Okanagan Indian Band

Band Council Meeting
2024-11-25 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Head of the Lake Hall, 118 Head of the Lake Road
Band Council Meeting
Members, The upcoming Band Council meeting will be held in person at the Head of the Lake Hall & on zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86894356051?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 868 9435 6051
Passcode: [REDACTED]
OKIB posts Band Council information to the Band Council Portal.
To access the Band Council information you must log onto the portal:
https://okib.civicweb.net/user/signin
**Members are asked to identify themselves on the Zoom call by entering their names. This is to help ensure that members only are present on the Zoom call.**

OKIB Family Ice Time
2024-10-05 18:30 - 20:30 | okanagan training rink, 5204 27th street
OKIB Family Ice Time – Saturdays 6:30pm-8:30pm @Okanagan Training Rink, 5204 27th ave, Vernon

October 5th to March 22nd, 2025

No registration needed!

OKIB Family Ice time will run from October 5th to March 22nd, 2025

Need skates or gear? contact Brendon Caron at: 250-241-6945

Meat smoking workshop
2024-11-23 10:00 - 14:00 | New Horizons
Meat smoking workshop – November 23rd 10:00 Am – 2:00 Pm @ New Horizons building

Way’ Members, the Language Nest is hosting a workshop on how to smoke meat with Justin Joe on November 23rd at New Horizons.

Register here:

https://forms.gle/gJLcuoBWYCrXtPb68

Be prepared to be outside (dress warmly).

OKIB Family Swim
2024-11-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Vernon Rec Center
OKIB Family Swim
November 22nd 7:00pm – 9:00pm @ Greater Vernon Recreation Centre
-Children under 7 years must be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years or older.
OKIB Youth Activities will take care of members swimming lessons
Swimming lesson registration opens November 25th, for Jan-Feb lessons
Please specify if you would like your child’s swimming level to be assessed during family swim!
To register please can the QR code or contact activities@okanangan.org or 250-241-6946

Arrow Lakes - Community Witness Hearing
2024-11-19 09:00 - 16:30 | Head of the Lake Hall, 118 Head of the Lake Road
Arrow Lakes – Community Witness Hearing November 19th-22nd 9:30 am-4:30 pm @ Head of the Lake Hall
The community witness hearing will be taking place at HOL from November 19th-November 22nd, 2024 from 9:30 am-4:30 pm with the exception of November 19th which will start at 9:00am to allow for an Opening Ceremony.
OKIB community members are welcome to attend the community witness hearing. However, it is a formal process, similar to court, so only community members invited to be witnesses and legal counsel will be speaking.
Background:
Specific Claims Tribunal to seek compensation for the Arrow Lake reserve. We have argued that Canada failed to honour its duties to OKIB by refusing to transfer the Arrow Lakes reserve to OKIB when Arrow Lakes and OKIB asked to be combined into one band in the 1950s.
THE ARROW LAKES RESERVE
In 1952, Annie Joseph was the last remaining member of the Arrow Lakes Indian Band. She had descendants and other relatives in the Okanagan Indian Band, so Annie and OKIB asked Canada to combine the two bands. This would have meant that the Arrow Lakes reserve would have become an OKIB reserve. But Canada refused. When Annie died, Canada declared the Arrow Lakes Indian Band extinct and gave the Arrow Lakes reserve to British Columbia.
The purpose of the community witness hearing is for community members to share their knowledge about the Arrow Lakes reserve and Annie Joseph’s request to combine the Arrow Lakes Band and OKIB. If you have information on these topics, and a member of our team has not yet spoken to you, please contact one of OKIB’s lawyers, Christina Joynt at cjoynt@jfklaw.ca or 416-587-0936.

Little Warriors Program
2024-10-08 18:00 - 19:00 | New Horizons
Little Warriors Program Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm – 7pm @ New Horizons
Program begins October 8th and runs until December 5th.
For Youth ages 5-10
Little Warriors is another new program being developed at OKIB Youth Activities. It can be best described as “Syilx Scouts”. Combining inspiration from Scouts Canada’s manual and Syilx traditional teachings, with supports and training from You Power, NCCP, and local facilitators, this program will give OKIB kids a greater connection to our land and water, a broadened sense of community and responsibility, a bigger respect for our history and traditions, independence, problem-solving, and more, in a fun and age-appropriate environment!
To register please contact: activities@okanagan.org or 250-241-6946

Intro to Gymnastic
2024-10-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Bluebird building
Intro to Gymnastics Thursdays 4:00pm-5:00pm, Drop off and pick up at Bluebird building

Ages 6-12, limited spots available!

Program will run from October 10th to December 5th.

