanagan People to realize their dream of restoring the n’titxw (Chief Salmon) – one of our Four Food Chiefs – to their original habitat and rightful place in our territory. This hatchery represents a critical stage of our Nation’s restoration initiative and is part of a long‐term program to restore the historical range of Sockeye in the upper Okanagan watershed, Okanagan Lake, and Skaha Lake systems, and a region of the Columbia River Basin.

Opened in 2014, our 25,000 square foot hatchery has the capacity to rear 8 million eggs. It is currently equipped to handle all fish culture aspects required for 5 million eggs from brood stock management until fry release. Sizing the facility for 8 million eggs allows for flexibility in the future, or to allow for changes in the fish culture activities. This facility is significant for the program, as it poses the least risk for the fish population, allows for maximum egg-to-fry survival, and permits monitoring of the interaction between Sockeye and Kokanee.

kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery Tours are offered all year long by appointment. Tours last about an 1 hour and are hands on, with opportunity for questions.

safeTALK Training: Make a Connection

January 24th, 2019

Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives.

A half-day alertness training that prepares anyone 15 or older, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper.

Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. safeTALKtrained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources, such as caregivers trained in ASIST.

  • Notice and respond to situations where suicide thoughts
    might be present
  • Recognize that invitations for help are often overlooked;
    move beyond common tendency to miss, dismiss and avoid
    suicide
  • Apply TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, and Keep safe

The first part of the day will be the safeTALK training. In the afternoon, the workshop will focus on skill building to become comfortable talking about suicide, and on creating safer homes and communities from suicide.

safeTALK Info Sheet

 

 

River Restoration Workshop

July 12th, 2017

The Okanagan Nation Alliance in collaboration with many project partners have been successfully restoring spawning and rearing habitat for salmon in the Okanagan Basin for over 20 years. Traditional Ecological Knowledge, best management practices, measured stream geometry and natural habitat features have guided these restoration works. This workshop will teach the math behind the stream analysis and hydraulics that directed the restoration designs and describe the planning, construction, monitoring methods and results.

REGISTRATION OPENS: July 15, 2025

 Workshop outline:

  • Teach the calculations behind the stream analysis, river hydraulics and pool-riffle design
  • Field visits to several habitat restoration projects
  • Show the process of implementing a river restoration project from beginning-to-end (planning, designs, construction, and adaptive management)
  • Explain the projects monitoring methods and results
  • Discussion and poster sessions: hydraulic modelling, fish habitat diversity, spawning beds, riffles, fish passage at barriers, floodplain reconnection, wetland restoration

Course targeted to but not limited to:

  • Those designing or reviewing river instream works, particularly for salmon habitat
  • Environmental scientists and project managers (Biologists, Engineers, Geomorphologists, Hydrologists and Fisheries Technicians)
  • Community members and general public

Course details:

  • Date: October 7-9, 2025
  • Location: Penticton BC
  • Registration and fees: $1000
  • Payment: Email transfers (EMT), Cheque, or Invoice for larger groups. Seats will be reserved once payment is received.
  • IMPORTANT: Fee must be paid by September 15, 2025
    * Please note that any cancellation done less than 60 days before event will result in only 50% refunds returned
October 2025 River Restoration Workshop