Remembering Our Veterans‐November 11 - SyilxAngus Oppenheimer, ... Centre Project; and Elders and Language remain priorities as Elder Modesta Betterton reminded everyone “don’t

Table of Contents

Okanagan Nation Veterans

2

Chiefs Executive Council Meeting Update

3

Okanagan Nation youth Council

4

Youth Unity Run 4

Okanagan Nation Health Plan

5

Aboriginal Addictions Awareness Week

6

Rosalie Wilson takes her Oath

7

JANT 2011 7

Fisheries Open House

8

Schools Fisheries Awareness

9

ONA Job Postings 10

Elders Gathering 12

Indigenous Arts and Craft Fair

13

What’s Happening

14

Toll Free

1-866-662-9609

S Y I L X O K A N A G A N N A T I O N E - N E W S

November 2010

Remembering Our Veterans‐ November 11

Photo: A few of the many Okanagan Aboriginal Veterans courtesy of OKIB

November 2010 ONA E‐NEWS 2

Arthur (Art) Brewer, Herbert Brewer, Riley Brewer, William (Billy) Brewer, William (Scan) Brewer, Bobby Cameron, Charlie Edwards, Joseph Fraser, Edward Fred, Florence Harris, Johnny Harris, Wilbur Harris, Winifred Harris, William Lawrence, John Marchand, Stanley Mitchell, George McLean, Angus Oppenheimer, Charlie Parker, David Parker Sr.,

Remembrance day is the time to remember all the canadians lives that have been touched by any global war. It is important to remember the lives and dedication that was shown by their actions and decisions. It is important to take a moment on November 11th to think about what was given for the county and the future that many wanted for Canada. We must remember to show respect and acknowledge the lives and efforts shown throughout their participation.

Earlier this year Okanagan Nation Alliance had the previliage of honouring the navy ship “okanagan”. This event was held at the Sensisysten School in West Kelowna. The event recognized the military and navy aboriginal veterans for their contributions and dedication.

At the Annual Youth Leadership Conference in August veteran Glen Douglas attended to discuss his personal experience and role within the military. To learn more about the Remembrance Day ceremony within your community, please contact your local band office.

Below is a list of Okanagan Nation veterans , we apologize for those that may have been missed:

Photo: Veteran Glenn Douglas at the 2010 Youth Conference in Osoyoos, BC.

Photo above: Honouring the HMCS Okanagan Navy Veteran Mike Watts (WFN), Veteran Morris Jamieson (LSIB) Veteran John Marchand (OKIB) Elder Margaret Kruger (PIB)

Jim Jameson Charlie Lorenzetto Frank Marsel Mose Nehumpchin Florence Shuttleworth Charlie Squakin Brenda Wagner Albert J. Heinrich Jack Allison Alfred Brewer Charlie Brewer Jeanie Brewer Lawrence Brewer Martha Brewer Raymond Brewer Lewis Douglas William C. Foster Edward Karklin Jack Lorenzetto Fred (Sandy)Marsel Henry Smitheram

Richard Parker Albert Saddleman Sr., Johhny Shuttleworth, Bert Simpson, Charlie Simpson, Clarence Simpson, Ernest Simpson, Harvey Simpson, Percy Simpson, Tom Simpson, Norman Steele, William Steele, Thomas Struthers Jr. Harry Tronson, James Tronson, Agnes Tronson, Edward Tronson, William(Willie)Williams, Glenn Douglas William Smallwood

William (Bill) Brewer Lewis Douglas Billie Louie George E. Baptiste Everett F. Allen James Jameson Jimmy Stelkia Douglas M. Allen Pete Louie Mario George Grey Terry Betterton James Jameson Tommy Armstrong, Manuel Bercie, Henry Allison Wilfred (Buck) Allison Ida Brewer John Brewer Leonard Brewer Harry Parker

Louie Terbasket Bill Shuttleworth Joan Carillo Jack Cohen Mike Watts Pat Jack

We do not have the Upper Nicola Veterans If someone has been missed please feel free to contact: [email protected]


The Okanagan Nation Alliance hosted the Chief Executive Council (CEC) and Council members quarterly meeting on October 20‐21. The Nations Leadership achieved significant milestones representing the culmination of years of hard work. Each of these initiatives are moving forward in tandem, with the understanding of building upon the strength of a principled Aboriginal Title and Rights Agenda – the health, well‐being protection of our People, Lands and Resources” (CEC Business Plan 2007‐2012).

