Cultural Awareness Training
Bridging Understanding on Syilx Territory​
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At the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre , we offer customized Cultural Awareness Training for organizations working with or within the Syilx Okanagan Nation and Okanagan territory. Our goal is to foster respectful, informed, and meaningful engagement between your team and the Syilx Okanagan communities whose lands you work on and alongside.
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Led by Jenna Bower, Manager of the NDCC, and Taylor Baptiste-Sparrow, Cultural Coordinator—both proud members of the Osoyoos Indian Band and the Syilx Okanagan Nation—each session is thoughtfully designed in collaboration with your organization to reflect your team’s roles, responsibilities, and day-to-day work.
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What We Offer
Our training sessions are:
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Tailored: Content is customized for your industry and team—whether you work in field operations, public service, tourism, education, or administration.
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Practical: Sessions include relevant examples, interactive activities, and protocols specific to your working environment.
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Grounded: Participants gain an understanding of Syilx perspectives, history, culturally significant areas, and appropriate engagement protocols.
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Example: For a recent training with FORTIS BC, we developed content specifically for their field crews, including highland work protocols, guidance for community engagement, and awareness of culturally sensitive landscapes.
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Session Details
We work with you to create the right training experience. When reaching out, please let us know:
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Estimated number of participants
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Participants’ roles and departments
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Preferred timing or dates
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Format preference (half-day, full-day, or multi-session)
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Training Formats
Onsite at the NDCC – Osoyoos, BC
Our location offers a unique and immersive learning environment:
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Theatre (seats up to 81)
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Conference room (up to 30 participants)
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Cultural grounds tour featuring a replicated traditional village, cultural artifacts, and desert ecology
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Optional Catering available for breakfast and/or lunch
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Offsite at Your Location
If a visit to the NDCC isn’t feasible, we’re happy to bring the training to you.
We just ask for access to basic equipment, including:
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A large TV screen and/or projector with screen
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Audio setup (speakers, microphone if needed)
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Adequate tables and chairs to accommodate your group comfortably
Ready to Begin?
To inquire or book a session, contact Taylor Baptiste-Sparrow, our Cultural Coordinator, at culture@oib.ca