Community members gather in the middle of the Okanagan Indian Band’s Cultural Arbor during its grand reopening event on May 28, 2022.
Image Credit: Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative
June 21, 2022 - 11:00 AM
In honour of sqilxw day (National Indigenous Peoples Day) today, June 21, the syilx Nation is hosting celebrations across the territory.
nq’maplqs - Okanagan Indian Band – Day-long Celebration
Where: Komasket Park, “Westside Road, Vernon”
When: Tuesday, June 21, 5 am-5pm+ (event ends with a dinner served at 5pm)
Cost: Free
The Okanagan Indian Band has a full-day gathering of celebrations and activities scheduled at Komasket Park, beginning with a canoe journey and sunrise ceremony at 5 a.m. and ending with a community dinner at 5 p.m.
Woven in throughout the day are activities such as a community breakfast made by chief and council, a “Run for the Drum” event for all ages, a scavenger hunt, bingo and a stick game tournament with a chance to win up to $500. Other cultural knowledge transfers include language signs, drum sticks, gaff hooks and more. For Youth, there will also be a bouncy house, face painting and a language activity.
Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society – Turtle Island Festival
Where: 400 to 500 block of Leon Ave., “Kelowna”
When: Tuesday, June 21, 9am-9pm
Cost: Free
The Friendship Society is hosting its annual Turtle Island Festival on the same day, and the event will feature a mini powwow, live entertainment, food, arts, crafts and more.
Sncewips Heritage Museum – Summer Spectacular
Where: Pine Stadium, 1900 Quail Lane, “Kelowna”
When: Saturday, June 18 from 11am-4pm
Cost: Free
The Sncewips Heritage Museum is putting its own spin on the National Indigenous Peoples Day with outdoor activities for the whole family as well as entertainment, food and more.
Kelowna Falcons Baseball Game – Every Child Matters
Where: 551 Recreation Avenue, “Kelowna”
When: Saturday, June 18, 6:35pm
Cost: Free
Join the Kelowna Falcons for a special game honouring Every Child Matters as the team faces off against the Kamloops North Paws. The Falcons will be wearing “Every Child Matters” jerseys and hosting the Westbank First Nation community. The event will feature Indigenous vendors, drumming, singing and traditional dancers. Guests are encouraged to wear orange.
Self-Guided Art Tour – Westbank First Nation
Where: Westbank – Various locations
When: Any daylight hours
Cost: Free
If you’re looking for something low key, take the Westbank First Nation’s public art walking tour. The journey features 14 installations across Westbank that highlight the work of many Indigenous artists. The full tour takes approximately 90 minutes, and is a great way to learn about local Indigenous culture and history through artwork.
— This story was originally published by The Discourse and IndigiNews.
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