ANNUAL REPORT 2016 2017 Contents Message from the Chairman 3 Message from the Executive Director 5 A Year of Growth 8 2016 - 2017 Revenue Analysis 8 Standing Strong Together: Governance Through Unity 9 skc’əxʷəx̌ wiplaʔ̌ uɬ steɬtaɬt 10 Amplifying Our Voice: Title, Rights and Decision-Making 11 Extending Our Influence Through Partnerships 13 Community Voice 15 Community Capacity Development 16 Serving the People 17 Indigenous Principles for an Economic Fishery 18 Highlights from our Technical Work 19 Recognizing the Dedication of Our Members 20 tmxʷulaxʷ: Honoring Our Responsibility 22 Supporting Our Relatives 22 Innovations in the Field 25 The Language of Water 26 Building and Approach to Energy 27 A Shared Responsibility: Supporting One Another 28 Creating Community-Based Solutions 28 A Story of Healing Moving Forward 30 Shared Care for Members: Filling the Gaps 31 Our Syilx Way 32 Gathering Together 32 Contributions to Reconnecting with Syilx Food Sovereignty 33 2016 Fish Distribution 34 Connecting to the Land and Our Identity 36 Looking to the Future 38
2 Message from the Chairman Last year at this time there was cause for optimism. The Canadian public had elected a majority government that promised to correct many of the past injustices inflicted on Canada’s Indigenous population. The new parliament even had ten Indigenous Members of Parliament. The government soon announced a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), endorsed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, pledged to adopt the 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), and began a review of pipeline project proposals. These are worthwhile initiatives, long demanded by First Nations, but what effective progress has the government made. Have our lives and prospects for the future improved? So far, the MMIW inquiry has limped along, hampered by bureaucratic snarls and poor communications. It is unlikely to complete its mandate on budget, or issue a final report within its two year time allotment. Endorsing the UN Declaration was a “feel good” moment, but the implications of the document are complex and have had little effect on government actions, especially concerning Indigenous rights to “free, prior and informed consent” on policy matters, or authority over lands, resources, and territories. Like the TRC recommendations, the government hopes to implement them “over time through legal and legislative means.” During the last Federal election, Trudeau committed to completely overhaul the Canadian Environmental Assessment process as well as the National Energy Board review process. In fact, Trudeau said, “No major project should be approved until this work is completed”. However, the pipeline review resulted in the approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline and Enbridge’s Line 3, while Northern Gateway was rejected and Energy East must resubmit its application. At the end of the day, we can no longer depend on the courts or governments...we need to realize that we can only depend on each other. I think 2017 is going to be an incredibly intense year. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, December 31, 2016
Keystone XL now has US approval and may move forward. The Trans Mountain ruling is especially devastating for British Columbia. It will transport dangerous Tar Sands product through Syilx/ Okanagan Nation territory and inevitably put all BC residents at risk of a toxic pipeline rupture or a tanker spill. The ONA has long opposed this project and will continue to do so by any means necessary. Joan and I had the privilege of briefly joining the water protectors and land defenders at Standing Rock in North Dakota. Their fight was symbolic of the battles being waged across the globe by Indigenous People and their allies. The protest was about clean water versus oil. On February 23, 2017, the final protesters at Standing Rock were removed in a military style takeover approved by the new President, Donald Trump. The old politics of division are back with a vengeance. Alongside the challenges here in Canada, the United States has elected a President who vows to “make America great again” tearing up trade agreements,
3 slashing taxes, and eliminating most of the country’s environmental protection laws and standards, which have the potential to deeply impacting parts of our territory and processes such as the Columbia River Treaty. It is clear that we are on our own. A positive legacy of Standing Rock is exemplified by the Treaty Alliance Against Tar Sands Expansion. It was formed in September 2016, uniting 85 First Nations and Tribes from Canada and the northern US in a pledge to protect the environment by stopping all proposed tar sands pipeline, tanker, and rail projects in their respective territorial lands and waters. The Treaty Alliance now has over 120 member First Nations and Tribes. Last year, my message stated: “About 55% of children in care in British Columbia are Aboriginal...seized under antiquated child protection laws. It is imperative that First Nations re-assume full control over the health and well-being of our children. We have the knowledge and expertise to do so, and the time is now.” This year, I am pleased to acknowledge two new programs, BRIDGES and You Empowered & Strong (YES) that are positive steps toward taking back control over our children’s health and well-being. Both programs draw upon Syilx knowledge, culture, and tradition to achieve better outcomes for youth. For children and families exposed to domestic violence. The You Empowered & Strong (YES) program, in particular, will decrease the chance of our children being taken into care, and greatly reduce instances of family violence within our communities. The programs have been recognized as innovative best practice in working with youth and community development. We must never underestimate the challenges we face. Governments and corporate interests are skilled at sowing division among First Nations and their Bands. They have been doing it for much longer than Canada’s 150th anniversary would have you believe. It is imperative that we consider the greater good of the Nation when we make our decisions. We must strive to complete the Syilx Protocol and Governance process, and to create a Syilx Constitution to strengthen and solidify the Syilx Okanagan Nation. If we do not achieve this goal, our very future as a Nation is in jeopardy. I would like to offer with an inspirational quote from Melina Laboucan- Massimo of the Lubicon Cree First Nation in Alberta:
The Spirit of Standing Rock has not diminished, it’s tracking northward as people across Canada act in solidarity...refusing to let attacks on Indigenous people for the sake of oil profits go unnoticed.
These winds of resistance in British Columbia and across Turtle Island should be a signal to our governments and investors. When we rise, we rise as one. A light breeze becomes an unstoppable gale.” We can only depend on each other.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip ONA Chair
4 Message from the Executive Director Way, are escaping violence and transformative – like Senklip It has always been poverty. This move away and those who have gone incumbent on us to ensure from Indian reserves impacts before us had done? How we protect and manage our shared Indigenous way do we create opportunities our tmxʷulaxʷ: clean air, of life. Indigenous people that foster change so that pure water, food security, continue to risk assimilation, our people can live in their sustainable development perhaps in a kinder, more territory, on their own lands, and responsible equitable fluid way but at the end of speak their own language sharing of resources for our the day: assimilation. Syilx and practice our way of life in families, our Nation and all peoples are no exception. healthy safe communities? generations to come. As we In regards to this there is a The management team look back at 2016-17, we see sense that now more than continues to build capacity a changing political landscape ever, we must remain mindful and develop processes to with emergent opportunities of our foundation, including support and empower Syilx for our people to realize captíkwł, Sylix laws, protocols communities. We no sooner self-governance. Yet we also and nsyilxcen. From these, address one challenge when continue to face substantial come our cultural teachings it becomes apparent there challenges and restrictions that shape who we are as are still so many issues we in regards to the Federal peoples. have yet to take on. From the Government. Our leadership The constant question in my Syilx Nation Water Forums, are tenacious at both seizing role as Executive Director is: sqʷəlqʷltulaʔxʷ Voices on the opportunities and taking how do we move forward the Land (web atlas), The on the challenges. We are operationalizing the path kł cp̓əlk ̓ stim̓ Hatchery, and always ready and prepared to set out by the Nation, First Nations Health Council engage in a new relationship our Elders, the Youth, the matters to the Aboriginal – for the Nation. Chief’s Executive Council Women in Health Project, our At the same time we witness and elected Councils and staff are working to ensure our people moving away our many Nation working that Syilx cultural framework from their Indian reserve committees while preserving, and Unity Principle are communities. Some are renewing and invigorating present and central to all our seeking access to education, our broader Syilx cultural initiatives. There is so much employment and better living framework – nation building, important collaboration and conditions, while others nation rebuilding and being work with our communities
5 and partners it is difficult to how do we manage the Girls Inquiry, the Truth and capture it all within these multiple demands? ONA Reconciliation Commission pages. The important is directed to respond to and the Canadian Human recognition of hard work, demands within the strategic Rights Tribunal ruling that commitment and dedication plan provided to us by our “Canada discriminates of the staff within our leadership. We finance this against children on reserve” member communities by through proposal writing and is upheld and addressed. their contribution to these innovative approaches that These are all fights that Nation based initiatives advance our collective work must begin at home, in our cannot go missed, lim’limpt. with our own personal and own communities, among We cannot compromise professional accountability our own people. We must on Syilx cultural principles. intact. continue to advocate and The management team Needless to say, we are fight for the right to raise challenges each other on working within a dynamic our children, on our land, this very key issue which environment where the speaking our language and has led to another year of challenges at times seem learning our culture. exceptional growth. Our discouraging. Aboriginal In the same way that I projects, regardless of women and girls continue to imagine our predecessors their origins, must reflect be murdered and go missing, faced daunting trials, so our unique cultural lens. Indigenous children continue today we are called to face As seen with the launch to be over represented in the challenges of the new of the BRIDGES program, provincially operated child millennium. this requires innovation, welfare systems across Finally, I would like to creativity, persistence and Canada, and our young thank the many community partnerships. Through this people are incarcerated at members who also give of ongoing evaluation process, alarming rates. Governments their time to making ONA we learn what needs to around the world are the success it is becoming, be adapted, changed, desecrating our lands of through cultural teachings, modified and altered, and Natural Resources. Standing sitting on committees or then we respond by making Rock, the Site C Dam, and helping at ONA events and changes. This environment Kinder Morgan loom. Where conferences. I leave you with has lent itself to a growing is the Balance? These are this thought: partnership with UBC not easy issues to resolve Okanagan, Research and however how we take the Innovation. Our initiatives stand “of the art of possible”. Don’t ask what the world needs. have attracted environmental Indigenous peoples, despite awards and international our many challenges, are Ask what makes you accolades. leading this charge for come alive, and go do it. As we transition from a non- sustainable environmental Because what the world governmental organization development. Our own needs is people who have (NGO) providing services to Chairman Grand Chief come alive. our people that have been Stewart Phillip stands firm built upon in the assertion and steady. It’s up to us Howard Thurman of our Title and Rights to a to challenge Federal and Syilx Nation lead government Provincial Governments to Lim’limpt fully supported and financed ensure that the Murdered by our own source revenue; and Missing Women and Suiki?st
6 7 A Year of Growth Over the last year the At the forefront of the ONA’s Partnerships, innovations Okanagan Nation Alliance work is the principle of unity. and capacity building are key (ONA) has experienced rapid This principle is central to to ONA’s work, but are only growth and change as an all of our decision-making successful if they engage and organization. The initiation and actions. Since contact, reflect our Syilx worldview, of innovative new programs and through to today, the language and sense of and projects, progression forces that attempt to responsibility. of legal activities, and erode our bonds as Syilx Regardless of the task at continued development (Okanagan) people persist. hand we are dedicated to of infrastructure have all We are stronger together, fulfilling the mandate of contributed to enhancing and need to continue asserting Syilx Nation Title ONA’s capacities as an developing actions that and Rights over Syilx territory. organization. These support the collective as This includes many of the developments have required a whole and one another. legal processes and actions, the acquisition of more In this regard, we must be but extends out to the staff to support this growth. vigilant that our Syilx Cultural protection of the tmxʷulaxʷ In the face of all these Principles and Protocols are and empowering community advancements we remain not compromised, and that and individuals in the process committed to ensuring our they frame all of the work of restoring our identity, foundations form the base to that we carry forward. ONA culture and territory. As such, all the work we do. recognizes the importance of all ONA endeavors are rooted having our Elders guidance, in serving the bigger picture input and participation. of Title and Rights.
