x̌ast sqilxʷ iʔ sx̌əlx̌aʕlt
Happy Indigenous Peoples Day
Every day is a good day to be Indigenous — but today was something truly special.
We welcomed the summer solstice and Indigenous Peoples Day with a heartfelt celebration at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre. The day began on our desert trail, where the recent rain brought out the rich scent of sage and filled the air with birdsong. Our incredible interpreters, Aliyah Baptiste and Tyler Sky Louie, guided guests through the land, sharing knowledge and stories.
Our celebration officially began with a warm welcome from Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band. That was followed by a traditional Okanagan Dance performed by myself cnúk Jenna Bower, accompanied by the Okanagan Song, sung beautifully by Aliyah and Tyler Sky.
A special moment came when Aliyah stepped onto the stage to perform a fancy dance. From the audience, two young OIB band members, Hayden Stelkia and Madeline Stelkia, dressed proudly in their regalia, joined her. The three dancers lit up the stage together in a vibrant, celebration of culture, movement, and connection across generations.
Tyler Sky then moved the crowd with a touching story her mother used to share with her as a child — a beautiful reminder of how stories carry our teachings and keep our culture alive.
Later in the day, qʷayqʷayaxn Levi Bent lit up the stage with an incredible performance that blended traditional language and song with rock and roll energy. He sang in the language, danced, and brought the crowd to life, even inviting audience members up on stage to dance alongside him. His performance was a powerful fusion of traditional and contemporary expression — a highlight of the day that left everyone buzzing.
Chief Louie also hosted a meet-and-greet book signing of Rez Rules, offering guests the chance to connect and reflect on the insights he shared.
Local syilx artists were featured throughout the day. yutlx Franchesca Raven Bell showcased her stunning handmade beaded jewelry, while Neil Bent shared his own beautiful beadwork as well. Around the grounds, hands-on cultural craft tables invited guests to try tule mat making, bracelet making, rock painting, and colouring.
And of course, there was food! Guests enjoyed fresh siyaʔ (saskatoon) lemonade and bannock with cinnamon sugar and siyaʔ butter — a delicious way to nourish both body and spirit.
It was a truly beautiful and heartfelt day.
I would like to thank our Cultural Coordinator q̓ʷəq̓ʷc̓iyaʔ Taylor Baptiste, our Events Coordinator Shelby LePage, our Retail Supervisor x̌əx̌sulaʔxʷ Sarah Titus, and Aliyah Baptiste and Tyler Sky Louie our Interpreters for coordinating sharing their pride and ensuring the event was a success!
Limləmt (thank you) for celebrating with us — we hope to see you at the next one!
taɬt x̌ast,
cnúk Jenna Bower
June 21, 2025
