British Columbia (BC) is home to 204 Indigenous communities and more than 30 Indigenous languages; therefore, it is essential to acknowledge that the Thompson Okanagan region is situated on the traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Sylix, Nlaka’pamux, and Secwépemc peoples. Visitors are invited to seek first-hand experiences and educate themselves about the living Indigenous culture in the Thompson Okanagan region while respecting local Indigenous stewardship and governance.
Way’ is a Nsyilxcen salutation pronounced as ‘white’ without the ‘t’ – learn more and explore and experience the lands, legends, and people at the state-of-the-art interpretive Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos. The Nk’Mip Cultural Centre offers visitors a chance to experience an indoor and outdoor interactive learning environment. There are wildlife and desert ecology displays to discover, as well as a reconstructed village of the living culture of the First Nations Okanagan people. The stewards protecting the 1,600-acre desert conservation area – one of Canada’s most endangered places – is the Osoyoos Indian Band.
Sncewips Heritage Museum is an Indigenous-owned and operated business in the Okanagan Lake Shopping Centre. Its tangible objects and imparted knowledge hold cultural significance, and the events, workshops, and limited-time exhibits are truly eye-opening. The museum offers both guided and self-guided tours, whilst a community care tour takes place entirely outdoors. Furthermore, lucky visitors may even have the opportunity to hear a story inside the pit house.