2016 - 2017 Revenue Analysis
REVENUE BY DEPARTMENT Administration 17% Natural Resources 10% Policy & Governance 4% Wellness 20% Fisheries 49%
ACTUAL REVENUE USA PUD 18% USA CCT 3% Other Income 32% Indiginous and Northern Affairs 4% FNHA 8% DFO 6% Other Gov of Canada 7% Prov of BC 9% BC Hydro 13% * See Audited Financial Statement under separate cover 8 Standing Strong Together Governance through Unity Our Nation continues to face have a greater ability to Rights are held collectively. infringements and violations ensure that issues, from At the same time they see on our territory. These the expansion of extractive their responsibilities to take place in a world with industry development to work through and identify increasingly complex social, the violence experienced structural changes required political and environmental by our communities, are to support the governance challenges that are rapidly recognized and addressed in work that has evolved over expanding. In the face a meaningful and lasting way. time. These discussions of these challenges, the The Chiefs Executive provide the mandate and potential to advance and Council (CEC), through their direction to their Legal, assert our Title, Rights, Title and Rights strategic Policy and Negotiators Team and responsibilities is approaches, advancements resulting in developing deeply enhanced by our and planning, strengthen our processes and priorities ability to unite and work Syilx governance structure. which support this important collectively. By coming They are resolute in their work. together as a Nation we knowing that Syilx Title and
9 skc’əx̌ʷəx̌wiplaʔ uɬ steɬtaɬt 2016 APR 20 Special Meeting with Upper Similkameen Indian Band “Syilx Decision Making Protocol” USIB Hedley Office APR 25 MOU Meeting Hosted by WFN APR 26 Special CEC Title & Rights “Revenue Sharing”, Westbank BC MAY 04 Special CEC Meeting “Internal Prep May 19th Government to Government MOU Meeting” MAY 16 Okanagan Nation Energy Executive Committee Meeting, Hosted by Upper Nicola Band MAY 19 Special CEC Meeting “Government to Government MOU, Hosted by Westbank First Nation JUN 07 ONA CEC/Okanagan Basin Water Board/Stewardship Council Joint Session “Post Tsilhqot’in Workshop” by Dr. Roshan Danesh, Coast Capri, Kelowna BC JUN 14 Special CEC Meeting with Upper Nicola Band and Kinder Morgan Presentation, ONA JUN 30 CEC Regular Meeting, ONA JUL 15 Special CEC Meeting - “ONA Audit Review”, ONA JUL 20 Okanagan Nation Chiefs and Council “Syilx Title and Rights” Session, Hosted by WFN JUL 21-22 ONA Annual General Assembly, Hosted by WFN, Westbank, BC AUG 23 Special CEC Meeting with INAC Joe Wild, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister or Treaties and Aboriginal Government Sector, Westbank BC AUG 25 Special CEC ONA CEC UNB Chief and Council Joint Session on Kinder Morgan, The Cove Lakeside Resort, Westbank BC AUG 25 Special CEC and NRC Session “Joint Session”, The Cove Lakeside Resort, Westbank BC AUG 30 Special CEC Meeting with Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association, ONA Westbank BC SEP 15 Chiefs Executive Council Meeting, Westbank BC SEP 19 Minister Mary Polak - Minister of Environment “Enhanced Protection Measures of South Okanagan” Hosted by LSIB, Cawston BC OCT 11 “Chiefs Executive Council & Wellness Committee - Conference Call - “Preparation for Interior Caucus and Gathering Wisdom” OCT 19-23 Desautel Hunting Case - Court OCT 26 Special CEC “Kinder Morgan Follow-Up - Consultation Report” NOV 02 Special CEC Meeting with Wellness Committee “Service Delivery Mandate” The Cove Lakeside Resort NOV 09-10 CEC - Joint CRT Tribal First Nations Leadership Meeting, Portland, Oregon NOV 23 Chiefs Executive Council Quarterly Meeting, Westbank BC DEC 12-13 Special CEC “Title and Rights Planning Session”, Westbank BC DEC 14 Chiefs Executive Council Meeting, Westbank BC 2017 JAN 25 Chiefs Executive Council Meeting, Spirit Ridge Resort, Osoyoos BC JAN 26 Special CEC & Wellness Strategy Meeting, Spirit Ridge Resort, Osoyoos BC FEB 21 Special CEC “Follow-up from January 26th Revenue Sharing” Westbank, BC MAR 27 ONA CEC Update, Desautel, Court Decision
10 Amplifying Our Voice: Title, Rights and Decision-Making The ONA’s legal team has Affairs Canada (INAC) to further articulate and been involved with many files Assistant Deputy Minister Joe discuss the Syilx Cooperative that advance the interests Wild took place August, 2016. Decision-Making Protocol to of the Okanagan Nation and This meeting set the stage provide clarity regarding roles paving the way for substantial to discuss the development and responsibilities of the governance opportunities of Nation-to-Nation process communities and the Nation for both communities and that would address Syilx in our collective decision- the Nation. As the political (Okanagan) Title and Rights making. and social system continues with our territory. The CEC The CEC has maintained a to shift with the Crown has since directed their legal strong and unified approach we remain prepared for team to draft an approach for to protect and advance the new relationships with the the Nation’s consideration. complexity of Okanagan Okanagan Nation. This will advance a proactive interests in the territory and The Syilx Nation upholds its approach that is in sync with continue to do so with the responsibility for suxwxtm Syilx values and priorities, Columbia River Treaty (CRT) (taking care of the land) including issues such as self- review process. that carefully considers determination, governance, jurisdictional issues, Syilx The CRT created one of the environmental, social, most significant and ongoing and economic interests of laws and customs, Syilx culture and language, and infringements of Syilx Title the Nation. The current and Rights, leading to the environmental assessment the development of a Syilx Constitution. construction of 3 major legislation, policy, and Canadian dams that flooded processes fall short of As part of the Nations much of the Slocan (Arrow addressing potential impacts key internal governance Lakes) valley and converted on our Title and Rights. agreements and traditional the upper Columbia The CEC continues to protocols, the Syilx watershed into a massive advocate the government Cooperative Decision- reservoirs system. Until now, to address our Title issues. Making Protocol is playing an there has never been any We have highlighted the essential role. The Protocol consultation or involvement historically inadequate is a mechanism that is based of the Syilx /Sinixt, or any processes in addressing upon Syilx values, principles, other First Nations in the indigenous Title and Rights and approaches to address design, negotiations or issues and as a result a major impacts and land implementation of the meeting between the CEC development within the original treaty. and Indigenous and Northern territory. The CEC continues
11 We must work together to Court’s decision nor an imaginary ensure our collective voices line at the 49th parallel can affect are a part of the CRT renewal the relationships of our people process. In collaboration with and the Rights that belong to us.” the Colville Confederated Tribes, It should be clear to the Province the Okanagan Nation continues now that the Arrow Lakes region to advance its united position on falls squarely within our territory the CRT. The connection between and is subject to our Title and hydroelectric and water flow Rights. As such, we continue operations and its impacts on our opposition to the Province’s constitutionally-protected fishing Incremental Treaty Agreement rights is distinctly an Okanagan with the Ktunaxa Nation Council, issue. This matter provides which sees the transfer of land the Okanagan with a unique on Wensley Bench located in Syilx responsibility to engage in future territory. These legal proceedings discussions with both levels of have been put on hold in the government, due to the critical hopes that a resolution could be nature of those rights. found at the MOU table with the There are many critical aspects province. of the CRT review that must be The Desautel decision affirms that addressed, including vast impacts the Arrow Lakes region is Sinixt to Syilx land, water, relatives, territory, further strengthening and people. ONA has worked our legal claim, though it should on this file for the past several be noted that the province will years and will continue with the most likely challenge this decision. expectation to have a significant and meaningful role when the In upholding our responsibilities, renegotiation process begins. in December, 2016, the ONA presented a Submission to the Through the CRT and other issues Expert Panel on the Review of the ONA and CCT will continue to the Canadian Environmental be united through our cultural, Assessment Act (CEAA). Until now familial, territorial, economic and we have not been included in the political ties. federal environmental assessment In 2010 hunting charges were process, nor has its standards met laid by the Province against the federal government’s legal Rick Desautel of the Colville duty to consult and accommodate Confederated Tribes. In March First Nations interests and rights. 2017, the court acquitted The Crown is currently reviewing Desautel and held that the and revising the CEAA. Our descendants of the Sinixt submission reflects both legal continue to exist and hold rights and technical perspectives on the in the Arrow Lakes. The Sinixt had CEAA and had been organized in previously been declared extinct response to the questions posed by the federal government back under the CEAA review process. in the 1950’s. As Grand Chief It also recognizes that the CEAA Stewart stated, “The court has process is too focused on socio- confirmed what we have always economic values and mitigation known – that the Sinixt were the rather than understanding original inhabitants of the Arrow environmental impacts, and Lakes region long before the currently provides too narrow Europeans arrived. Descendants a definition of “environmental of the Sinixt are now part of the effects” that does not consider ONA in Canada and the Lakes Indigenous values. Tribe in the U.S. Neither the
12 Extending Our Influence Through Partnerships The ONA continues to cultivate of culturally appropriate • Unity Run support effective partnerships and services that are centered in • Elder Youth Gathering working relationships to a traditional wellness, people support find solutions for a more centered model that allows • Aboriginal Patient sustainable future. We strive for seamless access to a Navigator top up. to partner with member continuum of care. One emergent working communities internally With the Nation Shared relationship ONA is and with outside agencies, Service Delivery Model we cultivating is with the British to explore how we might are responsible for hiring Columbia Schizophrenia work together to build and managing positions, Society (BCSS). The BCSS potential partnerships for a collaborating with FNHA provides services, support, more resilient future. These and Interior Health and programming and advocacy partnerships amplify our participating in evaluation for people diagnosed with presence, while allowing us activities. As a result of the schizophrenia, alongside to assert a broader range of funding provided to our education, support, influence in multiple areas of Nation through Joint Project programming and services interest. Board, Health Actions and for other serious and Interior Health we have persistent mental illness. In Wellness August 2016 ONA started In the latter part of the 2016 been able to expand on the services provided to the meeting with BCSS to ONA and First Nations Health create a facilitator training Authority (FNHA) initiated Nation and also to bring services closer to home. for Okanagan Nation the Nation Shared Service members in a new program Delivery Model. All services Some of the assets from this called “Strengthening and activities related to the service model include: Families Together, First model are aligned to one or • A Registered Social Worker Nation Edition”. This will more of the three strategic • A Registered Nurse be a 10 session program areas: Traditional Wellness, • A Medical Office Assistant that provides awareness Mental Wellness & Substance • A Nurse Practitioner on mental illness and Use, and Primary Care. This • Community Driven mental health services, prototype will maximized Traditional Wellness understanding of recovery, benefits by shared delivery Activities support for families whose
13 loved ones are diagnosed with a out in the field. The project will mental illness and helps families conclude with the development with problem solving, coping, of EFN recommendations for advocacy and communication each stream and a final report skills around mental illness. by March 2018. It is anticipated Delivery for training facilitators that EFNs and critical flows will will take place in June, 2017. be used in water licensing and drought management decisions Water by FLNRO following completion of ONA remains committed to how the field work. water is managed and recognized in the region and how we Energy might move towards effective In the context of a rapidly partnerships and working evolving energy sector, the relationships to find solutions to a importance of looking at the better water future in the region. big picture, including the past, In response to the increased present, and future industry regional water management developments is critical to challenges, including the ensuring the Okanagan Nation’s destabilizing effects of climate energy needs are met and that change being experienced our territory is protected. The in the Okanagan, ONA and Energy Executive Committee Regional District of Kootenay (EEC) is a CEC sub-committee Boundary (RDKB) hosted the whose mandate is to oversee all Sustaining Our Headwaters daily matters related to energy Forum on April 19, 2016, at developments on the territory the Westbridge Community and to make recommendations Hall, Rock Creek, BC. Over 65 to the CEC for decisions. This people were in attendance, and committee continues to identify included Okanagan Nation Band the key priority of ensuring that councilors, traditional knowledge actionable, tangible, and relevant keepers, RDKB representatives, objectives are achieved for our along with regional water leaders, communities and for sustainable youth and other concerned energy development, particularly citizens. in regards to partnerships with Partnerships have enabled BC Hydro and Fortis. The EEC the ONA to continue with the Committee is chaired by Chief protection of our territory. The Clarence Louie and alternate Environmental Flow Needs Chief Harvey McLeod with CEC representatives for the (EFN) project is a collaborative monitoring project between ONA, major project initiatives as FLNRO and OBWB, with OKIB, Chief Byron Louis (OKIB) and WFN, PIB and OIB providing key Raf DeGuevara(WFN)as full The Social Life of Water contractual support services. The participants. was a collaborative goal of the project is to develop This process includes the community exhibit that Environmental Flow Needs evolution and progression of our explored fundamental (“target flows”) and Critical relationship with BC Hydro under relationships with Flows (“minimum flows”) for the Enduring Relationship. These water throughout water management in Okanagan EEC Chiefs work directly with BC the Okanagan Valley, streams. The ONA is monitoring Hydro executives and through organized by the 16 streams that will enable a an EEC Working Group on a Kelowna Museum. deeper understanding of the regular basis to monitor progress, ONA contributed water needs and challenges in resolve issues and overcome any the region. ONA and member barriers that may arise. As part of with content and communities greatly contribute the Enduring Relationship, the CEC media from a Syilx to the data collection taking place meets with BC Hydro’s CEO and perspective.
