october 2010 okanagan nation salmon feast 2010 · fourth prize: marsha king hand fifth prize dorthy...

Table of Contents

Salmon Feast 2

R’Native Voice Update

3

Fisheries 4

Honouring Makwala Hall

4

ONA Fisheries Tour –Oct 13/10

5

Health Update 6

First Nation Health Council: Basis for Framework

7

Grand Chief Phillip Re‐elected to UBCIC

8

Protect Pillar Rock

9

What’s Happening

11

S Y I L X O K A N A G A N N A T I O N E - N E W S

October 2010

Okanagan Nation Salmon Feast 2010 The Salmon Feast was held on September 17-19th, 2010 at OK Falls Provincial Park. The three day weekend was filled with a stick game tournament, traditional games and songs, a pancake breakfast as well as the celebration of the Salmon.

On Friday evening the stick game tournament was held and lasted until the early morning on Saturday. The captain of the winning team includes; first place Viola Brown, second place Tony Pauito, third place by “The Dolls”. Congratulations to all teams for participating.

Saturday started off by a pancake breakfast followed by the release of the canoes at the head of Skaha Lake. By the time dinner was ready to be served, the canoe paddlers were along the shores of Skaha Lake in Okanagan Falls.

On Saturday the Penticton Indian Band Chief and Council along with the youth Leadership group honored the Squamish and Sechelt Nations and the Vision Quest representatives by presenting them paddles in commemoration of the big cottonwood tree that those groups gave to the Youth Leadership to create 2 new dugout canoes. The canoe carving was lead by master carver Mervin Louis of OKIB. Earlier in the week the canoes were named by the PIB Elders and blessed. Both canoes made their first journey praying for the Salmon on Skaha Lake. Cont page 2

October 2010 ONA E‐News 2

The Saturday night entertainment portion for included performances by; Warren Hooley, Penticton Youth Leadership Group, Justin George, Lakeside Hula-Vard and various local performers.

On Sunday the event had a heavy down poor of rain but that did not stop the attendees from sticking it out. We fed over 400 people as participants coming from all areas within the Okanagan Nation to celebrate the return of the Salmon.

The event continues to grow and there was lots to celebrate this year as this was the first year since 1938 that the Okanagan Nation has seen the return of sockeye in huge numbers.

The overall three day event attracted over 500 indivduals and could not have been more successful without the help of our volunteers and community.

Thank you to our Partners Terasen Gas, FortisBC, BC Hydro and Mandell Pinder, our friends at Columbia Power and Big White and all the bands and communities who supported this year’s feast to make it a success.

We look forward to seeing you all there Sept 16-18, 2011.

Okanagan Nation Salmon Feast 2010

SALMON FEAST RAFFLE

Thank you to everyone that supported

the Salmon Feast by purchasing a

raffle ticket.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS:

First Prize: Big White Ski Resort Ski package - Viola Brown

Second Prize: Two Eagles Golf Package - G. Russell

Third Prize: The Cove Accommodation – Treyton Waardenburg

Fourth Prize: Marsha King hand painted bowl - Emery Sinclair

Fifth Prize Dorthy Clough hand-made bag – Dean Tom

Okanagan Na t ion A l l i ance F i she r i e s Tou r

CELEBRATING THE RETURN OF SALMON

Wednesday October 13, 2010 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

F I S H E R I E S O P E N H O U S E More Information Contact ONA : 250‐707‐0095


R‘NATIVE VOICE

Gearing down from an amazing

summer filled with workshops at

the “Summer Youth Gathering

in Penticton” and the “Youth

Leadership Assembly” that took

place at the “A.G.A in Osoyoos.

We have started the formation

of the Youth Leadership

Council. We gathered 2 youth

from each community that had

their input on how an Okanagan

Nation Youth Council should be

formed and they developed a

mission statement along with

expectations of this council.

R’Native Voice will be back in

community with a new

curriculum and approach. This

year’s program is going to consist

of 10 weeks:

1. My Past, Present & Future 2. Who am I anyhow 3. Healthy Living 4. Me, Myself and I 5. Peer Edumication 6. I am responsible for my sexual

health. 7. My Nutrition 8. Goal Setting 9. Give back to my community 10. CELEBRATION!!!! We are looking at an October start

date and will run throughout the

year. If you have any questions

about how to join the RNative

Voice program in your community

contact your community Youth

worker. We look forward to seeing

you all out in your community.

