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

Kelowna Museums offers introductory nsyilxcən course for all learners

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● August 9, 2022 August 9, 2022

In addition to learning basics of nsyilxcən, participants will also explore language-related values and teachings

A dancer wearing regalia with “Every Child Matters” written on it participates in the grand entry of the second day of the 41st Kamloopa Powwow in Tk’emlúps (Kamloops) in Secwépemc homelands on July 30. Photo by Aaron Hemens

Survivors, Two-Spirit people honoured at 41st Kamloopa Powwow

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● August 5, 2022 August 5, 2022

After controversial rules caused a stir on social media, leaders ‘acted quickly’ to make the event inclusive

Two people stand outside the Kelowna Provincial Court holding signs protesting fraudulent social worker Riley Saunders

Man who defrauded Indigenous youth while posing as a social worker sentenced to 5 years in prison

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● July 28, 2022 August 2, 2022

Saunders misappropriated $460,000 from youth under his ‘care,’ using the funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, rules judge

Madeline Terbasket, AKA Rez Daddy, prepares their makeup before a drag show at Brexit Pub in syilx homelands in Penticton, B.C., on June 16. Photo by Aaron Hemens

‘I came out because I saw you come out’: Two-Spirit artist builds safer spaces for queer youth

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● July 20, 2022 July 26, 2022

Since coming out as Two-Spirit in 2019, Madeline Terbasket has been committed to making their community safer for queer people

The evening sun hits a headdress at a powwow, June 2016. File photo by Philip McLachlan

‘Literal colonization tactics’: Kamloopa Powwow Society apologizes for identity rules

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● July 15, 2022 July 15, 2022

Blood quantum and ‘correct gender’ regulations caused a massive online backlash against the event

inskimiheestchin Justen Peters, a member of the Okanagan Indian Band and main tour coordinator at k’nmaĺka? Sənqâĺtə, plays a drum song at the garden on June 1. Photo by Aaron Hemens

‘It’s living, it’s breathing’: Outdoor tours of syilx cultural garden in high demand

By Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● July 8, 2022 July 19, 2022

Guides at k’nmaĺka? sənqâĺtən share plant and medicine teachings, including the uses of sp’itł’m and smu’xa?an