You Empowered Strong

The You Empowered Strong (YES) program provides awareness, education, training, and resources on de-normalizing violence and sexual assault as one of the key steps to create change and change behaviors.

The Okanagan Nation Alliance has developed the YES Program to create a sustainable model of support to our families and community to begin to address the impact of family violence and sexual assault. This will be accomplished in a nested model that includes, individual, family and community. 

Using Syilx knowledge and strength based practice to build the capacity of families and creating a strong network that will support the wellbeing of the community. Services are family-driven and community-based. Each community determines what resources and trainings they need. Each family receives support in the process of creating holistic wellbeing and safety plans.

Purpose

The intergenerational effects of colonization normalized violence in our communities. YES brings together Syilx ways, strength-based practices, and community solutions to build the capacity of families dealing with the impacts of family violence and sexual assault.

• Supports individuals and families experiencing family violence or sexual assault.
• Increase recognition of time-honoured traditional and cultural teachings, healings and activities that help vulnerable families grow stronger and healthier.
• Encourage strong community relations and practices.
• Build prevention and response capacity through professional collaboration.

#WeLoveLanguage Campaign

The #WeLoveLanguage Campaign, hosted by the YES Program, runs annually in February, leading up to Pink Shirt Day / Anti-Bullying Day, which occurs on the last Wednesday of February each year.

The campaign aims to promote kindness and raise awareness against bullying and violence in our communities, while promoting use of our nsyilxcən language. By being mindful of the language we use, we help build safer, stronger, and more respectful communities rooted in culture, connection, and belonging.

#WeLoveLanguage has 4 main goals:

1. Use “love language” to spread positivity and kindness
2. Encourage folks to use mindful, inclusive, and appropriate language
3. Address issues of violence for safer communities
4. Promote the use of our nsyilxcən language

Let’s all use love language when we are engaging with anyone in our lives.