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# Syilx 101

Learn About the Syilx Nation

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://learn.syilx.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Okanagan Nation Declaration](https://learn.syilx.org/okanagan-nation-declaration/) - "We are the unconquered aboriginal people of this land, our mother; The creator has given us our mother, to enjoy, to manage and to protect;" The Okanagan Nation Declaration is a significant document that embodies the collective aspirations, values, and rights of the Syilx Okanagan people.
- [axá iʔ sccuntət iʔ tl x̌aʔxitət x̌l iʔ nqsil̓tət Family Declaration](https://learn.syilx.org/syilx-family-declaration/) - The axá iʔ sccuntət iʔ tl x̌aʔxitət x̌l iʔ nqsil̓tət Family Declaration is a crucial expression of Syilx cultural values and knowledge. It is a guideline for guests and visitors to abide by when working with our families and children on our territory.
- [Columbia River Treaty](https://learn.syilx.org/columbia-river-treaty/) - The Columbia River Treaty (CRT) is a transboundary water storage treaty, between Canada and the US, that has two major components: holding back 15.5 million acres/feet of water for flood control, while also optimizing hydroelectric energy production in the Columbia watershed every year. The Treaty resulted in the Province of BC storing a large amount
- [kɬlil̕xʷ Spotted Lake](https://learn.syilx.org/kɬlil̕xʷ-spotted-lake/) - For centuries, Syilx people have gone to kɬlil̕xʷ to seek healing, whether it be physically or spiritually. It has been shared by the Syilx member communities of the Okanagan Nation Alliance since time immemorial.
- [13 Moon Calendar](https://learn.syilx.org/13-moon-calendar/) - The Syilx Okanagan people, like many First Nations, use a 13-moon calendar system, and the turtle's shell is a significant symbol associated with this calendar.
- [Take the Indian Out of the Child Book](https://learn.syilx.org/take-the-indian-out-of-the-child-book/) - The first book to speak about the specific ways in which Indian Residential Schools has touched the Syilx people. This book is in honour of all members of our Nation who have been impacted by the Indian residential school system—past, present, and future.
- [kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery](https://learn.syilx.org/kl-cpəlk-stim-hatchery/) - The kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery is a testament to the perseverance of the Syilx people to realize their dream of restoring the ntytyix (Salmon) – one of our Four Food Chiefs – to their original habitat and rightful place in our territory.
- [nsyilxcən Language Fluency Programs](https://learn.syilx.org/nsyilxcən-language-fluency-programs/) - In March 2021, the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) became the first university in Canada to offer a bachelor’s degree in Indigenous language fluency. This degree is an innovative collaboration between Syilx communities, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), En’owkin Centre, and UBCO to sustain and revitalize language traditions, restore language competence, and protect
- [Indian Residential School Resources](https://learn.syilx.org/indian-residential-school-resources/) - Reconciliation involves educating yourself about the devastating impact of residential schools on Indigenous children, families, and communities, and working towards healing and justice for survivors.
- [Broodstock](https://learn.syilx.org/broodstock/) - “Broodstock” refers to mature fish that are specifically selected for breeding in a hatchery environment. These fish are used to produce eggs and sperm (milt) to raise the next generation of young fish, known as fry. Under their kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ hatchery initiative, the ONA collects adult sockeye and chinook salmon from the Okanagan River. These mature
- [Syilx Unity Declaration](https://learn.syilx.org/syilx-unity-declaration/) - One Language. One Land. One Culture. One People. In 1846, the Canadian-US border separated the Syilx Okanagan lands, without their involvement and consent. Despite the division, the Syilx Nation remains interconnected through cultural, familial, territorial, economic, and political ties. The Syilx Unity Declaration was signed on July 15th, 2010, to signify a unified relationship between
- [Our tmxʷulaxʷ in the Arrow Lakes](https://learn.syilx.org/our-tmxʷulaxʷ-in-the-arrow-lakes/) - Due to colonization, Syilx Okanagan/Sinixt people from the Eastern parts of Syilx Territory were dispersed. We have continued to return to the Eastern parts of Syilx Territory, including the Arrow Lakes, to hunt, fish, harvest, host ceremonies and be present on the land, maintaining our connection and responsibilities.
- [History of the Columbia River Treaty](https://learn.syilx.org/history-of-the-columbia-river-treaty/) - In 1964, the Governments of Canada and the United States entered into the Columbia River Treaty (CRT), which altered river flows and ultimately commodified the international river system of the Columbia Basin. This is one of the largest infringements on the Syilx Okanagan territory and has profound and lasting impacts on Syilx Okanagan people, Title
- [The Importance of siwɬkʷ (Water)](https://learn.syilx.org/the-importance-of-siwɬkʷ-water/) - siwɬkʷ is sacred as the source of all life on the tmxʷulaxʷ The importance of water in Syilx communities is related through captikʷł and the natural laws. Through culture and language, water is a valued component that serves as a reminder of following protocols for future generations to survive in harmony with all living things. The importance of water
- [Syilx Member Communities](https://learn.syilx.org/syilx-member-communities/) - The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA), established in 1981, is the inaugural First Nations government for the Syilx Nation. Our traditional Syilx territory includes the Okanagan Indian Band, Upper Nicola Band, Westbank First Nation, Penticton Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Lower and Upper Similkameen Indian Bands, and the Colville Confederated Tribes. The member communities that comprise