14 senior executives on an annual strategic approach to Committees (“PRC”) to basis to share successes and support Okanagan youth; occur. Project Reviews discuss barriers. • Exploring a pathway are led by member Some of the main points of to address past communities that are discussion have included: infringements; most impacted by BC • Establishment of Hydro projects such as • Establishment of a working group the Rev6 (OKIB) and West procurement and that creates space Kelowna Transmission employment targets, for additional issue Line (WFN). including creating a specific Project Review
For more information on the Enduring Relationship and the historic signing of the ILM as part of ONA’s work on energy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7aDTRv9cBU&lc=z121y5nixyf3ijop004cfp5grxnhx1np4tg0k
Community Voice In order to have a truly • Energy Executive meeting on January 20th. At effective united voice we Committee that meeting, communities must ensure that the full • Syilx Indian Residential identified a need for a range of voices from our School Committee Nation-wide approach to communities is represented responding to the TSR. Our committees continue in the progression of our to evolve and often respond As a result the NRC Forestry work. Central to this to work being done on the Working Group was recognition are the various ground. The Ministry of formed and has supported committees that contribute Forests, Lands, and Natural Syilx forestry discussion. to all the work that we do. Resource Operations (FLNRO) Membership includes both Through the establishment initiated a Timber Supply natural resource staff and of committees and councils, Review (TSR) for the community forest company Syilx Nation communities Okanagan Timber Supply staff to ensure a balance of work collectively with cultural Area (TSA) in September 2016. perspectives. Working Group and ecological knowledge The Okanagan TSA stretches discussions with communities keepers on all major issues from Seymour River and will assist in informing the to address project and Shuswap Lake in the north to CEC around what volumes of policy impacts, benefits, the U.S. border in the south, timber are required by their management concerns, while and from the Monashee communities and regarding reinforcing the Syilx Nation’s Mountains in the east to the forestry practices that need collective interests on their Okanagan Mountains in the to be in place for sustainable traditional territory. The key west. This review process harvest as part of the TSR and role of committees is to assist determines new allowable a move toward management of and provide technical advice annual cut (AAC) for the next timber harvest in the territory. to the CEC on various issues 10 years in the region. and topics. Some key issues with current The TSR was discussed forestry practices identified Committees include: by the Natural Resources by community forestry crews • Wellness Committee Committee in October, 2016. that may be addressed • Health Sub-Committee At that time, the ONA was include: cumulative effects of • Child and Family requested to organize a over harvesting, degradation Sub- Committee special forestry meeting to to water quality, adverse • Natural Resource discuss the TSR and other impacts on plants and Committee related forestry issues. The animals, loss of wildlife cover/ • Forestry Working Group special NRC forestry meeting habitat, increased access to • Culture and Heritage was held on January 6th areas, and adverse impacts to Working Group with presentations from overall food security. • Referrals Working Group FLNRO, and a follow up
15 Community Capacity Development
The commitment to developing the capacity within Syilx (Okanagan) communities can be acknowledged through a wide range of the programs and projects that are currently being implemented in communities across the Okanagan Nation, in addition to the resources that are shared with community, as well as the transfer of knowledge. Some of these programs are highlighted:
23 participants from the 7 member communities were provided training by Public Safety Canada (PSC) on how to create a Community Safety Plan (CSP). This was a 3-day training that took place at The Cove in Westbank. The training enables participants to guide the community in the creation of a CSP. The CSP has committed to look for sustainable funding for the completed Plans and was part of the official launch of the You Empowered and Strong program.
Community Action Initiative (CAI) aims to engage our Syilx Elders and their caregivers to increase elder mental wellness literacy, which is understood as the knowledge, beliefs and abilities that enable the recognition, management or prevention of mental health problems.This program developed curriculum that will be shared with the Nation’s elders on a variety of mental wellness topics including isolation and addiction.
Syilx Indian Residential School (IRS) Workshops and Committee met to discuss healing strategies and projects. This included workshops delivered in most Syilx communities in the school districts.
The Mental Wellness Service Map is a map that identifies the mental wellness services available in the Okanagan Region. The mental wellness service map is available to Okanagan Nation employees that can be shared with all members of the community. The mental wellness service map includes therapy, counseling, outreach and addiction services and treatment programs. The map also includes crisis line phone numbers and links to websites that provide education, awareness and information on mental illness and wellness.
16 Serving the People
You Empowered and Strong (YES)
23 participants from 6 of the member bands in the Community Safety Planning (CSP). Communities were provided with funds to meet and work on the CSP using community input. The 6 communities are in the process of completion of those Plans.
Child Welfare Okanagan Nation and Youth Justice Response Team
40 Family Decision Making (FDM) Circles were 10 adults serviced that made suicide attempts held to develop plans for their youth and 7 youth serviced that made suicide attempts children 8 youth serviced that had suicide ideation 47 Families participated in FDM program 9 people serviced that witnessed violence 61 Children/Youth were planned for 32 people supported thru the Louie/ 8 Youth Justice Circles were held Robotti Trial for 25 days in total 10 Youth Participated in Youth Justice Program 134 people serviced including family 8 Youth were planned for members in total
Aboriginal Child and Health Care Youth Mental Health Advocates Kʷu xast
Worked with 40 children, Total number of persons 54 children between the one-on-one served: 1657 ages of 6-12 years have Worked with 50+ children Individual appointments participated in the kʷu xast and youth in groups with Clients: 34 program for 2016-2017 Community visits: 207
R’Native Voice Syilx Early Years
17 Youth/Community Workers participated Number of persons served (1148) in IndigenEyez Capacity Building Workshop Site visits – outreach to AECD programs (91) 13 Youth/Community Workers participated Support to new staff (20) in Catch the Fire Capacity Building Workshop Number of meetings (73) 2 Youth representatives participate in Annual Early Years Gathering Columbia River Basin Leadership Gathering (84 participants) 25 Youth attend Wellness Gathering 35 Youth attend Elder Youth Gathering 70 Youth participate in Unity Run
17 Indigenous Principles for an Economic Fishery
A Continued Testament to Perseverance The kł cp̓əlk ̓ stim̓ Hatchery a region of the Columbia conversation hatchery we is a testament to the River Basin. have experimented with perseverance of the Syilx With the 2016 broodstock bringing broodstock from the people to realize their dream collection being high the capture site to the hatchery. of restoring the n’titxw 2017 fish release goal will be The fish stayed in our rearing (Salmon) – one of our Four very aggressive, thus we have tanks until they had ripened Food Chiefs – to their original needed to focus on training. and were producing gametes. habitat and rightful place in A training program was A total of 700,000 eggs were our territory. This hatchery developed to enable our staff collected from these fish. It is represents a critical stage to gain further knowledge believed this procedure will of our Nation’s restoration and experience so that they be very useful in years when initiative and is part of a long‐ could become Certified Fish the run has lesser returns and term program to restore the Culturists. we do not want to manage historical range of Sockeye too many fish for fear of in the upper Okanagan In an effort to further having a negative impact on watershed, Okanagan Lake, reduce the impact on wild the wild stock runs that we and Skaha Lake systems, and Sockeye adults by our support.
Okanagan Aquatic Enterprises ONA recognizes the based products. within the region. need to diversify and be OAE’s Okanagan Select We also continue to nurture competitive, so that our products include canned, our relationship with the goals of incorporating smoked, candied and Inland Salmon Producers Indigenous and sustainable fresh frozen Okanagan Association (ISPA) who are principles are aligned sockeye salmon. The 2016 the other 5 Inland Tribes of with our Syilx responsible marketing strategy focused whose Tribal work includes the harvesting practices in the on maintaining and growing economic aspects of Salmon development of a fishery. As our sustainable regional sales harvest management. such, the Okanagan Aquatic base. This model cultivated Enterprises (OAE) acts as Our marketing vision markets that support the extends beyond the sale an economic extension of broader values of the our fisheries restoration of goods, to include the cultural significance and need for education and work, seeking to support environmental sustainability our food fishery initiative advocacy for indigenous food of Okanagan sockeye, and sovereignty based on the through the development of has proven highly successful a complimentary, sustainable differentiation of our product with growth exceeding as both environmentally economic fishery. OAE has previous expectations. Part extended our uptake of sustainable and culturally of this success was based on significant. ONA continues to activities of networking the successful application with regional, national, and be dedicated to advocating of a Buy Local BC grant that for Syilx communities and international members, assisted in farmer’s market developing media that the return of sc’win, both participation. Okanagan regionally and internationally. communicates our initiatives, Select products are currently and looking to develop sold at over 20 retailers alternative markets for niche-
18 Highlights from Our Technical Work
124 Projects currently in progress Hatchery Release of 357,578 sockeye into Skaha Lake. Release of 9,994 sockeye into Okanagan Lake (first contribution to restoration). Receipt of 15,000 Chinook eggs from the Colville Tribes hatchery to allow us to make releases for the beginning of our Chinook Restoration Program. Did 42 tour total to almost 600 people (599). Food Fishery Two 16 foot lunds (with trolling gear, accessed by all bands, > 100 trips per year). One 37 foot spookaleech with troll and gillnet drum, accessed by all bands, > 100 trips. One purse seine used to catch over 150,000 sockeye of which > 25000 sockeye distributed to FSC all bands. Three large lake sunken gill nets provided over 30,000 sockeye for membership food, social and ceremonial (FSC) fishery. Two river tangle nets provided to all bands to fish at OK Falls, > 3000 sockeye caught to date for FSC fishery. OK falls fish trap provided fish to all bands, > 300 sockeye caught to date. Dream Catcher CCT vessel assisted ONA for FSC fishery. PIT Tagging Installed a second PIT antenna downstream of Road 18, Oliver BC. Allows for redundancy in detections, as well as detection efficiencies and travel directionality. This site is vital to our stock assessment estimates entering the Okanagan River. Painted Turtle Restoration Captured and tagged 112 turtles through trapping and hand catching. FinS Program Donated 15 aquariums to schools so they could observe the hatching and development of sockeye fry. Skaha Lake Sockeye Re-introduction Program Collected a total of 7,350 adult spawning sockeye from the Okanagan River. A record for the Re-introduction Program, more than tripling the previous record, this broodstock collection was to support the collection of 5.2 million sockeye eggs for the hatchery program. Fisheries Department tagged 10,241 sockeye smolts with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags that were purse seined in Osoyoos and Skaha lakes. Tri-Nation Collaborative Native Mussel Detection Project 91 sites were visited in 2016, with several sites observed to support mussel, some in very high densities Pass Creek Regional Park Riparian and Fish Habitat Enhancement In collaboration with Regional District of Central Kootenay, Castlegar and District Wildlife Association, local Elementary Schools and Selkirk College Recreation Fish & Wildlife students planted over 300 trees to improve riparian (streamside) conditions. Harvest Increase in sockeye translated into higher than average food fishery by local Okanagan fishers, as well as ONA distribution of over 33000 lbs of sockeye, 2000 lbs of Chinook, 300 lbs of whitefish, and 75 lbs of carp.
