PRESS STATEMENT  | AUGUST 24, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE SYILX OKANAGAN NATION ARE CALLING FOR “RECONCILIATION UNDERSTANDING IN CANADA”

tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory: Recently, we have witnessed much discussion regarding the provincial government’s initiatives to settle with various nations in this province.

Despite expected criticism and fear-mongering, none of these now-settled claims appear to impact private ownership of land. We feel this has not been emphasized enough and that public opinion is led by the misperception that nations wish to extinguish indefeasible title. This is simply untrue.

Further, modern treaties are constitutionally grounded, legally binding settlements intended to resolve generations of crippling anxiety and confusion and establish land certainty for our people. This system is not intended to injure fee simple ownership or land title, which would be an unfavorable result for all stakeholders.

Instead, in the spirit of true reconciliation, we challenge all citizens, including public servants and representatives of all political parties, to appreciate that the true spirit of reconciliation is imbued in social, cultural, and only then economic change.

If our generations are together in this sacred and transformational journey, we must embrace our separate paths to a better understanding of where we will exist in harmony and prosperity for all British Columbians.

We congratulate Premier David Eby and the provincial government for resolving so many potential disputes, sparing all stakeholders unnecessary hardship and setting a path where reconciliation is real and appreciable.

Our Nations stand behind these efforts and look forward to forging ahead with peaceful resolutions for one and all.

Media Contact:

Tara Montgomery

ONA Communications Lead Email: tmontgomery@syilx.org

Mobile: 250-862-6866