Any questions regarding the programs please contact:

Amanda Mon tgomery R’Native Voice Coordinator

(250) 707-0095 ext. 128

Community Information

Okanagan Indian Band Dwayne Lawrence (250) 542-5094 OKIB Health Centre

WestBank First Nations Justin Lott (250) 768-0227 WFN Youth Centre

Penticton Indian Band Kym Gouchie (250) 492-2766 PIB Youth Centre

Osoyoos Indian Band Tyler Reti (250) 498-6935 OIB Youth Centre

Lower Similkameen Dannielle Hyde (250) 499-5528 LSIB Main office

Upper Similkameen (250) 292-8733

Upper Nicola Indian Band Tiffany McRae (250) 378-5058 Sookinchoot

Mariel Belanger (250) 549-2921 Sookinshoot youth centre

KiLowna Friendship Centre

Shelly Gerbrais (250) 763-4905 Ooknakane FC

Marty Shultz (250) 276-3540


The Fisheries Department is pleased to welcome a new team member, Jamie Pepper.

Jamie Pepper Dip. Tech, B.Sc, M.NRES, R.P.Bio

Jamie Pepper is a fisheries biologist with the ONAFD. Jamie has earned his diploma in Fish Wildlife and Recreation, Bachelor of Science, in Natural Resource Management and Master’s of Science in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Studies from the University of Northern British Columbia. Jamie has extensive experience in the field of fisheries biology working at local, provincial and federal levels to study, protect and enhance aquatic habitat. Jamie’s work has had a strong focus on building community-based adaptive co-management regimes. He brings with him many years of experience working with First Nations to develop community capacity, community visioning and ensuring that communities have a voice in decisions that affect their natural resources.

Fisheries News Update

Photo by Jamie Pepper

The Family of Makwala Hall Invitation to Attend

IN HONOURING OF MAKWALA HALL

Peach land Highschoo l Rodeo

Sunday Oct 10th, 2010 at Noon Peachland Riding Club, High School Rodeo

4 ½ Km up Princeton Avenue in Peachland B.C.

One Traditional song (Lead his horse around Arena)

Anyone interested in joining in on this occasion are

welcome

~Thank you from the Hall Family~

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Corrine Derrickson: (250) 801-1646 or

Mike DeGuevara: (250)-826-1255


Health Update

O K A N A G A N N A T I O N H E A L T H M A N D A T E

“To advocate for Syilx control and management of their health, programs and

services”

Next Quarterly HUB Meeting

October 7 & 8, 2010 For More Information:

Vanessa Mitchell, Health Hub Coordinator [email protected]

Health Links

http://www.fnhc.ca

• Information on First Nations Health Council

• Information on Panorama Project & Infopackage

http://www.interiorhealth.ca/

• Information on Interior Health Services http://learningcircle.ubc.ca

• UBC Learning Circle

• Provides educational and informational opportunities to health care workers and professionals in First Nations communities.

http://www.hc‐sc.gc.ca/fniah‐spnia/index‐eng.php

• First Nation Inuit Health‐Health Canada web site

www.domesticviolencebc.ca

• Ministry of Children and Family Development

Tripartite Public Health Project wants to hear from First Nations Health Centers

British Columbia is getting ready to start using a new public health information system called Panorama. This new computer software system can benefit BC First Nations, and all British Columbians, by giving health providers access to public health information that is up‐to‐date and at their fingertips.

Specific timelines for making Panorama available to First Nations Health Centres have not yet been set. However, the BC First Nations Panorama Implementation team would like to hear from First Nations Health Centres that are interested in potentially adopting Panorama sometime in the future, and are interested in exploring ways in which Panorama can be beneficial to their community and finding out what’s involved.

To read more and/or to download the Panorama Info package visit the First Nation Health Council’s website at www.fnhc.ca.

Navigating Mainstream Health Care Training

Coming to your Community

October 13/14, 2010 OKIB Head of the Lake Hall October 20/21, 2010 Lower and Upper Similkameen October 27/28, 2010 Upper Nicola Band

For More Information Contact: Vanessa Mitchell [email protected]


On September 29th, 2010, senior officials from Health Canada, BC Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport and the First Nations Health Council, presented the recently initialed Basis for a Framework Agreement through videoconference to BC First Nations. The Basis for a Framework Agreement on First Nations Health Governance is the first step in BC First Nations taking greater control over health programs and services. BC First Nations are the first in Canada to have reached such an agreement with both Federal and Provincial Governments. The Basis for a Framework Agreement on First Nations Health Governance is a non‐binding political agreement that sets the agenda for negotiation of a legal agreement. The legal agreement will enable a new First Nations Health Authority to take over programs, services, functions, and activities of First Nations and Inuit Health BC region, and some FNIH Branch and headquarters roles, activities, and functions. The legal agreement will also describe what current provincial health services may be assumed by a First Nations Health Authority. The legal agreement is expected to be concluded by June 2012.

For More Information: www.fnhc.ca

Derek Thompson, Health Governance Manager

[email protected]

Philip Hogan, Governance Communication Coordinator

[email protected]

Opportunity for Change: Basis for a Framework Agreement

KEY POINTS OF THE BASIS AGREEMENT FINAL DRAFT • Envisioned that the new health governance structure described in

the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan (TFNHP) will have four components: a First Nations Health Council, a First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), a Provincial Committee on First Nations Health, and a First Nations Health Directors Association.

