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Local Indigenous Experiences

LOCAL INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCES

Westbank First Nation is one of eight bands comprising the Okanagan Nation – nqilxʷcn / nsyilxcen speaking people whose territory runs into Washington State. They have lived in the Kelowna, kiʔlawnaʔ and Westbank, stqaʔtkʷəɬniwt area from time immemorial. A recent excavation near the new bridge uncovered artifacts that date back thousands of years, proving Westbank First Nation’s (WFN) existence and their title to the land.

nqilxʷcn / nsyilxcen – the Okanagan Language

The nqilxʷcn /nsyilxcen language is taught in many schools in the Okanagan, from the band run sensisyusten School to Mt. Boucherie Secondary School. Public Schools in the Central Okanagan also participate in the Aboriginal Education Program where they acknowledge that they are on the Traditional Territory of the Okanagan Nation – The syilx People and students participate in cultural days and traditions of the syilx People, along with additional services for students who are of Aboriginal ancestry.

Indigenous World Winery & Distillery

Indigenous World Winery and Distillery merges the modern culture with Indigenous history. It is the only 100% Indigenous owned winery and distillery in North America. Enjoy award-winning, VQA wines that...

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Indigenous World Winery & Distillery

Kekuli Café

“Don’t Panic We Have Bannock” is the slogan of Kekuli Café, the Okanagan’s only Aboriginal cuisine eatery. You can also pick up Little Miss Chief’s famous smoked salmon here....

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Kekuli Café

Okanagan Select

The Okanagan Select tasting room is located in Westbank and markets it's own brand of locally caught (Osooyos Lake) canned Okanagan Sockeye and cold smoked wild Okanagan Sockeye fillets. Okanagan Select...

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Okanagan Select

Sncəwips Heritage Museum

The Sncewips Heritage Museum showcases all that the sqilxw people from this area have to offer. There are excellent opportunities for everyone to get involved with the Museum, and we...

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Sncəwips Heritage Museum

Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique

Okanagan Lake is known for legend N'ha-a-itk also known as Ogopogo. In Honor of N'ha-a-itk I named my business Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique. Spirit of the Lake Native has...

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Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique

Westbank First Nation Sculptures & Murals

Local Indigenous Art: Sculptures and Murals The Westbank First Nation Public Art Committee (PAC) established the WFN Public Art Program in September 2014. The Program is a collaborative, collective, creative process...

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Westbank First Nation Sculptures & Murals