Okanagan

IndigiNews Okanagan provides independent local news on the unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation. Our team is here to listen, research and respond with stories you care about.

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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

Latest in Okanagan

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

A man wearing a cowboy hat stands over a valley which has been visibly affected by flooding

Nlaka’pamux hold community close through disaster

By Alex Cosh ● Features ● August 4, 2022 August 4, 2022

Amid flood, fire and other traumas — spiritual restoration has been as important as physical

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

Ten people are seen standing behind a desk in the Williams Lake First Nation's office. More people are standing up from their seats to face the leaders at the front of the room.

Advocates question RCMP’s role in death of WLFN man, demand public inquiry

By Philip McLachlan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● July 20, 2022 July 29, 2022

Advocates call for change after Rojun Alphonse died following a distress call to his home that his relations say was escalated with tear gas and weapons

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