• FNHA will be incorporated as a legal entity under Canada Corporations Act or any successor legislation.

• FNHA initial role: take over programs, services, functions, and activities of FNIH BC, and some FNIH Branch and headquarters roles, activities, and functions.

• FNHA will continue providing programs currently provided by FNIH BC, and in long term work with communities to transform programs to better meet needs.

• FNHA will provide direct support and service delivery for FN health and wellness at population health level, and other areas as agreed.

• FNHA will work with BCFN at regional level to establish a collaborative health table, forum or institution to reflect their collective authority and enter into agreements and partnerships with Health Authorities (p.14).

FEDERAL PROGRAMS TO BE TRANSFERRED 1. Children and youth programs (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Canada

Prenatal Nutrition Program, Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve, Maternal and Child Health);

2. Mental Health and Addictions Programs (Building Healthy Communities, Brighter Futures, National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Youth Solvent Abuse Program, National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Program, Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support);

3. Chronic Disease Programs and Injury Prevention (Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative, Injury Prevention);

4. Primary Care (Community Primary Health Care and Nursing Services, Oral Health Care, First Nations Home and Community Care);

5. Communicable disease control programs (Vaccine Preventable Diseases (Immunization), Blood Borne Disease and Sexually Transmitted Infections (HIV/AIDS), Respiratory Infections (Tuberculosis, Pandemic Influenza);

6. Environmental Health and Research Programs; 7. Health Governance/Infrastructure Support (E‐health solutions,

Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative, Aboriginal Health Integration Fund, Health Careers Program);

8. Non Insured Health Benefits Program; and 9. Health Facilities and Capital Maintenance.


Grand Chief Stewart Phillip Re‐elected as President of the UBCIC

The Chiefs-in-Assembly met at the 42nd Annual General Assembly in Vancouver on September 20th. The election for the position of President was held on September 16. With this election, Grand Chief Phillip will begin his fifth consecutive three-year term as the President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

Of the 95 chiefs that were present, 59 voted for Chief Stewart Philip and 36 voted for Wayne Christian. The incumbent Grand Chief Stewart Phillip received a renewed Mandate for another 3 years. Congratulations!

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip stated “I am very deeply grateful that the Chiefs-in-Assembly at the 42nd Annual General Assembly have re-elected me to be the President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs for the next three years. I believe it represents a strong mandate and full endorsement of the inclusive approach that has guided me over my 30 years of political life.”

“The theme of our AGA was ‘United We Stand’ and I hereby commit to work collectively with the Chiefs of the UBCIC, the First Nations Summit and the BC Assembly of First Nations. We must work together to ensure the governments of Canada and British Columbia endorse and implement the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for our Nations and communities. We must work together to compel government to update the Comprehensive Claims Policy to reflect the many hard-fought court victories

such as the Delgamuuk’w, Haida and William cases,” said Grand Chief Phillip. “To bring justice and healing, we must work together, side by side, with the many families and friends of the missing and murdered women throughout British Columbia in the upcoming public inquiry.”

Grand Chief Phillip added, “The proposed Prosperity Mine, the proposed Enbridge Pipeline and the proposed Site C dam are mega-projects that are vigorously opposed by many First Nations communities and tribal councils. The Elders, leadership and families know that the Union of BC Indian Chiefs fully supports their determined efforts to protect their respective territories, their watersheds and their way of life. It is time for action-oriented leaders to step up and support the Nations and communities who will suffer the devastating consequences of these mega-projects.”

Grand Chief Phillip concluded, “I would like to acknowledge Kukpi7 Wayne Christian for his life-long work serving his community of Splats’in, the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and to the critical issues of children and families.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Grand Chief Stewart Phillip Cell: (250) 490-5314

Email: [email protected]


Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and Chief Fabian Alexis met with Madeline Gregoire, OKIB elders and numerous nation members on September 29th, 2010 to express their concerns and disappointment of the Province’s failure to consult the Syilx Nation of planned activities at Pillar Lake Provincial Park. Pillar Lake is a sacred and culturally significant site to the Okanagan People. Concern was expressed by OKIB elder Madeline Gregoire after she was approached by a park ranger telling her that she had no right to be there. Gregorie was practicing a traditional ceremony during this time at Pillar Lake when the ranger told her this and that “our people did not have the right to be there.”

The provincial park is planning on building steps and railings all the way up to the pillar, making for easier access and a point of interest for tourists. With the

desecration and vandalism that already occurs at this site, Okanagan Nation members are concerned and

PROTECT PILLAR ROCK

disappointed that they have yet to be consulted with on this matter.