- [Our nsyilxcən Language](https://learn.syilx.org/our-nsyilxcən-language/) - The Syilx Okanagan Nation is a distinct people of the Salish-speaking language family. nsyilxcən is notably different from our Salish neighbors.
- [How Food Was Given: Four Food Chiefs](https://learn.syilx.org/how-food-was-given-four-food-chiefs/) - The Syilx Nation's worldview emphasizes interconnectedness, viewing nature relationally without distinction between animate and inanimate beings, including land, animals, and people.
- [Syilx Territory](https://learn.syilx.org/syilx-territory/) - This is our Syilx life place, our laws/responsible life-ways have never been given away or sold. These ways are forever, until the end of days.
- [ackɬt’pus Giant's Head](https://learn.syilx.org/akltpus-giants-head/) - Syilx people used ackɬt’pus as a training ground for young women and men, to encourage them to think about what it is that they can learn from being who they are, and believing in themselves. This place continues to be an important site to the Syilx people today.
- [Survivors of the Red Brick School, Cranbrook](https://learn.syilx.org/survivors-of-the-red-brick-school-cranbrook/) - In 2001, the film "Survivors of the Red Brick School" was created by a collective of former Syilx students from the Indian Residential School in Cranbrook.
- [nsyilxcən Language Revitalization](https://learn.syilx.org/nsyilxcən-language-revitalization/) - Like snk̓lip’s responsibility of transforming items into anew, the Syilx people have been spinning a web of creativity, ingenuity, and endurance with language revitalization.
- [n̓x̌aʔx̌ʔítkʷ Song](https://learn.syilx.org/n̓xaʔxʔitkʷ-song/) - The n̓x̌aʔx̌ʔítkʷ Song tells the story of n̓x̌aʔx̌ʔítkʷ as it dances in the water, with the waves it generates creating a unique rhythm.
- [Okanagan Song](https://learn.syilx.org/okanagan-song/) - The Okanagan song was created by ɬək̓əmxnalqs Delphine Derickson Armstrong, lax̌lax̌tkʷ Jeanette Armstrong, and Herman Edwards, around 1988-1989. The Okanagan Song was composed to strengthen Syilx cultural identity and unity, especially in a time when colonization and residential schools disrupted Indigenous language, songs, and ceremonies. It serves as an anthem for the Syilx Okanagan Nation,
- [Impacts of Indian Residential School](https://learn.syilx.org/impacts-of-indian-residential-school/) - Indian Residential Schools inflicted deep emotional trauma by separating families, disrupting cultural ties, and damaging self-esteem, leading to cycles of substance abuse and unhealthy family dynamics.
- [Syilx Indian Residential School Timeline](https://learn.syilx.org/syilx-indian-residential-school-historic-timeline/) - From first contact with European settlers, the Syilx Okanagan Nation, like all indigenous nations in Canada, experienced significant impacts from their attempts at colonization.
- [Syilx Resilience](https://learn.syilx.org/syilx-resilience/) - The Syilx people are gaining strength every day. As a Nation, we are working to reclaim and restore our traditional Syilx ways of being and knowing.
- [About Indian Residential Schools](https://learn.syilx.org/about-indian-residential-schools/) - In 1883, Canada authorized the creation of residential schools across the country to separate Indigenous children from the influence of their communities. Crudely put, the purpose of the schools was “to kill the Indian in the child.” Genocide is another word for it. The UN defines genocide to include removing children based on race in
- [Land Acknowledgements](https://learn.syilx.org/land-acknowledgements/) - Introducing the Syilx Okanagan People’s territory involves more than just naming the boundaries; it is about acknowledging the profound cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of these lands.
- [Our Traditional Way of Life](https://learn.syilx.org/our-traditional-way-of-life/) - In 1876, before colonization and the imposition of the federal Indian Act, the Syilx Okanagan people were a self-sufficient, self-governing people.
- [Syilx Indian Residential School Monuments](https://learn.syilx.org/syilx-indian-residential-school-monuments/) - The Syilx Indian Residential School Monument is a testament to what our people have endured—a tribute to our strength and resiliency.
- [Fish in Schools (FinS)](https://learn.syilx.org/fish-in-schools-fins/) - ONA’s Fish in Schools program is one of the key fish education programs for youth in the region, particularly the Sockeye salmon, so that students may become future advocates for both salmon and their habitat. Since 2003 Okanagan Nation Alliance’s FinS (Fish in Schools, previously S2S-Stream to Sea) in-class program has been educating regional students
- [siwɬkʷ Water Declaration](https://learn.syilx.org/siwɬkʷ-water-declaration/) - The Syilx Water Declaration serves as a living document on the Syilx relations and values to water. This document communicates the importance of water and responsibilities we have as Syilx people.
- [captikʷł](https://learn.syilx.org/captikʷl/) - captikʷł are a collection of teachings about Syilx Okanagan laws, customs, values, and governance structures.
- [kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ (cause to come back)](https://learn.syilx.org/kl-cp̓əlk̓-stim̓-cause-to-come-back/) - The journey of the Syilx Okanagan Nation to restore sockeye salmon from the edge of extinction reflects the revitalization of the Syilx people as well.
- [Syilx Okanagan Language Declaration](https://learn.syilx.org/syilx-okanagan-language-declaration/) - Our nsyilxcən language is our knowledge of the land, water and the tmixʷ. Our nsyilxcən language affirms the connections between the Syilx Okanagan Nation and other Salishan-speaking Nations.
- [ntytyix Chief Salmon](https://learn.syilx.org/ntytyix-chief-salmon/) - Importance of ntytyix (Chief Spring Salmon) and the sacred connection to Syilx people.