New to our slate of introductory Athletics programs is Rhythmic Gymnastics at the Canoe Shed with OKIB’s-own Mishra Cameron! Mishra is an outstanding Gymnast and Coach and also a 2021 Premier’s Award winner for “Indigenous Excellence in Sport”. After incredible engagement with OKIB Youth during 2024 Summer Sports Camp, we are thrilled to add Mishra and her expertise to our already stacked line-up of activities! Look for this one to begin in October!

To register please contact: activities@okanagan.org or 250-241-6946

Elders Nsyilxcen Bingo Night
2024-11-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Bluebird building
Elders Nsyilxcen Bingo Night – Wednesday November 20th 5:30 pm – 7 pm @ Bluebird building

Join us for an evening of Bingo fun and prizes at our Nsyilxcen Bingo Night (note: numbers will be shown or said in nsyilxcen and english as well)

Co hosted by the OKIB Elders program & Language and Culture Department

For more information contact Sharmaine at 250 241 4934

Diversion Focused Justice Planning meeting
2024-11-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Round Lake Hall, Chilhitza Road
Diversion Focused Justice Planning meeting
November 20th 5:00pm – 7:00pm @Salmon River/Round Lake Hall
The Diversion Focused Justice Planning will be developed by community.
We invite you to learn about what programs and services are available, have open conversations about what your needs are and to build services and partnerships that meet the needs of community.
A light dinner will also be served.
Please join us to learn, share and collaborate.
Note: Diversion Focused Justice Planning will be hosted at Head of Lake and Six-mile ~ Dates to be identified soon… in the New Year.

For more information:
Michael Ochoa 250.309.0353

S.T.E.M afterschool program
2024-10-09 16:00 - 17:00 | Bluebird building
S.T.E.M Wednesdays 4:00pm-5:00pm @Bluebird building

For youth grades 1-7

Program will run from October 9th – December 4th

Dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, and math with UBCO’s iStand STEM program. Hands-on activities and interactive projects will spark curiosity and innovation. September to December will focus on how STEM can be applied to our environment through the lens of Land Stewardship.

Registration form: https://forms.office.com/r/ZxUHDnJewN

To register please contact: activities@okanagan.org or 250-241-6946

MMA Classes
2024-10-07 16:00 - 17:00 | canoe shed (upper health building parking lot)
MMA Classes – Mondays and Wednesdays 4:00pm-5:00pm @ the Canoe shed beside the Health Building
Program will run from October 7th – December 4thFor Youth Grade 1 – 7
Returning for another year is our Mixed Martial Arts program in the dedicated space at our Canoe Shed outside the Health Clinic. OKIB Youth will learn fundamentals and physical literacy in a safe environment while having fun and learning valuable lessons on sportsmanship, perseverance, and hard work! Join Rylie and her assistant coach Taylor Lalonde starting Oct 7th!To register please contact:Brendon Caron: 250-241-6945oractivities@okanagan.org or 250-241-7074

November Parent's Forum Education Night
2024-11-20 08:00 - 17:00 | New Horizons
November Parent’s Forum Education Night

Wednesday November 20th 5:30pm-7:30pm

Please register here:

https://forms.office.com/r/GLmdJDju7q

Deadline to register to be eligible for a grocery card is November 15th

You can also leave feedback on Padlet if you are unable to attend the meeting.

https://padlet.com/school365/november-parent-forum-okb4o3tbj097w50l

Round Lake, Madeline Lake, Heart Lake and Salmon River (RMHS) Water system improvements project Open House
2024-11-19 17:30 - 19:00 | New Horizons
Round Lake, Madeline Lake, Heart Lake and Salmon River (RMHS) Water system improvements project Open House
November 19th, Drop-in anytime from 5:30pm-7pm @New Horizons, #8 Bonneau Rd
Way’ Members, on November 19th, drop in on our open house to learn more about the proposed RMHS water system improvement project including information about the project, door prizes and a to-go style dinner.

Community Double Feature Movie Night
2024-11-19 17:00 - 22:00 | vernon towne theatre
Community Double Feature Movie Night @Vernon Towne Theatre, November 19th 5:00pm-10:00pm.
Registration: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=XcU_HRxjgkOIb8O_PgU74_aBm8CSdaRJlNz2UNWSmrBUMDJCSE5CVTdSV1BMMDBaUjc3Q0tPVllSSi4u
Join us for a special double-feature movie night hosted by the Okanagan Indian Band’s Harm Reduction Team at the Vernon Towne Theater! On November 19, from 5:00-10:00 p.m., gather with friends, family, and community members for an evening of entertainment, connection, and shared stories—all free of charge.
The event kicks off with Tea Creek, a powerful community wellness film centered around the inspiring Tea Creek project in Kitwanga. Following this, we’ll lighten the mood with some holiday cheer in The Grinch (2018). Enjoy complimentary pizza, drinks, and popcorn as we come together for this night of cinema, snacks, and community connection.
Don’t miss this chance to make lasting memories—mark your calendars, and we’ll see you there!
For questions or to register, contact:
Nicole Sullivan, Harm Reduction Peer Support Worker
250-309-7364

Hockeyball Afterschool program
2024-10-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Head of the Lake Hall, 118 Head of the Lake Road
Hockeyball Afterschool program Tuesdays 4:00pm-5:00pm @Head of the Lake Hall

For youth grades 1-7

Program runs from October 8th to December 3rd.