19 20 Recognizing the dedication of our community members Each and every one of our community members has a unique gift received through their connection to their ancestors and territory. It is the brave expression of these gifts that continues to bring innovation, cultural connection, hard work, and strong families forward every day. The dedication our People have not only to our survival but to our resilience and sovereignty is what inspires us to continue our work. We recognize and acknowledge our community members for their steadfast and unwavering commitment.
21 tmxʷulaxʷ: Honoring Our Responsibility As Syilx people we are by the effects of climate lives is key to upholding required to act as caretakers change, destabilizing natural the value of protecting the of nxʷəlxʷəltantət (that ecological cycles and flows. In four legged and those that which gives us life) and in the face of these challenges swim and fly. Protecting the return we will be reciprocally the Okanagan Nation quality of water and land is nurtured. This bond of continues its dedication to fundamentally improved by reciprocity and responsibility initiatives that ensure we restoring and reconnecting has flowed from our reaffirm our responsibilities floodplains, measuring flows, ancestors and will continue to the tmxʷulaxʷ, to and making fish and waters to be passed on through the safeguard our territories decisions based on real time generations. lands, waters and wildlife for data. Today our tmxʷulaxʷ is everyone in the Okanagan for ONA responds to technical
under sustained threat all time. requests brought forward from a number of modern from member bands and/ use and management Supporting or community members. practices including, but Our Relatives The requests range from not limited to, extractive We continue to promote the technical assistance to industries, damming, recovery and resiliency of our bands for referrals that they industrial agriculture, and tmixw relatives. Initiatives receive to individual band urban development. All of such as caring for the land members needing help with this is further intensified and water where the tmixw bank erosion questions,
22 sc’win Re-introduction spawning and rearing habitat Program, more than tripling for Columbia River sockeye in the previous record of 2,344 their Canadian headwaters, adults collected in 2014. This this workshop aimed to broodstock collection was transfer this knowledge so to support the collection of that other can be successful 5.2 million sc’win eggs for in restoring natural habitats. the hatchery program. The The ONA CEC passed a tribal overall goal of the Skaha council resolution in 2014 Reintroduction Program is to declaring kilawna at risk rehabilitate the sc’win stock. and in need of recovery To date, the program has throughout Syilx territory. been able to help recover the The status of kilawna stock where now it comprises populations are an indicator 80% of the Columbia River of the ability of the land Sockeye population. This has to sustain the Syilx people. benefited the Nation with This wildlife initiative was food fish and the intrinsic, aimed at gathering TEK ecological value of having information and constructed Sockeye return to their an initial inter-band network former range. and inter-tribal connections In addition, rehabilitation of indicative of the broader sc’win stocks has benefitted support for the recovery Colville Confederated Tribes, of kilawna in the North who can access migrating Cascades ecosystem. In 2016, salmon through their fishery we held a Grizzly Recovery on the Lower Okanogan workshop in Manning Park River (US portion) and at the that brought together tribal Columbia River confluence. representatives of the Syilx, ONA continues to monitor Secwepemc, Sto:lo, and the the Okanagan River St’la’imc people to build Restoration Initiative (ORRI) the collaborative inter-tribal sites to assess how they are relationship and actions harvest questions and fish evolving over time. Currently necessary to recover and health inquires. On top of all sites are exhibiting protect kilawna within the this we attend a wide range biological and hydrological North Cascades ecosystem. of workshops, conferences, benefits. We are continuing Alongside these actions ONA and career fairs held by the to evaluate how this work can has continued to progress bands, allowing us to inform be up scaled and improved. with a 10-year Western the communities what ONA On October 3-4, 2016, Painted Turtle life history is currently working on, and habitat use monitoring alongside job opportunities In ONA hosted “15 Years of Restoring Salmon Habitat study in the drawdown zone addition, staff to participate of Arrow Lakes Reservoir. This in meetings throughout the in the q̓awsitkw (Okanagan River)”. The workshop went study is intended to address Territory where we can voice the relative influence of the our issues, concerns, and over stream analysis and hydraulics that directed current reservoir operating agreements in favor of our regime on the life history and mandate. the restoration designs and describe the planning, habitat use of painted turtles In September and October, construction, monitoring occurring in habitats within 2016, Fisheries staff collected methods and successful Revelstoke Reach. a total of 7,350 adult results on q̓awsitkw. As the The ONA works towards spawning sc’win (sockeye) ONA in collaboration with meaningful involvement from the Okanagan River. many project partners have in all areas of field work, This was a record for the been successful in restoring data analysis, project
23 development, report writing and indexing to determine common project management with BC fishes. We also include fish Hydro in the eastern part of the indexing in the Lower Columbia territory under the Water Use River at Hugh Keenleyside Dam. Planning studies. This work in the Columbia region Major initiatives include: includes kokanee enumeration, bull trout migration study, and • Wildlife Effectiveness fish productivity at Duncan Dam Monitoring and Enhancement and around the reservoir. Area Identification for Lower and Mid-Arrow Lakes Aquatic habitat improvement Reservoir, projects are focused on kokanee • Revelstoke Reach Western access enhancement at Deer Painted Turtle Monitoring Creek in the Drawdown Zone, Program, Pass Creek Regional Park riparian • Monitoring Wetland and and fish habitat enhancement, Riparian Habitat in Revelstoke and Eurasian water milfoil Reach in Response to the suppression pilot study in Robson Wildlife Physical Works, Reach. We engaged the Syilx • Wildlife Effectiveness elders and knowledge keeper’s Monitoring of Revegetation in on the topic of historical salmon Kinbasket Reservoir, knowledge in the Arrow Lakes • Kinbasket and Arrow Lakes and their likely contribution Reservoir: Amphibian and to the nutrient cycle as well as Reptile Life History and finalized a literature review. This Habitat Use Assessment, project provides a partial view • Monitoring Mica Dam of historical, natural nutrient Total Gas Pressure for fish contributions as a comparison suitability, for future salmon reintroduction • Mid-Columbia River and efforts. upper arrow lake juvenile We continue our collaborative work sturgeon monitoring, as part of the Columbia Basin tribes • Arrow Lakes Reservoir and First Nations, in developing Monitoring of Revegetation research and review on how Efforts and Vegetation salmon could be reintroduced Composition Analysis, and into the Upper Columbia River Arrow Lakes Reservoir Basin. Over the last year this has Inventory of Vegetation included working collaboratively Resources. on studies for habitat potential The ONA is committed to and risk assessment. Published upholding major projects in the studies are forthcoming. Columbia to prepare the way Calling the salmon back for the return of our salmon is not strictly a technical to the Upper Columbia. This task. A cornerstone to our work includes monitoring sacred responsibility, salmon with BC Hydro, aquatic habitat ceremonies are carried out by improvement initiatives, and Elders empower Syilx people continued baseline research for throughout the territory, historical inflows of nutrients. providing the opportunity to Work at Revelstoke Dam includes both honor our ancestors and monitoring research on the continue to conduct ceremony physical habitat and productivity for the successful return of the with focuses on water levels, salmon. Such ceremonies are key ̓ ̓ ̓ algae, aquatic invertebrates, to kł cpəlk stim (cause to come and temperature as well as fish back) and are central to Syilx
24 communities’ food security. the process and inclusion of passes by an antenna’s All locations for these Syilx TEK. Specifically, this electrical field, a transceiver ceremonies are historical particular methodology is detects and stores the unique fishing and harvesting sites of utilized to apply TEK in both PIT tag number and the time the Syilx people. existing and new watershed that the tagged fish passed governance processes. This through the field. Innovations methodology is founded in As part of this work we have in the Field the gathering of information continued the work with the related to indigenous values Columbia River Inter-Tribal With the exploitation of both and standards by engaging our lands and water comes Fish Commission collecting with TEK holders and Syilx crucial data on fish. These the continued demand for scholars through a series of innovative approaches for tags allow the nation to meetings and workshops identify and track individual restoration and protection. while applying Syilx The ONA is recognized for fish from their release as constructs and concepts into juveniles to their return as our capacity to engage with water management regimes. the most appropriate, cutting adults. edge science, instilled with In 2016 we partnered with The installation of a Syilx traditional knowledge LGL Limited to develop an secondary PIT array and practices to rejuvenate innovative approach to downstream of Oliver ecosystems. This must be present products and data included the assistance from met with the recognition of in an easy to use interface OIB, PIB, and UNB. The team Shiny App our inherent right to protect known as . This is working towards installing our territory from further creative design emerged a PIT array within Penticton exploitative activities. from joint project of Channel to improve the monitoring Mica Dam in the We are exploring estimates of sockeye and Upper Columbia region. This kokanee. opportunities to develop particular use of technology and lead new processes articulates complicated data forward involving water and to generate a variety of stewardship. Resulting from outputs including graphs and the project Syilx Sub-Basin charts. Watershed Management Plan pilot project, the ONA Since 2012 ONA has has currently established a been tagging a portion of Syilx Water Responsibility Okanagan Sockeye smolts and Planning Methodology with Passive Integrated to guide the development Transponder (PIT) tags. of watershed management About the size of a grain plans that are grounded in of rice - PIT Tag contains a unique code. When a tag
25 [water] as the most powerful of all things giving life- as much respect as part of the acknowledgement of the creation/creator, it is the physical manifestation of creation/creator as the life force of the land. Dr. Marlowe Sam, Sustaining Our Headwaters Water Forum, April 2016.
