This Syilx-guided initiative brings Local Governments and the Syilx Nation together to protect and restore siwɬkʷ | water in our region—now and for future generations. The Okanagan Similkameen Watershed Collaborative Leadership Table (CLT) is a powerful new voice to influence and direct future projects and policies as they relate to long-term watershed security.
ks ‿ kəɬqayxʷntimiʔ siwɬkʷ
| Milestone in Regional Collaboration |
The scope of this collaboration is unprecedented. The Memorandum of Agreement that was signed in November 2024 unites over 130 elected leaders from Syilx communities and neighboring cities, towns, and regional districts—all committed to working together to protect and restore the siwɬkw|water that sustains each community, including kɬúsx̌nítkw | Okanagan Lake and the nməlqaytkw | Similkameen River.
An Urgent Issue: As the population in these watersheds continues to grow—and the climate continues to change—our region faces complex challenges that require a united response and innovative solutions.
250-Year Plan: The CLT is working on a Watershed Responsibility Plan that takes a multi-generational perspective and makes a long-term commitment to the wellbeing of the watersheds, moving towards a new governance and decision-making framework.
Stronger Together: This ground-breaking initiative is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when First Nations and Local Governments come together to address common concerns. The CLT is poised to be an essential driver of positive change in the region for years to come.
“This is our opportunity to build a new history together.” — Mayor Julius Bloomfield, snpintktn Penticton
| Setting the Table |
There is a strong foundation for watershed planning in the past and current work undertaken by both the Syilx Nation and Local Governments. Because of this strong foundation—and building on Syilx principles of working together, the value of reciprocity and our collective responsibility for water—the Syilx Nation partnered with the Centre of Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) in 2022, and reached out to Local Governments to initiate the collaborative process that has become the CLT. Currently, the CLT is hosted by the Okanagan Nation Alliance in partnership with the Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program (OCCP).
“Without water, we cannot live.” — y’ilmixʷm simo Chief Robert Louie, Westbank First Nation, Co-Chair of the Collaborative Leadership Table
| A United Effort |
Drawing from existing watershed work in the region and informed by ongoing discussion, the CLT has identified two shared areas of focus for the collaborative work.
- FOCUS ON GOVERNANCE including strengthening mechanisms for collaborative decision-making, building capacity, and enhancing public understanding.
- FOCUS ON ECOLOGY to improve water quality and quantity for all living beings through protection, restoration, supporting existing projects, and addressing systemic issues such as cumulative impacts and climate change.
| Respect for Jurisdiction |
The CLT recognizes that the Syilx Nation and Local Governments each occupy autonomous and unique jurisdictional spaces. Honoring these jurisdictions is the foundation for building meaningful government-to-government relationships.
Not Legally Binding: The CLT is a political statement of collective good will in which participating governments commit to advancing collaboration through their respective processes, policies, and structures. The Memorandum of Agreement does not create any legal obligations, constrain any powers, infringe on Title and Rights, or limit participation in other intergovernmental processes.
| Principles Guiding the CLT |
- RESPECT THE JURISDICTION of each government.
- RELATE GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT by doing the work to build meaningful relationships.
- HONOUR DIVERSITY of cultures and histories, Syilx values, and the different knowledge held by each government.
- SHARE EQUITABLY the benefits and responsibilities of addressing common concerns.
- SUPPORT RECONCILIATION as set out in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
- RECOGNIZE BILATERAL AGREEMENTS may be appropriate to facilitate further cooperation.
Our Shared Vision: Our relation siwɬkʷ, our most sacred medicine, must be kept healthy to restore and honour its relationship to tmixw, in order to ensure resiliency of all, for the good of all, for all time. – Memorandum of Agreement, 2024
For More Information:
Tessa Terbasket, siwɬkʷ | Water Program Lead and CLT Coordinating Team Lead
collaborativeleadershiptable@syilx.org