Our 2023 programs are a fun way to connect an engaging museum experience with the BC curriculum.
2023 Curriculum Programs
Way. Kelowna Museums is committed to a Journey of Reconciliation and aspires to include Indigenous perspective and knowledge in our offerings. In this work we practice the First Peoples Principles of Learning as we develop each learning experience. Immersive museum visits inspire curiosity, exploration and musl’s (the nsyilxcən word for hope). During the 2023 school year, museum experiences are offered in-person, with some virtual field experiences available by demand. In-person field excursions take place in downtown Kelowna at one of our three locations: the Okanagan Heritage Museum, Okanagan Military Museum or Laurel Packinghouse.
Email us at education@kelownamuseums.ca, or call 250-868-4836 to book your time.
Accordion Toggle Closure
Grades K-3
Storytelling and Sn̓k̓lip
Grades K – 3
At the Okanagan Heritage Museum
Sn̓k̓lip (coyote) constantly seems to get into mischief, but is always teaching us about the traditional land of the syilx people. Co-presented with Indigenous Education/SD23, students will hear a captíkwł (creation story) in an immersive setting, explore what they learn from sn̓k̓lip within our galleries, and learn a simple song in nsyilxcən (Okanagan language). This program is available for SD23 classes. For other schools/districts, ask us about a great option for you.
Dinosaur Roar
Pre-K – K
At the Okanagan Heritage Museum
Dinosaurs were HOW BIG? Using real paleontology equipment and fossil exploration, we will imagine a land filled with dinosaurs. How loud can you roar?
Amazing Animals
K – 2
At the Okanagan Heritage Museum
My, what big teeth you have! Get up close to animal skulls, teeth and taxidermy to explore how they live in their environments. First Nations knowledge will help us understand and appreciate these amazing animals.
Get Wild with Pollinators – Available Spring 2023
Grades 1 – 3
At the Laurel Packinghouse
Not all bees live in hives or wear yellow and black stripes. Discover pollinating insects of the Okanagan and appreciate the hard work they do. Take away tips and fun activities that you can do at home to help our wild bee population.
Okanagan Orchards – Available Spring 2023
Grades 1 – 2
At the Laurel Packinghouse
Settlers have re-shaped the local landscape into “the Garden City” with bountiful orchards and farms. Students will explore objects and pictures in the museum gallery to uncover how this came to be. They will encounter the stories of growers and workers and taste the fruit of their labour. Learning how the syilx people actively took care of the land through “natural orchards” will foster appreciation for the First Nations land knowledge.
Grades 4-8
tmixʷ |syilx Land and Culture
Grades 4 – 12
At the Okanagan Heritage Museum
The syilx people have a deep connection to their land and profound knowledge of local ecosystems. tmixʷ is a syilx word that refers to all living things, including the land, water, animals, people, plants, and more. Explore cultural topics, practice an nsyilxcən greeting, and climb the warriors’ ladder.
Ntytyix and T.E.K
Grades 4 – 12
At the Okanagan Heritage Museum
Follow the syilx story of the disappearing ntytyix (salmon) all the way from pre-contact, settler contact, and now. Learn about traditional ecological knowledge (T.E.K.), practice some nsyilxcən, and examine syilx fishing artifacts. Discover local environmental initiatives that rely on a blend of T.E.K. and western science to restore Okanagan waterways and bring the salmon back home to the Okanagan. Elders and knowledge-keepers bring a message of resilience.
The Un-Learning Project
Grades 4 – 12
At the Okanagan Heritage Museum
What happened in the Okanagan when residential schools opened? How were traditional ways of knowing disrupted, and why does it matter today? Students will be immersed in syilx traditional wisdom that derives from tmixʷ (land). They will explore objects that demonstrate the importance of intergenerational learning and the disruption caused by the residential school system. Students will hear messages of truth and hope from Elders.
Kelowna’s Chinatown
Grades 4 – 6
At the Okanagan Heritage Museum
Wait…Kelowna had a Chinatown? Chinatown was built by Chinese residents during a time of social exclusion and anti-Asian laws. Students will explore structures, artifacts and archival material to discover who lived there, why they lived there, and what happened. Students will reflect on perseverance and why learning from the past helps us build a better today and tomorrow.
Grades 9-12
tmixʷ |syilx Land and Culture
Grades 9 – 12
At the Okanagan Heritage Museum
The syilx people have a deep connection to their land and profound knowledge of local ecosystems. tmixʷ is a syilx word that refers to all living things, including the land, water, animals, people, plants, and more. Students will explore cultural topics including discussion on Truth and Reconciliation, practice an nsyilxcən greeting, and climb the warriors’ ladder.
Ntytyix and T.E.K
Grades 4 – 12
At the Okanagan Heritage Museum
Follow the syilx story of the disappearing ntytyix (salmon) all the way from pre-contact, settler contact, and now. Learn about traditional ecological knowledge (T.E.K.), practice some nsyilxcən, and examine syilx fishing artifacts. Discover local environmental initiatives that rely on a blend of T.E.K. and western science to restore Okanagan waterways and bring the salmon back home to the Okanagan. Elders and knowledge-keepers bring a message of resilience.
The Un-Learning Project
Grades 4 – 12
At the Okanagan Heritage Museum
What happened in the Okanagan when residential schools opened? How were traditional ways of knowing disrupted, and why does it matter today? Students will be immersed in syilx captíkwł, traditional wisdom that derives from tmixʷ (land). They will explore objects that demonstrate the importance of intergenerational learning and the disruption caused by the residential school system. Students will hear messages of truth and hope from Elders.
Unpacking Stories of Military History
Grades 9 – 12
At the Okanagan Military Museum
History lives in objects, images and letters. Students investigate artifacts and archival material and unravel personal and national stories that transpired both on the battlefield and on the home front. They will discover how changing technology impacted the outcomes of events on the world stage and the experience of Okanagan men and women from diverse communities who served. Where did they find identity, courage and hope when they put themselves in harm’s way?
How to Register
Email us at education@kelownamuseums.ca, or call 250-868-4836 to book your time.
Costs & Payment:
In-person programming is $125 per class and last 60 minutes unless otherwise stated. Virtual programs generally last 30 minutes and cost $75. If cost is a barrier, please contact us anyway. Your school may qualify for a subsidy or discount!
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Want to book a full-day field trip?
Planning a field trip to Kelowna’s Cultural District? Pair a program at the museum with another cultural facility. See details below to book.
Kelowna Art Gallery
Phone: (250) 762-2226
Email: sumi@kelownaartgallery.com
Website:
kelownaartgallery.com/programming/school-tours
Rotary Centre for the Arts
Phone: 250-717-5304 ext. 116
Email: programs@rotarycentreforthearts.com
Website:
rotarycentreforthearts.com/learn/arts-discovery-days-educational-programs/
“The students really enjoyed the story of the 4 chiefs. They also loved the song and seeing the winter home. The lesson fit perfectly with our curriculum. We loved it!”
“We had a FABULOUS VFT today with the owl program. It was so engaging for everyone, and the owl dissection was very interesting. Thank you for providing such a wonderful program. I am often reluctant to book virtual field trips, but this one was amazing!”
“Allison did a super job on our recent virtual field trip with the museum! I am all too familiar with the challenges of entertaining students on a virtual learning experience so I can truly appreciate Allison’s efforts. She was organized, fun and provided wonderful insight on our studies. Thanks for the lovely beading kits – they were a huge hit with the kids. Those arrowheads are the best! The kids really do appreciate making this unique keepsake.”
“The students were so engaged! It was great having them answer questions and be a part of the presentation.”