The Language of Water Syilx peoples’ relationship to understanding of Syilx standards water contrasts current modern and traditional land and water values that treat water strictly management policies for the as a commodity and utility. We protection of natural resources, recognize that all beings require allowing for the effective intact and healthy aquatic collaboration of local and systems to ensure their health provincial governments, First and well-being. The CEC of the Nations, academia and various ONA is dedicated to upholding stakeholder groups to develop our inherent responsibility to and implement strategies for care for the siwɬkʷ through a protection of local fish and number of different projects and aquatic resources and habitat initiatives. needs. We are now pursuing a new Resulting from the need to initiative called “Syilx Sub- research the fragmentation of watershed Pilot Management impacting projects, the ONA Plan: Policies and Protocols has successfully completed informed by Traditional Syilx a watershed fragmentation Knowledge.” This new initiative analysis to determine the intact includes mapping analysis, landscapes under the Revelstoke gathering and utilizing indigenous 6 and the West Kelowna The Okanagan Nation knowledge, and the development Transmission Line projects. Alliance continuously of management plans and a pilot In continuing with upholding draws upon the implementation plan for four water for decision-making vast knowledge, watersheds in the Okanagan processes the Fish Water experience, and Basin. This project will address the Management Tool, a modelling expertise among localized impacts and cumulative software, is designed specifically the Nation including effects on water resources in the for the Okanagan basin. The Okanagan Basin due to climate those with specialized software provides in-depth change, over-allocation of water knowledge in all of information and models for licenses, population growth, making weekly water releases the water initiatives environmental flow needs, and among the territory. from Okanagan dam that account other identified pressures. for flood, drought (irrigation As part of the As part of the project, we are concerns), protection of sockeye Syilx (Okanagan) seeking to develop a process to eggs in the river and kokanee responsibility, the integrate indigenous values into eggs in the lake. This water tool ONA will be releasing land and water management is utilized for major objectives the booklet in 2017 practices which will dramatically including: minimizing flood titled nsiwɬkwcn: The improve collaborative efforts damage, protecting fisheries Language of the Water for decision-making at the values, satisfying domestic and that will highlight the community level within the irrigation water supply demands, importance of water Okanagan Basin. This water and supporting recreation in the context of a initiative will provide a better tourism. Syilx perspective and PowerPoint presentation: www.syilx.org/wp/wp-content/ grounded in the work uploads/2016/11/Syilx-Water-Perspectives-Valuing-Knowledge.pdf around water.
26 Building an Approach to Energy As global populations BC Hydro has committed to in dealing with energy exponentially rise, the improving the second largest efficiency approaches in demand for new forms of distribution substation at communities. energy production continues Westbank to increase the This workshop was aimed to put pressure for energy reliability of supplying power. at advocating for energy developments. The ONA hold The CEC has identified and efficiency in Okanagan a new vision for sustainable is ensuring that carrying communities, championing energy development forward actionable, tangible, the importance of within the territory and is and relevant objectives are energy conservation to dedicated to ensuring that achieved for the nation and the environment and further energy development the communities. Arising assisting community projects have direct and from this energy initiative, a members in reducing lasting benefits for Okanagan Project Review Committee energy consumption. This communities and individuals, (PRC) was established and collaborative event brought while remaining steadfast in consists of the communities forward a chance for FBC and our demand for involvement who are directly involved ONA to work with community with all energy projects that in the West Kelowna members to encourage and take place in our territory. Transmission Line project. support energy conservation The Revelstoke Generating Representatives on this behaviours and actions Station Unit 6 Project (REV6) committee include Upper provide a source for is actively engaged in the Nicola Band, Westbank First information about energy Provincial Environmental Nation, Okanagan Indian consumption and energy Assessment (EA) process Band, Penticton Indian conservation and efficiency to upgrade the current Band, and the ONA. These opportunities. Revelstoke Dam with a models of collaboration are clear advancements of our The ONA CEC is committed sixth turbine. A Project to access resources and build Review Committee (PRC) collectively responsibilities to protect the tmxʷulaxʷ, upon Partnerships to support was established is being our member communities to led by the Okanagan Indian while gathering critical data and resources of our have access to resources and Band in collaboration with information to support topics the Westbank First Nation, history and opportunities for the transmission of such as energy conservation, Penticton Indian Band, and economic, employment the Okanagan Nation Alliance cultural knowledge of all our members who are involved. and training opportunities, to work with BC Hydro in a Research and collect new collaborative approach In part of these innovative information as well as to bring forward. The Arrow Lakes opportunities the ONA information between Fortis and the Columbia River partnered with the Fraser and communities to CEC is significant to the Syilx Basin Council (FBC) in hosting Energy Executive Council Table. Okanagan people and their a workshop to move forward Title and Rights. in developing more capacity
27 A Shared Responsibility Supporting One Another A collective perspective gives rise to a collective responsibility; this is our Syilx way of caring for and supporting our families. Coming together to problem-solve and share in our responsibilities to care for one another is based on our values of communal responsibility that we share with families, community and our service providers. As part of our shared work the ONA continues to develop capacity in the members it serves and gather resources for the use of the Okanagan Nation member communities.
Everybody had somebody. It didn’t matter if they were family or not, if anybody needed help, they would help them in any way they could. Syilx elder Creating Community-Based Solutions The ONA remains dedicated addressing violence and harmful impacts of family to creating community- suicide in communities. violence. Each community based solutions to decrease Our initiative, You will determine how they violence and suicide and to Empowered Strong (YES), provide the service based on ensure that the principle of is a community safety individual community needs. being there for community development project to The goal of the project when called upon is upheld. address violence against is to stop the abuse and The Nation has taken women and children who create a safe environment meaningful action with the witness abuse. This program for children. The project creation and continuation of seeks community-based will develop resources Initiatives that are solution solutions for families who that educate youth about focused in dealing with and have to deal with the healthy relationships,
28 We put our footprints and mark on the eastern portion of our territory from south of Castlegar over to Salmo, north to Kaslo and then back towards Nakusp.
