snpinktn (Penticton), Syilx Territory: Join us on Truth and Reconciliation Day for a meaningful 2 km walk honoring the children who never returned home and to honor the resilience of survivors and the memory of those affected by the Indian residential school system.
The walk culminates at the Syilx Indian Residential School monument, kʷu səckm̓antaʔx iʔ scəcmalaʔtət k̓l citxʷtət, Bringing Our Kids Home by ‘Smoker’ Virgil Marchand. The monument is in front of the Okanagan Nation Alliance kł cp̓əlk stim̓ Hatchery. This site is historically significant as it marks where Syilx children were transported to Indian residential schools. Important to this location is the kł cp̓əlk stim̓ hatchery’s name, translating from nsyilxcən to English as “to cause to come back,” in reflecting our community’s commitment to healing and restoration, much like the return of salmon after decades of decline. The monument features a textured concrete wall with storyboards that recount the history of the Okanagan Nation’s Indian residential school experiences and celebrate our resilience. It includes bear and salmon imagery, symbolizing protection and hope for future generations. This sacred space serves as a place for reflection and remembrance.
This year’s theme, niʔʕayp kus alaʔx, translating from the nsyilxcən language to English as “We Have Always Been Here.” While orange shirts have become a powerful symbol of remembrance, we recognize that for some survivors, the color can be a painful reminder of their experiences. Last year, the Syilx Indian Residential School Committee designed blue and green shirts that focus on mental health, self-care, and the importance of healing through our sqilxw connection to the land and water as people of the land.
Date: Monday September 30, 2024
Time: Starts at 10:00 am
Location: Departing from the Safeway Parking Lot in Penticton at 10:00 am and will walk 2 km to the Syilx Indian Residential School Monument outside the kł cp̓əlk stim̓ Hatchery on the En’owkin Trail.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gC9uoFAPkjzNjcvr5
The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) is was formed in 1981 as the inaugural First Nations government in the Okanagan to work collectively on areas of common concern and to advance and assert Syilx Okanagan Nation Title and Rights over Syilx Okanagan Territory. The ONA Chiefs Executive Council (CEC) is dedicated to upholding our inherent rights and responsibilities. The Syilx Okanagan Nation is on a long journey of righting the historical injustices that have resulted in grave impacts on our lands, waters, and communities.
For further information please contact:
Taylor Carpenter, Okanagan Nation Alliance, Syilx Indian Residential School Committee Coordinator
C: 250- 516-7225 E: tcarpenter@syilx.org