Author

Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Aaron Hemens is a photographer, journalist and visitor in unceded syilx territory. He is Filipino on his mom’s side, and has both French and British roots on his dad’s. As a settler, he is committed to learning and unlearning in his role as Okanagan Storyteller, and to accurately and respectfully tell stories of Indigenous peoples throughout the region. Aaron’s work is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Aaron Hemens,'s Latest Articles

Along the shore of kɬúsx̌nítkʷ (Okanagan Lake) in sn'pinktn (Penticton) in syilx homelands on Dec. 2. Photo by Aaron Hemens

Caretakers say it’s a crucial time to protect kɬúsx̌nítkʷ, the ‘heart’ of syilx homelands

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Features ● December 5, 2022 December 5, 2022

With threats including shoreline erosion, microplastic and pollution, stewardship and conservation is top of mind for Indigenous and Western scientists

cə̓q̓cq̓am (Thunder) Ryan Oliverius of Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) and Shayla Raine, a nehiyaw iskwew from Louis Bull Tribe, have created a docu-series together called Decolonizing Wellness. Submitted photo

Documentary series explores couple’s journey to decolonize wellness

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● November 29, 2022 November 30, 2022

The six-part YouTube production was inspired by Elders and traditional health practices on syilx homelands

A silhouette of a sculpture of a man on a horse is contrasted by the setting sun

syilx conservation knowledge at the heart of water forum in sw̓iw̓s

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Features ● November 10, 2022 November 10, 2022

The fourth nk’mip (Osoyoos Lake) Water Forum intersected captikʷł teachings with Western science

Known for its healing ‘spots,’ syilx people are protecting this miraculous lake

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Features ● November 2, 2022 November 10, 2022

After regaining rightful ownership in 2001, ONA has been stewarding kłlilx’w (Spotted Lake) — in the face of climate change impacts, pollution and more

Tahti Nipin Piyasis Nahkotah, Dorothy Goodeye, stands outside of the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society in kiʔlawnaʔ (Kelowna) on Oct. 13. Photo by Aaron Hemens

‘Led by the Creator’: Elder has helped to house more than 400 people in kiʔlawnaʔ

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Features ● October 21, 2022 October 21, 2022

Tahti Nipin Piyasis Nahkotah, Dorothy Goodeye, is an advocate and ally to people on the streets — part of her lifelong journey of helping others

Coralee Miller of Westbank First Nation, the docent at the Sncəwips Heritage Museum, stands inside the museum during the launch of its “What does it mean to be syilx?” exhibit on Sept. 30. Photo by Aaron Hemens

In new exhibit, artists answer the question ‘what does it mean to be syilx?’

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Arts ● October 17, 2022 November 8, 2022

Sncəwips Heritage Museum showcases local syilx artwork and pride with display art and messages from range of community members