The Okanagan/syilx People have a rich cultural heritage that has shaped the Okanagan Valley. For those eager to connect with this culture, find a variety of experiences from West Kelowna to Lake Country in this guide. Immerse yourself in syilx traditions, art, and history on your next visit.
sncewips Heritage Museum & Gift Store
For a deep dive into syilx history and culture, the sncewips Heritage Museum is an essential stop. Located in Westbank First Nation, this museum and gift shop offers a glimpse into syilx traditions, art, and stories. Exhibits showcase traditional artifacts, historical narratives, and contemporary art that reflect the rich heritage of the community.
Visit their website to stay up-to-date on upcoming events or to book a guided tour.
Kekuli Café
No visit to Westbank First Nation or Kelowna is complete without sampling the delights at Kekuli Café. The café is known for creating many dishes using Bannock, a type of bread that has been a staple in Indigenous diets for generations and is baked, fried, or cooked over an open fire. A meal at Kekuli Café provides a delicious way to learn a bit more about syilx culture, as you savour dishes like Wild Salmon Breakfast Bannock, Venison Blueberry & Sage Taco, Pow Wow Power Bowls, or dessert Bannock like Baked Saskatoon!
Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique
For those interested in indigenous arts and crafts, Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique is a treasure trove. Located in West Kelowna, this boutique is named in honour of N'ha-a-itk, the Spirit of the Lake, also known as Ogopogo. Visitors to the boutique will find a wide array of art, including jewelry, paintings, and carvings by local and regional artists whose work embodies the spirit and creativity of the syilx people.
Kelowna Museums Plant Walk Tour
To truly understand the syilx connection to the land, join the Kelowna Museums Plant Walk Tour. This guided tour provides insight into the traditional uses of local plants by the Okanaga/syilx People. Learn about the medicinal, nutritional, and cultural significance of various plants as you walk from the Laurel Packinghouse to the Rotary Marsh with syilx knowledge carriers. It’s an educational experience that highlights the syilx people’s deep relationship with their environment. Walking tours will take place on August 10, 12, and 18 and on September 5, 7, and 29. For all events hosted by Kelowna Museums, click here.
syilx Artwork on Pelmewash Parkway
Enjoy the outdoors while walking or biking along Pelmewash Parkway in Lake Country while taking in public art installations that celebrate syilx culture and heritage. Clint George, syilx artist from the Penticton Indian Band, and Les Louis, syilx artist from the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, combined their skills working in wood and metal to design and create three sculptures that share some of the traditional stories of the Okanagan people. Each piece is thoughtfully placed, providing a visual narrative of the syilx story while enhancing the natural beauty of the area.
Exploring these experiences collectively paints a vibrant picture of the Okanagan’s Indigenous heritage. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey through the heart of the Okanagan Valley—you won’t be disappointed!