Though a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women was launched by the federal government these gestures must be met with meaningful action. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip 2017 enhance knowledge about abuse, incidents including violence, difference forms of violence and unexpected death, violence in to support families to heal. relationships, mental health Similar to the Okanagan Nation and addictions (anxiety and Response Team (ONRT), that depression), and suicide. These currently responds and assists Teams provide training, are a community in crisis and suicide resource in community, all the prevention, YES will utilize this while supporting social change. same model to create a team to Such dedication was illustrated assist communities to address in the presence of ONRT in violence. The team will be supporting community during the comprised of formal or informal late Roxanne Louie trial. community leaders and natural The Unity Run continues to caregiver volunteers who will be be a cornerstone event to be trained and will partner with the solution focused in educating and YES Project Lead and Community empowering youth about suicide Coordinator. The team will and violence. The Unity Run monitor, mentor, support and is encourages and strengthens respond to disclosures and Okanagan Nationhood and facilitate help for families at risk. healthy lifestyle through Our communities are resilient action, providing Syilx youth through tragedies and injustices the opportunity to experience because we continue to hold their territory as a means to each other up and be there for address a broad range of issues each other in times of crisis. from suicide and mental health The Okanagan Nation Response to cultural rejuvenation and Team (ONRT) assists Nation reconnection with territory. communities in various ways, While leaving their mark on the from just being present and land, the runners learn about our taking care of those who need history through stories from our support to providing specialized elders that helped strengthen our crisis intervention advisement connection to the land and each to communities and families other. Youth who have a strong when requested. Understanding sense of identity are more likely the impact and effects of to be secure in who they are as intergenerational trauma, our individuals. teams respond to a range of
29 A Story of Healing Moving Forward
In a perfect world, there is first met Billy he was high but to have a follow up circle no crime there is no prison, agreed to have a family circle where he is ready to listen there is no oppression, to help him make better and stick to the family plan. marginalization, racism and choices in life. I organized This is not to say that prison colonization. Unfortunately a family circle and met his has cured him, this is saying this is not a perfect world and family on multiple occasions. that connections were made humans survive the best they They are a loving family by Billy and I spending time know how. hurting from past trauma and together and working with his This story may not seem like current family addictions. family. He is connected with the strongest success story With all of their hurt in their his family and plans to stay one has ever heard, however, lives, they made room for a sober and spend time with his success is subjective and family circle. The first circle younger siblings when he is can only truly be measured was full of hugs and love out of prison. by the one who makes the sent to Billy, this was a room When I first met Billy’s family changes. I have learned that full of support and love and they had no connection in success means meeting the avoided judgment. regards to Billy and were all person where they are at in Before the first circle the trying to solve the problem their life and recognizing any family was disconnected from alone. I look at the success in positives changes they have each other in regards to what this scenario as a connected made. This success story is to do with Billy. They felt family ready to meet again just that, meeting a youth detached from one another in a family circle when Billy and family where they are and also felt like they were is out. Some family members at in their life and trying to enabling Billy by giving him have thanked me and stated work with them. This youth money and a place to stay that they feel a sense of was 17 years old while I when he was at his worst. connection with each other first started working with After the first circle the family and feel like there some him and he is now 18. For had a sense or calm and ease sort of plan for the future. confidentiality reasons I will and had created a family plan The family is optimistic for a call this youth Billy. on what to do with Billy. future circle and remain in This young man Billy was Weeks later Billy was caught contact with me and Billy. involved in gangs, drugs, committing another crime This story is not perfect but is fights stealing and breaching and was sent to prison. Some a story of meeting a person his probation. I got to know may ask what is the success in pain where they are at and Billy and found out that all of in this story? To be honest creating an open dialogue his detrimental behaviours there is no perfect ending and a safe place to share at came from a place of hurt. to this story. However, Billy a circle. He isolated from family and is now serving some time, stole money to use drugs has been sober for weeks, whenever he could. When I has been in contact with me
Youth Justice circle is to serve those youth ages 12-17 that are in the criminal justice system and/or are in gangs or are vulnerable to gang involvement. This includes the youth’s core support group and family members come together to assist the youth to develop their plan of success for their future.
30 Shared Care for Members: Filling the Gaps The Aboriginal Patient and after much discussion examples of shared care Navigators (APN) assist discovered similar gaps in amongst families. The FDM Aboriginal patients within service that both teams circle is a process where the regional hospitals but a wanted addressed, therefore extended families gather gap remained for additional supported the development to plan for their children. support at the community of the SOS team which Coming together to problem level. To assist in filling these eventually changed its name solve in this manner has been gaps in service the ONA has to “Widening the Circle”. happening in the Okanagan two health care advocates Our group’s purpose was to since long before contact. that assist Nation members explore gaps within all of The FDM circles have been to overcome barriers, ensure our organizations and work highly successful in keeping Nation members are heard, together to start addressing our families unified, safe and increase access to health the issues. Our team worked strong. Based on our values services and ensure the on developing discharge of collective responsibility, services received are holistic pamphlets for parents and our model treats the wider and culturally safe. workers of the youth, looked family network of kin and Another gap that was at internal systems within community as a source of identified by ONRT was issues the hospital emergency room strength and seeks to actively in youth discharge at the and explored ways to change involve them in decision regional hospital. Nation youth information intake from making. As a collective who were taken to emergency clients in order to provide perspective gives rise to a were being discharged from better discharge service collective responsibility, this hospital with no direct calls and communication lines is our Syilx way of caring to the community band to frontline workers at the for and supporting our or discharge planning for community level. families. Through this process we ensure connection to the youth. ONRT lead met The Family Decision Making with the South Okanagan ancestral lands, culture and (FDM) and FDM Youth Justice language for our children. Division of Practice and the circles are one of the best Community Crisis Team
31 Our Syilx Way Our Annual Events include: For Syilx People to live a good life we must be Water Forum interconnected with one another and with Apr 14, 2016 our land; wellness is holistic and includes all. The Syilx perspective that we are stronger Elder Youth Gathering (2016) together has allowed us and our land to be Apr 22-24, 2016 here since the beginning and to continue Unity Run for our future generations. As such, it is May 12-15, 2016 a fundamental principle of the Okanagan Syilx Early Years Gathering Nation Alliance to uphold this conviction; May 16-18, 2016 the enduring support of our communities’ priorities and their leadership is central to Sockeye Fry Release upholding our responsibility as your tribal May 18, 2016 council. The ONA continues to work towards Kettle Falls & Castlegar and support the safety, health and wellbeing Salmon Ceremonies of our children, families, communities and Jun 17-18, 2016 land – together. AGA & Youth Gathering Together Leadership Gathering Jul 20-22, 2017 We have always gathered together as Syilx people, to celebrate, to pray and to share Salmon Feast with one another. The act of gathering is Sep 16-18, 2016 what builds our Nation, communities, and Wellness Forum friendships; coming together is what keeps Oct 12-13, 2016 our people connected and strong. The ONA holds 10 annual events, alongside a range of Elder Youth Gathering (2017) meetings, forums and programs that continue Mar 10-12, 2017 this long standing practice.
32 Contributions to Reconnecting with Syilx Food Sovereignty Cultivating Syilx food sovereignty nation and non-nation community within our communities is central members in this way, we ensure to supporting the health, well- that the sacred connection being and cultural vitality of the and importance of our salmon Nation. For decades the work of continues to be understood reinvigorating diverse traditional by all. The activities that are Syilx food systems has been offered throughout the weekend carried out by communities, are geared towards connecting organizations and individuals physically, emotionally and throughout the territory. spiritually to one another, the ONA contributes to these actions salmon, and the land. This event through a wide range of projects, exemplifies the importance of initiatives and actions that further taking care of our land, water and support and enhance such animals as strong caretakers. activities. As an organization The kł cp̓əlk ̓ stim̓ Hatchery our contributions include the provided hundreds of thousands continuation of partnerships of sockeye salmon fry for that affirm Syilx values and ceremonial fry releases that took perspectives in the rejuvenation place at 6 Mile Creek (OKIB), of our first foods. Our work Trout Creek (PIB), and Mission moves towards protecting, Creek (WFN). These ceremonies enhancing, and preserving the are critical given that sockeye ecology, cultural ceremonies, salmon were nearly extinct in the relationships, and Syilx first food Okanagan Basin. In the face of systems. such challenges as climate change The 2016 sc’win food fishery supporting and working to exceeded forecasts and ensure food security is underlying expectations, with three times principle and work in addressing more fish returning than the current challenges to our Syilx originally expected. At the food sovereignty. same time we also witnessed a One of our key partners in marked increase in the number enabling these commitments of community members who continues to be Slow Food. The participated in the food fishery. Okanagan Sockeye artisanal The food fishery was a cause for fishery has received international celebration, with the distribution recognition through Slow of 13,000 sockeye to Nation Food International, including members and organizations. presentation of sc’win in Italy at Such a harvest ensures that our Slow Food’s international food communities have the ability festival, Terra Madre. Through to be sustained by some of the the Slow Food network we were healthiest foods we know. To see able to support community more of the harvest visit: participation, with Danielle www.youtube.com/ Saddleman presenting on Syilx watch?v=fSk7FX5Cyh8&t=25s food sovereignty at the Slow Fish As always, the Salmon Feast forum. ONA was also requested provides a weekend long to present and participate at the celebration focused on Slow Food Canada’s National environmental responsibilities, Meeting in Invermere, BC. community health, and cultural www.youtube.com/ practices. Bringing together both watch?v=MgiH5nfWXB0
