Indigenous Partnership and Programs

Learn about syilx knowledge and living culture

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

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: