saʔtikn (Manning Park), Syilx Territory: The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) are proud to announce that our Annual General Assembly (AGA) will take place from July 17-19, 2018. This event provides Syilx people with the opportunity to gather as a Nation, to celebrate the many successes that have taken place for our people over the last year, and reflect on the challenges that we continue to face. This year the Upper Similkameen Indian Band (USIB) in co-operation with the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) are hosting the event at saʔtikn (Manning Park).
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip states that “Last year, my message was that we could not depend on the courts or governments; that we could only depend on each other. Fortunately, that message has resonated throughout the Nation as we continue to cherish and protect our lands, and to safeguard the well-being and quality of life of our people. Positive change requires commitment, persistence and courage. Together, we will realize the great potential of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.”
A central part of this year’s AGA will include the launch of the recent publication “Take The Indian Out of the Child: Okanagan Syilx Experiences in the Violent and Forced Assimilation of Indian Residential Schools.” This publication, along with the many presentations, illustrate how truly tenacious and resilient Syilx peoples have collectively been and continue to be through some of the most difficult times in our history. The official launch of the publication will take place at 2:30 pm at the Alpine Room at the Manning Park Resort. Other activities will include presentations from community members and representative’s across the Nation, including Dr. Jeannette Armstrong, George Saddleman, and the Wellness and Natural Resource Committees.
Aligned with AGA, the annual Youth Leadership Gathering is also taking place, providing Syilx youth from across the territory with the opportunity gather, and engage in on-the-land based activities.
Full agenda of the event:
www.syilx.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/AGA-2018-Agenda-1.pdf
The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) was formed in 1981 as the inaugural First Nations government in the Okanagan, which represents the 8 member communities of the Okanagan Nation.
For further information please contact:
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, ONA Chair
T: 1-250-490-5314
Tara Montgomery, ONA Communications Lead:
T: 1-250-707-0095 ext 120
E: tmontgomery@syilx.org