Get active and have fun with a unique twist on hockey! Our Canucks Hockeyball program combines traditional hockey skills with creative ball game play for an engaging and energetic session. Youth Activities Staff have been trained as coaches by the Canucks organization and are ready to share their knowledge with participants of every skill level!

Registration form: https://forms.office.com/r/ZxUHDnJewN

or

activities@okanagan.org or 250-241-7074

OKIB Elders Program - Swim for Health
2024-11-19 11:00 - 12:30 | Vernon Rec Center
OKIB Elders Program – Swim for Health
11:00am – 12:30pm Tuesdays, October to December 17th, 2024 (Excluding Holidays) at the Vernon Recreation Centre

*You Must show your OKIB Status card*

Come out and enjoy a swim / sauna / steam room or hot tub
For more information please contact:
Sharmaine Gregoire: 250-241-4934

Fit Nation
2024-10-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Bluebird building
Fit Nation – Tuesdays from 11:00am-12:00pm at the Bluebird building
Fitnation is a physical activity program and can be modified to fit with al fitness and mobility levels!
-Regular light exercise can reduce pain, relieve stress, improve sleep as well as improve flexibility and balance.

Invitation to help create a Post-Wildfire Wellness Plan
2024-11-18 17:00 - 19:00 | New Horizons
Invitation to help create a Post-Wildfire Wellness Plan
New Horizons, November 18th from 5pm-7pm
Please join us to share your ideas on what a culturally based wellness plan should look like to support your recovery from the wildfire.
Indigenous Services Canada has offered to fund the development of this wellness plan as part of the recovery process.
For more info please contact Jenelle Brewer, Recovery Manager at:
recoverymanager@okanagan.org
Event Schedule
5 PM – Doors Open
5 – 5:10 PM – Welcome Remarks
5:10 PM – Opening Prayer
5:15 PM – Dinner Served
5:45 – 6 PM – Presentation
6 – 7 PM – Open Dialogue

Lil Chefs afterschool program
2024-10-07 16:00 - 17:00
Lil Chefs afterschool program Mondays 4:00pm-5:00pm @Bluebird building

For youth grades 1-7

Program will run from October 7th to December 2nd.

Dive into the culinary arts with local chef Chantelle Eustache. Young aspiring chefs will explore new recipes, cooking techniques, traditional Syilx foods, nutrition and healthy habits, and the joy of creating delicious dishes.

Registration form: https://forms.office.com/r/ZxUHDnJewN

or

contact: activities@okanagan.org or 250-241-7074

Band Council Meeting
2024-11-18 09:00 - 12:30 | Council Chambers
Band Council Meeting
Members, The upcoming Band Council meeting will be held in person at the Head of the Lake Hall & on zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86894356051?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 868 9435 6051

Passcode: [REDACTED]
OKIB posts Band Council information to the Band Council Portal.
To access the Band Council information you must log onto the portal:
https://okib.civicweb.net/user/signin
To register for free access to the Band
Council Portal, follow this link:
https://okib.ca/uploads/files/Portal-landing-page.pdf
**Members are asked to identify themselves on the Zoom call by entering their names. This is to help ensure that members only are present on the Zoom call.**

Lets Bowl - OKIB Elders Program
2024-11-18 08:00 - 17:00
Lets Bowl – OKIB Elders Program
November 29th 1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Lincoln Lanes, Vernon
-No charge
-Light snack provided

Please register with Sharmaine: 250-241-4934

Duck Lake Mail in ballot pick up - 99 Year term lease referendum
2024-11-14 16:30 - 18:00 | Duck Lake Gathering Place (10591 Okanagan Centre Road East, Lake Country)
Duck Lake Mail in ballot pick up – 99 Year term lease referendum
November 14th 4:30pm-6:00pm
Way’ Members, The OKIB Lands Department will be at Duck Lake to pick up your mail in ballots on November 14th from 4:30pm – 6:00pm at the Duck Lake Gathering Centre, 10591 Okanagan Centre Rd East in Lake Country.
Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tqLHVUt4S4EwTBYe9
Sherry Louis will be on location picking up the ballots. If you have any problem getting to the location please contact her at: 250-306-2866
If you live in Duck Lake IR7 and have not received a mail-in ballot please contact the Lands Department.
250-542-3444 EXT. 4016
or landsadmin@okanagan.org