## Pages

- [Syilx 101](https://learn.syilx.org/) - Learn about the Syilx Okanagan Nation’s rich history, cultural teachings, and governance through Syilx 101—an educational hub created to honour and share the knowledge, values, and traditions of the Syilx people.
- [Privacy & Terms of Use](https://learn.syilx.org/terms-of-use/) - Terms of Use The Okanagan Nation Alliance (“ONA”) takes all reasonable steps to provide current information on the https://syilx.org website and its associated https://learn.syilx.org learning resource site. The ONA does not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of the information or the availability of this website. The information provided on this website is on “as
- [Education Curriculums](https://learn.syilx.org/education-curriculums/)
- [Categories](https://learn.syilx.org/categories/)

## Learning Resources

- [Grade 1 Lesson: Storywork with Syilx captikʷł: tˊiɁtˊiɁmúł ttwit (Lazy Boy)](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/activity-tiɂtiɂmul-ttwit-lazy-boy/) - This story adapts the captikʷł of Lazy Boy, focusing on a boy's journey of self-care, wellness, and community service. The Syilx people have shared their history through captikʷł (oral histories) for thousands of years. Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
- [Grade 3 Lesson: First Nation Territory Maps and Ecosystem Mind Maps](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/grade-3-lesson-first-nation-territory-maps-and-ecosystem-mind-maps/) - Learning about Indigenous peoples fosters multicultural awareness and respect for mapping and its colonial history. Organize ecosystem data through drawings and use mind maps to illustrate biodiversity and relationships. Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
- [Introduction Lesson: kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/introduction-kl-cp̓əlk̓-stim̓-hatchery/) - The kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery is a testament to the perseverance of the Syilx people to realize their dream of restoring the ntytyix (Salmon) – one of our Four Food Chiefs – to their original habitat and rightful place in our territory.
- [Introducing the siwɬkʷ Water Curriculum](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/introducing-the-siwɬkʷ-water-curriculum/) - siwɬkʷ Water Curriculum K-12 Teacher’s Resource Guide incorporates Syilx traditional water knowledge into the curriculum objectives based on the core competencies listed in B.C.’s new curriculum.
- [Introduction Lesson: kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ (cause to come back)](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/introduction-kl-cp̓əlk̓-stim̓-cause-to-come-back/) - The journey of the Syilx Okanagan Nation to restore sockeye salmon from the brink of extinction reflects the revitalization of the Syilx people as well.
- [Introduction Lesson: ntytyix (Chief Spring Salmon)](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/ntytyix-chief-salmon/) - Importance of ntytyix (Chief Spring Salmon) and the sacred connection to Syilx people.
- [Full siwɬkʷ Water Curriculum](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/full-siwɬkʷ-water-curriculum/) - This resource guide provides Syilx and non-Syilx educators, School Districts and Band Schools with teaching materials and on-the-land activities featuring Syilx cultural perspectives and nsyilxcen language on the topic of water.
- [Grade 2 Lesson: Interpreting and Graphing a Lynx Diet](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/activity-interpreting-and-graphing-a-lynx-diet/) - Discover how to visually and symbolically represent data through tallying and graphing. Make connections between mathematical concepts, Syilx perspectives, and the environment and develop a better understanding of comparative language in the context of predator and prey relationships. Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
- [Grade 2-4 Full kiɁlawnaɁ Grizzly Curriculum](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/grizzly/) - BC Curriculum connections to Syilx Okanagan peoples’ ways of knowing, doing, and being. Syilx people have always cared for and managed wildlife and ecosystems as part of our inherent responsibility to sustain life on our territory.
- [Grade 2-3 Full wápupxn Lynx Curriculum](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/wapupxn-lynx-lesson-plans-and-teacher-resource-guide/) - BC Curriculum connections to Syilx Okanagan peoples’ ways of knowing, doing, and being. Syilx people have always cared for and managed wildlife and ecosystems as part of our inherent responsibility to sustain life on our territory.
- [Grade 2 Lesson: Grizzly Bear Art Using Mediums From Nature](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/grade-2-lesson-grizzly-bear-art-using-mediums-from-nature/) - Show diversity and respect for harvesting protocols and being mindful to only take what is needed. Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
- [Grade 4 Lesson: Analyzing Grizzly Bear Population Units](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/activity-analyzing-grizzly-bear-population-units/) - The decline in Grizzly populations causes an imbalance within our natural ecosystems. From the Syilx perspective, the well-being and existence of Grizzly Bears are deeply connected to the wellbeing of the land and all living things. Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
