The syilx people have lived in the Okanagan Valley since time immemorial. Learn about syilx cultural practices, traditional tools and dwellings, the impact of colonization, and more.
Learn at the Okanagan Heritage Museum
We invite you to visit the Indigenous gallery at the Okanagan Heritage Museum. This gallery is the result of a multi-year collaboration informed by the vision and expertise of syilx Elders and knowledge keepers.
Guests of all ages are welcome to enter the qʷćiʔ (a traditional Okanagan winter home), designed and built under the guidance of Elder Eric Mitchell.
Visit our friends at Sncewips Heritage Museum
Our friends and partners at Sncewips Heritage Museum in Westbank allow “the public to experience the collections, histories, and oral stories of the syilx people from a sqilxʷ perspective.”
Learn more at Sncewips.com
Learn at a class, workshop or event
Kelowna Museums works with Indigenous partners to provide rich learning experiences that are culturally respectful and engaging. Throughout the year, we provide programs such as:
- na̓ʔk̓ʷulamən (with Wildrose Native Traditions)
- nsyilxcən for Everyone (with Wildrose Native Traditions)
Language Series
nsyilxcen for Everyone
A series of 4-week beginner language courses led by Knowledge Carriers and Elders of the syilx Nation.
Learn about the local Indigenous language and gain a deeper understanding of syilx culture and connection to place. Students will learn some basic vocabulary, pronunciation, greetings and language meaning.
Wildrose Native Traditions hosts Level 1, 2 and 3 classes throughout the year. These 4-week classes are for everyone, regardless of heritage.
$75 Registration
Free tickets available for people from Indigenous nations
2024 Schedule
The following dates and details are subject to change. Class registration typically opens 4 to 6 weeks before the starting date.
Check back for updates and additional class dates throughout the year!
Level 1 – nsyilxcən for Everyone
Coming soon
Level 2 – nsyilxcən for Everyone
Coming soon
Level 3 – nsyilxcən for Everyone
Coming soon
Upcoming Programs
Where to find out about future programs
Looking for a program that’s not currently listed?
Our Indigenous programs and workshops are very popular, and spaces fill up quickly. To find out about future Indigenous programs:
- Follow us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Eventbrite
- Register for our eNewsletter below