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)
  • The Un-Learning Project (school groups)

Language Series

nsyilxcən 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

Starting April 30, 2024

April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21
Registration opens soon

Starting June 4, 2024

June 4, June 11, June 18, June 25
Registration opens soon

Starting September 17, 2024

September 17, September 24, October 1, October 8
Registration opens soon

Starting October 22, 2024

October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12
Registration opens soon

Level 2 – nsyilxcən for Everyone

Starting July 9, 2024

July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30
Registration opens soon

Level 3 – nsyilxcən for Everyone

Starting March 26, 2024

March 26, April 2, April 9, April 16
Registration now open

Starting August 13, 2024

August 13, August 20, August 27, September 3
Registration opens soon

nsyilxcən: The Journey Continues

March 26, April 2, 16, May 7 & 21
Registration now open

 

Upcoming Programs

nsyilxcen: the Journey Continues

nsyilxcen: the Journey Continues

Date April 2, 2024

Continue your journey with the nsyilxcən language and gain a deeper understanding of syilx culture. Through a series of dynamic classes, students with a beginner understanding of nsyilxcən will engage with each other and their instructor as they continue their learnin...

More Info

nsyilxcen: the Journey Continues

nsyilxcen: the Journey Continues

Date April 16, 2024

Continue your journey with the nsyilxcən language and gain a deeper understanding of syilx culture. Through a series of dynamic classes, students with a beginner understanding of nsyilxcən will engage with each other and their instructor as they continue their learnin...

More Info

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: