Okanagan Indian Band

10/30/2026

The November Edition of Senk'lip Newsletter is now available online.

This Month’s edition is full of community updates, a recovery update and more.

Read the November Edition on our website:

https://www.okib.ca/news/the-november-edition-of-senklip-newsletter-is-now-here/

10/21/2026

Celebrating syilx art and culture at Alexis Park Elementary

Yesterday, Alexis Park Elementary unveiled a new mural created by renowned OKIB syilx artist Sheldon Louis, celebrating syilx culture, inclusion and the importance of learning together.

The mural features the eagle, the school's animal, alongside the Four Food Chiefs. The two children represent inclusion and belonging, while the pictographs surrounding the artwork were created by indegenous students, bringing their own creativity and cultural connections into the piece.

The mural reflects the creativity, collaboration and shared learning of students, school staff and Sheldon Louis. It is a lasting reminder of the importance of seeing syilx culture and identity represented in our schools.

Congratulations to the students, School District 22, Sheldon Louis and everyone involved in bringing this meaningful artwork to life.

10/20/2026

Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders!

Yesterday, youth from across the Okanagan came together for the 3rd Annual What Happens Upstream Youth Conference, a day of learning, connection and leadership.

This year's theme, kʷu ʔasəlʔ aʔspuʔús — “We are of two different hearts” — reminded us that even when we disagree, we can listen, learn and work together to build stronger communities.

👏 A huge limləmt to the OKIB Youth Leadership Council for leading this important initiative, and to all the sponsors, community partners, keynote speakers, volunteers and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the day possible.

And most importantly, thank you to all the youth who showed up, participated and shared their voices. Your strength, ideas and leadership are helping shape the future of our communities.

What happens upstream shapes what comes next.

10/08/2026

🗣 Learn how to pronounce snyaʕ̓tán - the nsyilxcən name for Vernon’s Active Living Centre

While the facility's official name remains the Active Living Centre, it now also carries the nsyilxcən name snyaʕ̓tán, meaning ‘where they gather and play.’

snyaʕ̓tán reflects its connection to the land, language and culture of the syilx people.

The name was officially unveiled on October 7, 2026, by the Okanagan Indian Band and the City of Vernon - Local Government

Prominently displayed on the exterior of the building, the name is one of several ways nsyilxcən language and syilx culture are reflected throughout the new facility.

To help community members become familiar with the name and its pronunciation, OKIB Elder Pauline Archachan has provided an audio recording of snyaʕ̓tán being spoken in nsyilxcən.

The recording repeats the name several times, including a slower pronunciation, allowing listeners to hear the sounds, follow along and practise saying it themselves.

Learning to pronounce snyaʕ̓tán is one way to help keep nsyilxcən heard and spoken throughout our territory.

To listen to the pronunciation and practice saying snyaʕ̓tán, visit:

https://www.okib.ca/news/learn-how-to-pronounce-snyaʕtan-the-nsyilxcən-name-for-vernons-active-living-centre/

10/07/2026

Today, the City of Vernon and OKIB unveiled the nsyilxcən name for Vernon’s new Active Living Centre: snyaʕ̓tán, meaning “where they gather and play.”

The name will stand prominently on the new facility, helping ensure nsyilxcən is seen, spoken and carried forward.

nsyilxcən can be found throughout the new facility, alongside design and cultural elements that reflect the syilx people and this territory.

As Chief Dan Wilson reflected today, generations from now, children may not remember the unveiling or who was there, but they will know this place as snyaʕ̓tán.

A meaningful step in seeing our language and culture reflected in the places we share.

10/05/2026

Still time to register! 🎤 What Happens Upstream Youth Conference

There’s still time to register for the 3rd Annual What Happens Upstream Youth Conference, happening October 19 at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre!

This year’s theme, kʷu ʔasəlʔ aʔspuʔús – “we are of two different hearts,” explores how we may not always agree, but can still communicate, work through conflict and move toward solutions together.

📅 Monday, October 19, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
📍 Vernon Performing Arts Centre, 3800 33 Street
👥 For youth ages 14–25

The day includes opening speaker Buffy Mills, keynote speaker Warren Hooley, a Four Food Chiefs feast presented by Smoke on the Plateau, youth and expert panel Q&A, resource booth activities, a special live performance and door prizes.

➡️ Register using the QR code on the poster.

For more information or questions about registration, contact the OKIB Youth Leadership Council/What Happens Upstream Planning Committee.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250-540-8074

10/02/2026

Reminder: Effective at 12 p.m. (noon) on Oct. 2 (today), Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be permitted throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Practicing fire safety and preparedness remains important all year long. Be aware of your local conditions, ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and always check with your local government before engaging in any activity that could spark a wildfire.

For more information, visit: gov.bc.ca/saferburning

Effective at 12 p.m. (noon) Pacific Time (PT) on Oct. 2, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be permitted throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Anyone carrying out a Category 3 open fire must register their burn in the Open Fire Tracking System by getting a burn registration number. Category 2 and 3 open fires must comply with the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.

Practicing fire safety and preparedness remains important all year long. Be aware of your local conditions, ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and always check with your local government before engaging in any activity that could spark a wildfire.
For more information, visit: gov.bc.ca/saferburning

Previous restricted activities are also now permitted.
To view the full Information Bulletin and list of activities, please visit: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/category-2-and-3-open-fire-prohibition-rescind-in-the-kamloops-fire-centre/

10/01/2026

📰 The October Senklip is here!

The latest edition of the Senklip newsletter is now available online, with community news, updates, upcoming events, programs and information for OKIB Members.

🍂 Grab a coffee, get comfortable and catch up on what’s happening around OKIB this October.

💻 Read the October Senklip online now.

https://www.okib.ca/news/

10/01/2026

Work with OKIB

A career with the Okanagan Indian Band is an opportunity to do meaningful work in an organization serving our Members and community.

OKIB offers careers across a wide range of areas, from administration, health and social development to education, lands, public works, emergency management, culture, recreation and more.

Whether you are beginning your career, bringing years of experience or looking for an opportunity closer to home, there may be a place for you at OKIB.

➡️ Director of Operations
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/director-of-operations/
➡️ Executive Assistant
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/executive-assistant/
➡️ Certified Early Childhood Educator (Term)
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/term-certified-early-childhood-educator/
➡️ Health and Safety Coordinator
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/health-and-safety-coordinator/
➡️ Economic Development Manager
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/economic-development-manager/
➡️ Community Engagement Coordinator
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/community-engagement-coordinator/

🌿 Work with OKIB.

Explore the positions above to learn more about each role, qualifications and how to apply. https://www.okib.ca/employment-internal/

09/30/2026

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

We have always been here –
niʕáy̓p kʷuʔs alaʔx

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour Survivors, their families and the children who never returned home.

We remember the strength of those who carried their language, culture and identity forward, and those who continue to share their truths today.

Today is a day to listen, remember and reflect on the work that still lies ahead.

way̓ limləmt to our Survivors and Elders.