On behalf of the planning committee, I would like to give a big thank you to everyone who participated in making Penticton’s National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration a success.
This was the fourth year that the event, which began as a small gathering organized by Jane Shaak, then executive director of the Okanagan School of the Arts, and Lauren Terbasket, then executive director of the En’owkin Centre, has been held on the grounds of the Shatford Centre.
It could only happen through a lot of hard work and the support of a lot of great people. Our fantastic planning committee had team members from numerous organizations. We would not have been as successful without the generous support of our sponsors.
Powwow emcee Levi Bent, host drum Highwater, second drum Eagle Valley, students from Outma Sqilx’W Cultural School and OIB SenPokChin school, Leon Louis, Dave Tattrie, dancers dressed in regalia and drummers of all ages made for a wonderful celebration of the culture and traditions of the Syilx (Okanagan) people.
Gus Timoyakin shared traditional cultural stories and Wynona Paul, our photographer, captured special moments and memories. Numerous local vendors and information booths also filled the lawns.
And, of course, the hundreds of attendees who took the opportunity to attend, celebrate with us and learn more about the cultural diversity of the First Nations.
Thank you so much for your support.
Karen Collins
Planning Committee