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 January 17, 2023
January 17, January 24, January 31, February 7
Sold Out
Starting April 18, 2023
April 18, April 25, May 2, May 9
Registration opens March 13, 2023
Starting May 16, 2023
May 16, May 23, May 30, June 6
Registration opens April 12, 2023
Level 2 – nsyilxcən for Everyone
Starting February 21, 2023
February 21, February 28, March 7, March 14
Registration opens January 30, 2023
Level 3 – nsyilxcən for Everyone
Starting March 21, 2023
March 21, March 28, April 4, April 11
Registration opens February 13, 2023
Upcoming Programs
na̓ʔk̓ʷulamən (what we do): Traditional Shelters
na̓ʔk̓ʷulamən (what we do): Traditional Shelters
Take a journey with us exploring the traditional shelters and lifestyles of First Nations’ from around Turtle Island, with a particular focus on syilx (Okanagan) culture. Participants may get the chance to climb the warriors’ ladder.
Learning a Language: nsyilxcen for Everyone Level 1
Learning a Language: nsyilxcen for Everyone Level 1
Would you like to greet students or visitors in nsyilxcən? Would you like to master some basic vocabulary, and gain a deeper understanding of syilx culture and connection to place? This workshop will give participants a start on pronunciation, greetings and language me...
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:
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- Follow us on Eventbrite
- Register for our eNewsletter below