Indigenous Heritage in Kelowna

The syilx/Okanagan people are part of the territory that spans across the Southern Interior of British Columbia and into Washington State. Their language, nsyilxcən, carries knowledge systems and stories that have been passed down for generations. Teachings about tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (the land) and kɬúsx̌nítkw (Okanagan Lake) continue to guide stewardship, reminding us that human well-being is tied to the health of the environment. Even the name Kelowna itself comes from nsyilxcən, meaning “grizzly bear.”

Living Culture and Experiences

Indigenous culture in Kelowna is not frozen in time; it is living, evolving, and thriving. Visitors are invited to experience this richness in ways that are respectful and authentic:

Sncewips Heritage Museum

Located within Westbank First Nation, the Sncewips Heritage Museum offers a powerful introduction to syilx heritage. Exhibits range from ancient artifacts and oral histories to contemporary art and cultural expression. The museum is a place where past and present meet, offering visitors a chance to learn directly from Indigenous perspectives.

Arts and Cultural Expressions

Indigenous artists are featured throughout Kelowna’s arts & culture community. Galleries, festivals, and public installations highlight traditional and contemporary works, from beadwork and carving to painting, performance, and digital media, that reflect both resilience and innovation.

Guided Tours and Experiences

Indigenous tourism experiences in and around Kelowna offer opportunities to hear stories, teachings, and songs directly from Indigenous hosts. These guided experiences provide a deeper understanding of the land you’re exploring, whether that’s through storytelling circles, land-based learning, or cultural workshops. Many of these programs can also be found at the Okanagan Heritage Museum, where exhibits and events often highlight Indigenous voices and living culture.

The Land as Teacher

For the syilx/Okanagan people, the land itself remains a central source of knowledge. Seasonal cycles guide families to berry fields, root grounds, salmon runs, and hunting areas, practices that continue to sustain culture and community today. Hiking local trails, paddling the lake, or simply pausing to notice the changing seasons can offer visitors a glimpse of this long relationship between people and place.

Spending time outdoors is more than recreation here. It is a way of connecting with the living classroom that has shaped syilx culture for millennia. Approaching the land with curiosity and respect allows visitors to share in the values of reciprocity and stewardship.

Travelling with Respect

When exploring Indigenous heritage in Kelowna, consider yourself a guest on the traditional, unceded territory of the syilx/Okanagan people. Small actions make a difference:

• Support Indigenous-owned businesses and experiences.
• Take time to learn a few nsyilxcən words or phrases.
• Leave natural spaces as you found them.
• Listen with openness when culture and stories are shared.

By engaging thoughtfully, visitors become part of a respectful exchange, one that enriches both guest and host.

A Living Presence

Indigenous heritage in Kelowna is not a chapter of history tucked away in the past. It is a living presence carried forward by the syilx/Okanagan people today, visible in art, food, language, and community life. Every story told, every artwork admired, and every connection made offers a deeper perspective on the Okanagan Valley.