It is the leadership’s responsibility to ensure that they move forward in a way that provides “evidence” for Syilx Title and

Chief Executive Council Quarterly Meeting

Highlights from the meeting:

Welcoming the

Okanagan Nation Youth

Council

Support for the Unity

Run

The ratification of the

conceptual Health Plan

Proposal of the Syilx

Children and Family

Framework

The establishment of

Aquatic Enterprise

Limited Company

Fisheries initiatives

Update of Syilx Water

Declaration

Update of legal issues

The Inter‐Band Protocol was tabled since not all Bands have had the DRAFT #3 presented to their Chief and Councils. It was made very clear that this is urgent business so everyone was reminded to confirm a date when the Technical working Team can conduct such presentations. There were many other initiatives presented to the Assembly that require close attention, support and collaboration if we are all to be successful. These were the local Band issues such as Parks (The Southern initiative and Pillar Lake); SA Shelter Allowances; Restorative Justice project hosted at Enowkin, the Red Road Recovery Treatment Centre Project; and Elders and Language remain priorities as Elder Modesta Betterton reminded everyone “don’t wait, do it now”.

The ONA Communications presentation was riveting and sparked everyone’s emotion with the reality of the work involved in “Rebuilding Nationhood” and the Unity that needs no words of definition when the Assembly viewed through the many pictures presented and the Youthful and Elderly eyes that shone through the energy of the presenter. Yes, the challenges remain but the forum to discuss them remained strong, like it was in the “70”s when spontaneity and living wasn’t so much about the Land Question but about being on the land, to some being out on the land was being amongst Okanagan Nation members through Sports as Chief Clarence Louie reminded everyone as he shared a video presentation of the Wounded Knee bike run.

NEXT Chief’s Executive Council Meeting November 18, 2010

Photo: attendants at the quarterly CEC meeting

Rights for this territory. Each of these initiatives is ‘proof’ that the Syilx are alive and well; living on the land and practicing our cultural ways. The Chiefs and Council members present unanimously endorse the following initiatives:

The newly formed Okanagan Nation Youth Council Spirit of Syilx Youth Unity Run The Syilx Conceptual Health Plan Syilx Children and Family Framework The establishment of the Aquatic Enterprise Limited Company Legal Issues within the Nation


Okanagan Nation Youth Council

The Chiefs Executive Council welcomed the newly formed Okanagan Nation Youth Council. The Youth Agenda is a long standing agenda item coming from our member Bands and the lack of resources available to our communities overall to support Youth Leadership well being whether it be through Athletics, Cultural activity or jobs. The objectives of the Youth Council are to:

• Encourage unity and promote Nationhood among youth throughout Okanagan Territory

• To Promote and Preserve Syilx culture and language

• To empower youth through connectedness and pride of being Syilx

• Giving youth the opportunity to be heard The Youth Council will be 2 representatives appointed by their Chief and Council from each member community, one male and female. These Youth will be presenting to each Chief and Council in their respective communities. For More Information Contact: Amanda Montgomery, RNative Voice Coordinator [email protected]

Last year the youth ran from Westbank, BC to Douglas Lake via Westwold with over 200 participants. This year the route will go from where it ended in Spaxomin (Douglas Lake) through Princeton and over Anarchist to Christina Lake, approximately 389 kms. Registration will take place in each member community.

If you would like more information on the Spirit of Syilx Youth Unity Run please contact: .

Tara Montgomery at 250‐707‐0095 or via email: [email protected]

SPIRIT OF SYILXO k a n a g a n N a t i o n Y o u t h U n i t y R u n

SUICIDE AND VIOLENCE AWARENESS

May 4‐8, 2011 From Douglas Lake to Christina Lake 389 kms

The leaders in Assembly on October 20, 2010 lent their support to the Spirit of Syilx Youth Unity Run as an Annual Nation initiative and they encourage member Bands to do the same. The Assembly was reminded of how these events and initiatives such as the Okanagan Nation Response Team came about, providing our members with Training and support to respond to the many issues still plaguing our communities. In 2009 the decision to have a Unity Run came from the Youth who wanted to raise the issues of Suicide and Violence and bring about community and public awareness as it impacted the communities.


Syilx Conceptual Health Plan Ratified The Syilx Conceptual Health Plan was ratified at the quarterly Chiefs Executive Council meeting. This collective work culminated over at two and half time period of the ONA wellness Committee/Health working group who met and directed the development of this initiative. Endorsement of this project demonstrates the urgency and commitment to issues that impact our Nations Health.

The plan will be presented at Okanagan member Band community meetings over the next few months.

It is a living document and this plan will form the basis in which all work will build upon as further needs are addressed and a certain environmental factors will shape and shift the work and its direction from our

Coming into your community: November 9‐10 Penticton Indian Band November 16 Upper Similkameen Indian Band November 22‐23 Upper Nicola Band November 24 & December 5 Okanagan Indian Band For more information regarding the dates and times in your community please contact Vanessa Mitchell at 250‐707‐0095 or your local health department.

