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)
- Indigenous-centred museum tours (group tours)
- Storytelling and Sn̓k̓lip (school groups)
- tmixʷ | syilx Land and Culture (school groups)
- Ntytyix and T.E.K (school groups)
- The Un-Learning Project (school groups)
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
2023 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
Starting July 11, 2023
July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1
Registration now open
Starting August 8, 2023
August 8, August 15, August 22, August 29
Registration now open
Starting November 7, 2023
November 7, November 14, November 21, November 28
Registration opens October 3, 2023
Starting December 5, 2023
December 5, December 12, December 19, December 26
Registration opens November 7, 2023
Level 2 – nsyilxcən for Everyone
Starting September 5, 2023
September 5, September 12, September 19, September 26
Registration opens August 1, 2023
Level 3 – nsyilxcən for Everyone
Starting October 3, 2023
October 3, October 10, October 17, October 24
Registration opens September 5, 2023
Upcoming Programs
k’west’lap ee stethtatht (Truth Shows Itself)
k’west’lap ee stethtatht (Truth Shows Itself)
Presented by syilx Elders Grouse and Pamela Barnes, this workshop series will help you understand and progress on the Truth and Reconciliation journey. Through four 3-hour workshops, participants access 12 hours of training in Indigenous cultural competency led by syilx...
Truth and Reconciliation – (Un)learn with Kelowna Museums
Truth and Reconciliation - (Un)learn with Kelowna Museums
Join us for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 at the Okanagan Heritage Museum. Our all-ages guided and self-guided stations help you learn about the history and culture of the syilx people, both pre-contact and post-contact.
nakulamen (what we do): syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour
nakulamen (what we do): syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour
Stroll from the Laurel Packinghouse to the Rotary Marsh with syilx knowledge carriers as they teach about traditional plant use.
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