33 2016 Food Fish Distribution Organization # Sockeye lbs Canoe Paddle 24 71 CCT 593 1779 Enowkin 119 356 lsib 1004 3013 Nkmip 41 124 NRC 296 889 OIB 1429 4286 OKIB 1927 5780 ONA 506 1519 PIB 1482 4446 UNIB 1749 5247 USIB 237 711 WFN 593 1779
The Syilx people are at the involved in the event, and one dam site for such work, forefront of the Indigenous continue to learn from such and over the last six years food sovereignty movement. experiences and gatherings. have undertook a leadership The En’owkin Center The ONA is committed to role in the establishment and their leadership are rejuvenating all indigenous and chairing of the Wilsey committed as their mandate fish stocks back to our Dam Fish Passage Committee states to always ensure territory, which includes and the BC Hydro Bridge the cultural integrity and the revitalization of chinook Coastal Restoration Program. protections of our Indigenous stocks within the territory. ONA continue this work in foods is central to our Tribal In December, 2016, as part order to move forward in work. From July 15-17th of a collaborative effort ONA the improvement of these 2016 they hosted the 18th received 15,000 chinook eggs affected Fish habitats fish Annual BC Food Systems from Colville Confederated passage to restore our Network Gathering, which Tribe’s Chief Joseph Hatchery. food fishery chinook, coho, included a side event These eggs were incubated, sockeye, bull trout, adfluvel “Gathering of Indigenous thermal marked, and reared rainbow trout on the Food Trading and Sharing at the kł cp̓əlk ̓ stim̓ Hatchery Shuswap River. (GIFTS)”, which provided the as part of the Chinook This year the committee opportunity to experience reintroduction program in the submitted a proposal that and trade indigenous foods Okanagan region. Expectation will allow us to work on from across the BC. En’owkin is to release the thermal Step 4 of the BC Hydro Fish hosted this important event marked fry in May 2017 Passage Decision Framework and has led the critical below McIntyre dam. process. In the previous work of Food Sovereignty In 2009, BC Hydro developed fiscal it was decided by we as a necessary element to no longer need to work on our Tribal Governance and implemented the, “BC Hydro Fish Passage Decision the Environmental Feasibility development which they Studies and can move guide and inform the work Making Framework,” which would allow planners and onto Preliminary Technical of ONA staff in particular our Feasibility Consideration Fisheries conservation effort BC Hydro to enter into a formalized process to that will involve engineered such as our Reintroduction solutions (options) and plans. of Sockeye Salmon, program, determine the viability of Chinook Recovery etc. As Fish passage at a number One of the many complex a key partner, ONA was of its dam sites. We have environmental challenges honored to have been highlighted Wilsey Dam as we currently face is the
34 increased number of invasive so that they may become relation to land and water species that have begun to future advocates for both helps to develop a sense of disrupt the balance of the salmon and their habitat. pride and responsibility. Every timwx. In the face of this, FinS supply the necessary aspect of the event from the as Syilx people we have equipment and support ceremony and release to the always been adaptable to needed in order for students activities afterward followed change and have the ability to raise fry from the egg the theme of environmental these invasive as potential stage. This program is pivotal responsibility and cultural opportunity to address such to reconnecting our youth pride. This was the second issues as food security for our with deeper understandings year we were able to communities. of n’titxw. ONA provides a successfully release fry from In collaboration with OIB, 29 Gallon tank with cover, our Nations hatchery. the 2016 Asia carp harvest stand/cart, aquarium chiller, The combination of included a catch feasibility and start up supplies; gravel, landscape of fragmentation and marketing testing. This filters, filter replacements, due to unchecked project led by Colette Louie siphon, insulated cover, development and modern an OIB member and ONA thermometer, water resource management fisheries supported with gear, conditioners as well as the practices continue to testing in Vaseaux Lake, ORRI salmon spawn. undermine the health and side ponds, and oxbows in This last year we provided wellbeing of our four-legged Penticton Channel. Over 100 tanks to 14 schools relatives, who are also an carp were harvested, with a including: Sensisyusten, integral to our traditional novel sunken lake trap, using Columbia elementary, food systems. Based on willow thatches as cover to Wiltse elementary, Carmi past CEC direction, ONA attract fish. Biosampling Elementary, Outma, Enowkin has been meeting with the and carcass testing for yield Centre, Cawston Primary, Province of BC regarding the and biological traits were Ntamqen, KVR middle school, development of an MOU for collected. Interesting aspect OK Falls, Oliver elementary, the shared responsibility for of this specific work was that Senpokchin, Tuc-el-Nuit, and wildlife and wildlife habitat Chefs from Indigenous World Osoyoos Elementary. within has been working wineries assessed a variety This program provides with member communities of methods to prepare the our children with direct to document oral traditional meat, with a pate being a top experience of bringing our and current laws, practices, pick among consumers. salmon back with classroom and protocols concerning Since 2003 ONA’s FinS (Fish science education that keeps Syilx hunting and wildlife use in Schools) in-class program the protection of our wild and management with a view has been educating regional sockeye salmon at the front toward protecting tmixw by students and teachers about of our minds. Teaching our ensuring that all hunters are the salmon lifecycle and the children the importance of aware of and following them. importance of their habitat our food chiefs n’tyxtix in
35 Connecting to the Land and Our Identity The essence of who Syilx supported in innovative and has been delivered to our people are is reflected and culturally grounded ways communities. One of the intrinsically connected to our to discover more about the primary focuses of the kwu lands and waters. In order strengths and gifts they xast program is teaching for our people to continue each have and uncover what our captikwl through play; to heal, grow, and prosper difference they hope to make through innovative and fun it is paramount that we in their family, community, ways we discussed their create opportunities to build and in the world at large. meaning, teachings, and community on and with Creating a space where protocols with the children the land. It is a common youth can safely explore who while focusing on our key teaching amongst many of they are, connect to their message that ‘we are better our Elders that if we don’t lands, and build community together.’ know our land we don’t truly together is a priority of the Over the past year, the know ourselves. Because ONA. Currently, there are R’Native Voice program of this, the ONA strives to numerous programs being sought to build partnerships develop opportunities for our offered and developed to and linkages with other ONA communities to be out on the build this space and enhance and community programs land honouring our identity support for our youth. and initiatives to increase as Syilx and awakening This year was the third year opportunities for youth purpose and strength. It is kwu xast, for ages 6-12 participants to have new essential that our youth be experiences. The ONA has
36 heard numerous requests by while becoming rooted in family, youth and their communities community, and nation. that an increase of land-based The project approach is a activities be offered through combination of (1) Syilx the program. Further, numerous methodologies, cultural calls to enhance connections and practices, and thought, (2) linkages with other programs and individual assessments, (3) skills cultural opportunities throughout mentorship, and (4) support from the Nation were also heard. industry partners to facilitate our Answering these calls, a review youth to enter (or re-enter) the and (re)development of the program labour market. Industry partners will be complete by fall 2017. will provide new employment In order for our people to pathways, offer new and continue to heal, grow, and improved employee preparation, prosper it is paramount that we and arrange adequate supports in create opportunities to build the workplace to ensure ongoing community on and with the land. success of Okanagan labourers. It is a common teaching amongst ONA also continues to nurture the many of our Elders that if we bond between elders and youth don’t know our land we don’t by hosting the intergenerational truly know ourselves. Because of Elder Youth Gathering, of which this, the ONA strives to develop there were two in the last year. opportunities for our communities This gathering allows for a space to be out on the land. where our elders and youth BRIDGES is a three year project share stories of resiliency, the that supports Okanagan youth past, and dreams for the future ages 15-30 to find success in while connecting and creating life employment or education by changing relationships. incorporating Syilx training and BRIDGES illustrates how the activities through a diverse range diversity of skills and resources of innovative methodologies. that culminate in a partnership The program is built upon the enable innovation and forward understanding that by creating thinking. For example, BRIDGES a program that is rooted in has partnered with IndigenEYEZ culture and place; our youth as one of the core facilitators will experience an increase in for our BRIDGES programming. confidence and personal strength. IndigenEYEZ provides learning The BRIDGES team is working with experiences that engage UBCO research partners to assist creativity and the arts alongside in the identification of barriers culture and on-the-land learning and potential solutions. The activities. This practice of data and information generated facilitation supports Syilx youth by this project will be gathered participating to make meaningful in order to adequately assess and authentic connection and and maximize the impact of the learning that is steeped through program. Sustained employment our cultural imperative. Other key barriers and response techniques collaborators include the En’owkin will be identified through Centre, who provides accredited a culturally grounded and training and skills development, individually tailored approach. with UBCO, who have a critical BRIDGES includes skills training, role in conducting the research cultural activities, and on the and analysis of this Pilot project. land learning to explore resilience through our rich Syilx heritage
37 Looking to the Future As we look toward 2017 there are a multitude of uncertainties and challenges that we must face together. The guidance and support from our elders, leaders, youth, traditional knowledge keepers and other community members will ensure that we have the direction and tenacity to address these demands. As we move forward we will continue to take advantage of the opportunities for collaboration, innovation, learning and creation, and in the process create a more sustainable and healthy world for future generations. We will Strengthen Syilx Governance by: • Advocating, lobbying, and achieving success in all Nation based initiatives; • Continuing active participatory community engagement that fosters inclusion input and guidance of elders, youth, and leaders; • Rejuvenating a diverse range of fish, including chinook salmon, throughout the territory; • In collaboration with US tribes, initiating a pilot reintroduction of chinook into the Upper Columbia; • Celebrating and living our culture and language by being out on- the-land; • Energy Executive Council successfully building capacity for Nation Business Investments and Energy Conservation initiatives; • Initiating a Hunting & Gathering Strategy; • Continuing moving our water work forward, including publishing nsiwɬk: The Language of Water Booklet; and finalization of the Water Strategy; • Establishing Community Care Circles through the YES program, which will allow for greater ability to respond to incidents of violence in the home; • Developing a Nation Cancer Care Strategy and Elder Care Strategy; • Completion of a Mental Health plan; • Hosting a “Wrap Around Approach to Suicide” Forum as part of the ONA Youth Mental Health program; • CEC commitment to Governance Development Process; • Support Annual Band Operated School Conference and initiatives; • Communication enhancement and support.
38 39 250.707.0095 | Toll Free 1.966.662.9609 | www.okanagannation.com