NAVIGATING MAINSTREAM HEALTH CARE

A 2 day training session is available through

your community health department.

The training session(s) will provide you with: Information on the services available How to access them The skills you'll need to effectively make your way through the mainstream health care system

This training was developed by the Okanagan

Nation Alliance (ONA) with the goal of improving the health of Okanagan Nation

community members by increasing access to services.

communities. ONA will also work to secure funding from Health Canada to begin implementing the next phase.

For more information contact: Vanessa Mitchell

[email protected] or

250‐707‐0095

Navigating Mainstream Healthcare


NATIONAL ABORIGINAL ADDICCTIONS AWARENESS WEEK November 14‐20

EVENTS TAKING PLACE: OKIB – Walk and luncheon Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 11 am

• Meet at Head of the Lake Hall • Walk from Hall along Westside Road to

Spallumcheen Golf Course • Return to the Hall for Lunch. More Information Contact: Cindy Brewer/ Gary Bonneau/Lane Brewer @ 250‐542‐5094

LSIB‐ Family Dance Thursday November 18, 2010 6:30‐8:30 pm at Elks Hall KASP FREE: Presentation and Performance November 15, 2010 4:00pm ‐8:00pm Elks Hall, Keremeos, BC For More Info: LSIB Band Office 499‐5528

HEALTHY LIVING BANQUET AND CELEBRATION

Saturday November 20, 2010 Sen Pok Chin Gymnasium, Oliver, BC

4:00 pm Appetizers and Social 5:00 pm Welcome and Introduction of Special Guests 5:30 pm Dinner 6:30 pm Recognition/Presentations 7:30 pm Entertainment:

Comedian Howie Miller, Spotted Lake Singers, PIB Youth, Anona Kampe, Wayne Lizotte

For More Information Contact: Theresa Gabriel, [email protected] or (250) 498‐6935


Congratulation Rosalie Wilson!

The Okanagan Nation would like to congratulate Rosalie Wilson for her hard work and dedication, she has completed her law degree allowing her to become an official practicing lawyer within the province of British Columbia. Ms. Wilson has given her oath to the BC law society at the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, Annual General Assembly. She is a member of the Okanagan Indian band.

You can follow Rosalie Wilson on twitter at: http://twitter.com/ndnrosie

Okanagan Nation to Host Jr All Native Tournament 2011 In March 2010 the Okanagan Nation was awarded the bid to host the 2011 Junior All Native Provincial Championships. The event will be held in Penticton, BC from March 20‐25, 2011 and will attract 50 basketball teams from throughout the Province.

The Okanagan girls’ team took first place in 2010 and was pleased to win the bid for the 2011 tournament.

In recent weeks the girls and boys basketball team held ID camps to create the Okanagan Nation teams. For information on teams contact Team Manager Lisa Montgomery at [email protected]

The tournament will be held at Pen Hi Gymnasium, Princess Margaret, Outma (PIB Band School) and Skaha Middle School. The Opening Ceremonies, which the Okanagan Nation will welcome the visiting Nations will be held March 20, 2011 at Pen Hi Gymnasium, everyone is welcome to attend.

The JANT 2011 is being planned by an organizing committee that has been meeting monthly, if you would like to participate on that committee please bring your ideas to the next meeting December 1, 2011 at the PIB Heritage Centre.

It is our goal to host the “BEST” Jr All Native that the province has seen!

Photo: Syilx Jr Basketball team 2010 LtoR back Manager Lisa Montgomery, Jasmine Reid, Coach Peter Waardenburg, Kursten Lindley, Dina Brown, Janessa Lambert, Jade Seargent, Nicola terbasket, Ashley McGinnis, Coach Amanda Montgomery, front: Jade Waardenburg, Erica Swan

Photo: Rosalie Wilson at the UBCIC AGA

If you are interested in supporting or sponsoring awards for this event please contact Monica Alexis [email protected]

For more information or to find out how you can help out at this event please contact Tara Montgomery [email protected] or visit www.JANT2011.ca which will be launched December 1, 2010.


The Okanagan Nation Alliance Fisheries Department held an Open House and Fisheries Tour on October 13th, 2010. The tour started at the Penticton Fisheries Office and toured through McIntyre Dam, the Brood Stock Site in Oliver, B.C., the Okanagan River Restoration Initiative (ORRI) site, Okanagan Falls and the Penticton Fish Hatchery.

The purpose of this Tour was to provide an opportunity to our members and Partners to see the number of Okanagan Nation Fisheries projects underway to revitalize our Fisheries, their habitat and our stewardship and management responsibilities. This work has culminated in the almost 300K Okanagan Sockeye that migrated over Wells Dam to return to their once natural habitat this year. This habitat destroyed over the century by primarily Dam developments south of the USA border; Urban Sprawl and Agriculture.