- [Key Fish Terms](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/introduction/) - “One of the key values in our Indigenous Syilx approach to learning is that we must create relationships for learning and teaching to occur. We create new understanding by gathering bits of old and current knowledge and engaging in a continual process of dialogue, action and reflection. The steps of this process recur like an
- [Grade 3 Lesson: Predator and Prey Interactive Role Play](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/activity-predator-and-prey-interactive-role-play/) - Living organisms exhibit great diversity, can be categorized, and interact within their ecosystems. Observe both living and non-living entities in your local environment, and recognize First Peoples' perspectives and knowledge as valuable sources of information. Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
- [Grade 1 Lesson: When We Take Care of Them, They Take Care of Us](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/lesson-when-we-take-care-of-them-they-take-care-of-us/) - To achieve well-being from the Syilx perspective, one must recognize their responsibility to all creation and be willing to give back, including honoring the contributions of sc̓win (sockeye) fish, which exemplify reciprocity in their journey home. Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
- [Introduction Lesson: Clean and Cool Water for ntytyix](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/pacific-salmon-life-cycle/) - Learn about the Pacific Salmon Cycle of the Salmon that make their journey out to the Pacific Ocean from the Columbia River and into the Okanagan and Upper Columbia watersheds on Syilx Territory.
- [Introduction Lesson: Fish in Schools (FinS)](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/introduction-fish-in-schools-fins/) - FinS is a comprehensive fish education program for youth, with a focus on sc'win (sockeye salmon), their lifecycle and the importance of their ecosystems.
- [Introduction Lesson: Broodstock](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/video-kl-cp̓əlk̓-stim̓-cause-to-come-back-catching-salmon-for-egg-collection/) - “Broodstock” refers to mature fish that are specifically selected for breeding in a hatchery environment. These fish are used to produce eggs and sperm (milt) to raise the next generation of young fish, known as fry. Under their kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ hatchery initiative, the ONA collects adult sockeye and chinook salmon from the Okanagan River. These mature
- [Introduction Lesson: Syilx History](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/syilx-history/) - The Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation are a trans-boundary tribe separated at the 49th parallel by the border between Canada and the United States. Our Nation is comprised of seven member communities in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. Our members share the same land, nsyilxcən language, culture, and customs. We are a distinct and sovereign Nation.
- [Grade 9-12 Full Water Curriculum](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/full-water-curriculum-grade-9-to-12/) - Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves. When we advocate for the well-being of others, it connects us to the land and our community. Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
- [Grade 8-12 Full Water Curriculum](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/water-cirriculum-grade-8-12-booklet/) - There are several issues that can impact the health of the Okanagan watershed; such as floods, forestry, climate change, government and treaties, as well as invasive species. Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
- [Grade 5-7 Full Water Curriculum](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/siwɬkʷ-water-curriculum-grade-5-7/) - This activity emphasizes the Syilx people’s sacred relationship with water. Students will gain a respect for Syilx ways of knowing, specifically regarding what has been culturally appropriated. Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
- [K-4 Full Water Curriculum](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/full-water-curriculum-k-4/) - This activity allows students to observe the many different forms water presents itself in our lives. Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
- [Introduction Lesson: Syilx Worldview](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/syilx-worldview/) - The Syilx Nation's worldview emphasizes interconnectedness, viewing nature relationally without distinction between animate and inanimate beings, including land, animals, and people. Please review full curriculum in the PDF at the bottom of the page to gain full understanding of the lesson and activity.
- [Introduction Lesson: siwɬkʷ Water Declaration](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-resource/siwɬkʷ-water-declaration/) - The Syilx Water Declaration serves as a living document on the Syilx relations and values to water. This document communicates the importance of water and responsibilities we have as Syilx people

