Here at Editors’ Picks Okanagan we gratefully acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the unceded territories of the Syilx Okanagan Peoples, who have been, and continue to be here, since time immemorial. So we plan to wear our orange shirts on September 30th, strengthening our ties and honouring those who never made it home.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada is a day to honour residential school survivors, their families, and generations of Indigenous Peoples impacted by the legacy of colonialism. It is a day to listen, learn, and reflect on the truths of our histories.

So we’ve sourced events and incredible businesses to discover and support over the next week, all with the goal of strengthening the ties of community and understanding across our valley.

Attend the Nk’Mip Cellars 3rd Annual Fundraising Evening on September 27th

Spend a meaningful and memorable evening at Nk’Mip Cellars for their Third Annual Fundraising Event that supports the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. The evening will include live music, local cuisine, silent auctions, raffles, as well as Nk’Mip wines. This will be a beautiful celebration of the spirit of community, healing, and reconciliation.

Visit the Nk’Mip Desert Culture Centre in Osoyoos

Wander through this interpretive centre and learn about the lands, legends, and living culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band. Immerse yourself in multi-sensory experiences that offer a fun and interactive learning environment. This is perfect for families looking to educate their children on Canada’s histories and the rich culture of the Okanagan people.

Stop by Kekuli Café in West Kelowna

With the tagline, “Don’t Panic… We Have Bannock,” this café serves up traditional breads that echo the culinary traditions of North America’s Indigenous peoples. Baked, fried, offered as dessert or paired with aromatic coffee—they’ve got it. Stop by this week and not only support a local Indigenous business, but enjoy some fresh Bannock.

Walk for the Children in Penticton

Join the Okanagan Nation Alliance for a 2km Walk for Reconciliation and honour the children who never made it home. Starting from the Safeway parking lot off Main Street, the path will head to the SIRS Monument outside the Penticton Hatchery on En’owkin Trail. The event will end with a lunch at the monument.

Check out the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society Event in Kelowna

Starting at 10am on Tuesday, September 30th, the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is hosting their annual National Truth & Reconciliation Day gathering, including a march to Kelowna City Park. This event will include soup and Bannock, drumming, speeches, educational activities to foster awareness, healing, and connection among all people, as well as presenting the winners of the Indigenous Youth Essay Contest.

Participate in Reflections on Truth & Reconciliation in Kelowna

After you wrap up the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society event, head over to the Okanagan Heritage Museum and participate in their Next Steps for Walking the Reconciliation Path. Admission is by donation only and all proceeds go to the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society.

However you choose to honour National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we hope you find the time to listen, learn, and reflect on our histories and how we can continue to build strong, long-lasting relationships with the Syilx Okanagan Peoples.

We’ll see you in orange on September 30th! 

XX,

Your Okanagan Curators