This year was a success in attracting more salmon back to their natural habitat and the collection of salmon eggs.

This year salmon egg collection was over 1.14 million eggs and approximately 439 female salmon. The eggs will be fertilized and incubated until they are ready to be released into the river. This process has lasted throughout the summer and fall and is important for maintaining and increasing the salmon population.

The fry will be released in May 2011 to make their journey.

For more information on the fisheries department and the various projects in place, please contact:

Howie Wright T: 250‐707‐0095 E: [email protected]

Fisheries Open House Tour


Fisheries Awareness for Schools

BROOSTOCK SCHOOL TOUR: On Friday, October 15th, Lindsay George, Tatiana Kozlova, and Alexis Friesen had the pleasure of being “Broodstock Sockeye Salmon Tour Guides” for many anxious and enthusiastic children from the local community. The schools participating in this annual event included Similkameen Elementary (grade 7), Columbia Elementary (grade 2), and Outma Cultural School (grade 2‐4). The children were delighted to get out of the classroom and have a very special viewing of thousands of salmon swimming in the river. They had the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and share their knowledge on different aspects of sockeye salmon; many were very familiar and educated on the topic, which made the tours that much more rewarding. Once at the broodstock site, Okanagan Nation Alliance staff had the chance to demonstrate to anxious onlookers their hard work by showing the kids otolith, egg and milt extraction. Children screeched with delight (and some with mild horror) pertaining to the goings on of this event.

Salmonids in the Classroom (SIC)

Starting in mid November the Salmonids in the Classroom project will commence with fish tanks will be placed within Band and public schools in the Okanagan for students to raise and learn about salmon. The fertilized eggs will be distributed in early December from the hatchery and placed within each of the classrooms. Once the salmonids are large, the schools come together and participate in the Okanagan Nation Salmon Fry Release Ceremony and release their classroom salmonids into Okanagan River.

This is the 6th year that this program has been running. The tanks in the Band Schools remain there annually with the tanks in the public schools rotating every 2 years. The schools participating in the SIC (salmonids in the classroom) include:

• Cawston Primary School

• Ecole entre Lac

• LSIB school

• Outma Squilxw Cultural School (PIB)

• Sen Pok chin (OIB)

• Snc’c’amala?tn school (OKIB)

• Nkmaplks Ismamyatn Klsqilxw Immersion School (OKIB)

• Sensisyusten school (WFN)‐ raised kokanee fish in 2010

• Queens Park elementary

• Columiba Elementary

• OK Falls Elementary

• Skaha Middle School

• Osoyoos Elementary School

For more information regarding the Salmonids in the Classroom program please contact Kari Alex, ONA Fisheries Biologist at 250‐707‐0095ext 301






ONA December E‐News DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS

November 20, 2009

If you have a story or event that you would like included in our E‐bulletin please email: [email protected]

WHAT’S HAPPENING

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres is excited to announce that the 9th Annual Aboriginal Youth Conference:

Gathering Our Voices will take place March 21st‐24th, 2011, in Prince Rupert, BC

Early Registration $125.00 ends February 11, 2011

Regular Registration $ 175.00 February 12‐March 21, 2011

The 3rd Annual Okanagan Indian Band Operated School Conference will be held on

February 18th & 19th, 2011

at the Best Western Vernon Lodge

For more information regarding this event please contact:

Kevin Ned [email protected] or

Glenda Louis at [email protected]

250-545-4328

Lake Country Native Society 16th Annual

Winter Family Gathering Traditional Pow Wow

November 20, 2010

Winfield Memorial Hall

12:00am8:00pm

Grand Entry 1:00pm

• Host Drum: Little Hawk • Tiny Tot Toonie Special Special Presentation:

LCNA Rainbow Hoop Dancers Traditional Dinner and Crafts

For more information please contact 250‐548‐3723

Around the Kitchen Table (Women’s Wellness Group)

OKIB Health Building. Every Tuesday starting November 9th, 2010 for 6 weeks

For more information please contact Cindy Brewer or Martie Louie at 350‐542‐5094

Colville Confederated Tribes will be hosting the 36th Annual Northwest Indian Youth Conference on April 4‐8,

2011

The conference will be held in Omak, Washington

For more information please visit: http://www.colvilletribes.com/nwiyc/default.htm

Junior All Native Basketball Tournament

17 and under

March 20‐25th, 2011

Penticton BC

For more information please visit:

www.JANT2011.ca

Documents

Remembering Our Veterans‐November 11 - SyilxAngus Oppenheimer, ... Centre Project; and Elders and Language remain priorities as Elder Modesta Betterton reminded everyone “don’t