## Categories

- [Featured](https://learn.syilx.org/category/featured/)
- [Culture](https://learn.syilx.org/category/culture/)
- [History](https://learn.syilx.org/category/history/)
- [Language](https://learn.syilx.org/category/language/)
- [Territory](https://learn.syilx.org/category/territory/)
- [Declarations](https://learn.syilx.org/category/declaration/)
- [Salmon](https://learn.syilx.org/category/salmon/)
- [Water](https://learn.syilx.org/category/water/)

## Tags

- [Indian Residential School](https://learn.syilx.org/tag/indian-residential-school/)

## Content Types

- [Article](https://learn.syilx.org/content-type/article/)
- [Audio](https://learn.syilx.org/content-type/audio/)
- [Document](https://learn.syilx.org/content-type/document/)
- [Instructional](https://learn.syilx.org/content-type/instructional/)
- [Video](https://learn.syilx.org/content-type/video/)

## Learning Categories

- [Fish in Schools (Fins)](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-category/fish-in-schools-fins/)
- [wápupxn Lynx](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-category/wapupxn-lynx/)
- [kiɁlawnaɁ Grizzly](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-category/kiɂlawnaɂ-grizzly/)
- [siwɬkʷ Water](https://learn.syilx.org/learning-category/siwɬkʷ-water/) - The Okanagan Nation Alliance is pleased to announce the publication of the siwɬkʷ Water Curriculum K-12 Teacher’s Resource Guide. The guide incorporates Syilx traditional water knowledge into the curriculum objectives based on the core competencies listed in B.C.’s new curriculum.