Both Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and Chief Fabian Alexis informed the media our people have never extinguished aboriginal title and right to the land and resources within our traditional territory. The Pillar is within our territory and as such, is subject to our title, jurisdiction, rights and interests.

To View Media Cover: CHBC http://www.chbcnews.ca/Band+members+protest+Pillar+Lake+construction+plans/3602916/story.html UBCIC Protect Pillar Rock photos " http://fb.me/ExoGoYi5

For More Information Contact:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, ONA Chairman (250) 490‐5314 Chief Fabian Alexis, OKIB (250) 542‐4328

Photo Courtesy of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs


The Pillar which is located near what is now known as Pillar Lake is one of many important cultural and spiritual sites where citizens of the Okanagan Indian Band and Syilx Nation have practiced their cultural and spiritual activities for as long as we can remember. These locations are very important to our elders, parents, youth, grandchildren and future generations to come. We have used this site for as long as our ancestors can remember. We have used and occupied this area to practice our inherent rights which is an expression of our identity. We have and continue to use this site and many other locations throughout our ancestral homelands to practice our cultural and spiritual ceremonies. All throughout our Okanagan homelands there are special places like this that our people will continue to use and occupy as our ancestors did before us. Our lands, waters and resources have sustained us because we have respected Mother Earth. To our ancestors and to us today and to future generations to come – we embrace this responsible trust relationship to honour, value and respect the gifts that the Creator has given us to use and have care and control over. We all know the truth and history of how foreigners came to our lands in the past 200 years. Our ancestors allowed them into our homelands and even lent them a hand by sharing our food, waters and resources with them. One hundred years ago our Interior B.C. Tribal Leaders expressed our inherent rights and put forth grievances to the then Prime Minister of Canada, Sir Wilfred Laurier. This statement clearly expressed the truth and the view of our nation and that view continues today. Today we are here at the Pillar to continue expressing our inherent and Human Rights on our lands, waters, and resources. We do not want anyone to block our human rights to our expression of our identity by turning this into parks land. Look for yourself and you will see that this Pillar has been turned into a tourist attraction and restrictions have been placed on our people prohibiting us to use, occupy and express our cultural identity. Look at the graffiti and you will see the lack of respect that some people have for our sacred areas. We do not do this to their churches or places of worship as we respect the rights of others to practice their own cultural and spiritual expressions.

OKIB ELDERS STATEMENT: PILLAR ROCK

Why is it that the governments of BC and Canada protect only some rights but ignore or deny our rights and titles? It is unclear to us whether this is already parks land – if so, we should have been consulted. If the province is considering making this parks land – we do not agree and we want to be involved in any discussion about this matter.

Today we will practice our inherent rights on our lands and waters as our ancestors did for thousands of years before us. We ask the BC government to provide an explanation and to justify why we cannot do this when foreign cultures have no restrictions placed on them to practice their rights. All of these lands and waters are our sacred places of thanks giving and spiritual communication and connection with the Creator.

We ask that the government try to understand our view and we ask others that understand our view to join us in our work to preserve, protect and practice our cultural identity. After all, it was our ancestors that opened their arms to people fleeing from the oppression and lack of opportunities in their lands of Kings, Queens and Corporations to come here to Canada to find freedom, hope and love.

We ask people who care and have compassion for Mother Nature and the diversity of all beings who wish to have a brighter future where they can be free to express their inherent cultural and human rights to support us in our efforts to seek equality and to be free to express our identity on our lands, waters and resources.


ONA November E‐News DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS

October 20, 2009

If you have a story or event that you would like included in our E‐bulletin please email: [email protected]

WHAT’S HAPPENING Sisters in Spirit

5th annual Vigil will be held on October 4th, 2010

For more information in participating on this event:

http://www.nwac.ca/2010‐sisters‐spirit‐vigils

The 3rd Annual Okanagan Indian Band Operated School Conference will be held on

February 18th & 19th, 2011

at the Best Western Vernon Lodge

For more information regarding this event please contact:

Kevin Ned [email protected] or

Glenda Louis at [email protected]

250-545-4328

Dreamcatcher Shuswap 2nd Annual Youth Conference “Protecting Mother Earth”

October 8, 9 & 10th 2010 Chase, BC

Registration & detail information: 250.679.8841 [email protected]

Registration Fee’s: $150.00

Featured Events:

• Hands on Workshops – cultural based • Shuswap Idol Competition • Lahal Tournament • Youth Dance • Survival on the Land workshop

‘Paddle for Wild Salmon’

October 20th – 25th, 2010

Contact Info: Alexandra Morton, Elena Edwards, Don Staniford

Tel: 250‐230‐1172

www.salmonaresacred.org/paddle‐wild‐salmon

october 2010 okanagan nation salmon feast 2010 · fourth prize: marsha king hand fifth prize dorthy...

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