Events

Join us the day before National Indigenous Peoples Day for a relationship-building workshop that explores local biodiversity (ktɬəɬtan) from a sqilxʷ/syilx (Okanagan) perspective. Activities include paired walks to a waterfall, nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn language learning and brainstorming how to best help local biodiversity thrive.

About the facilitator: skəkm̓xísaʔt (she/her) is suknaqinx (Okanagan) and was raised in the area now known as Cawston. She has been learning nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn for the past five years and currently serves as a Language Administrator with the Okanagan Indian Band. Biodiversity holds deep meaning for her, as the language nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn comes from the land itself. The names of local plants and animals in nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn have been spoken for thousands of years, with a decline that began around 200 years ago with the arrival of settlers. She believes it is vital to care for and protect the plants and animals that have been here since time immemorial.

Required equipment: Close-toe shoes for hiking, water & snacks, appropriate clothing for the weather.
Optional equipment: Hiking poles.

Accessibility: Requires the ability to navigate rocks and uneven terrain. This 2.5 km return trail includes sections of shade and full sun. The trail has a steep incline near the end and is not wheelchair accessible. There is an outhouse at the trailhead and rest breaks will be included.