Learn how to pronounce snyaʕ̓tán (The nsyilxcən name for Vernon’s Active Living Centre)

Vernon’s new Active Living Centre now carries the nsyilxcən name snyaʕ̓tán, meaning ‘where they gather and play.’

The name was unveiled on October 7, 2026, by the Okanagan Indian Band and the City of Vernon. It was brought forward by Pauline Archachan, Herbert Bonneau, Virginia Gregoire and Doreene Kaye, who considered how the new facility would bring people together for recreation, activity and connection.

The name is now prominently displayed on the exterior of the building, with nsyilxcən words and syilx cultural elements also featured throughout the facility.

As the community becomes familiar with the name, OKIB is sharing an audio recording to help everyone learn how to say snyaʕ̓tán.

Listen and learn

Hear the name spoken in nsyilxcən, then try saying it yourself. The recording, provided by OKIB Elder Pauline Archachan, repeats the name several times and includes a slower pronunciation to help listeners practice.

Learning to say the name is a small but meaningful way to recognize the language of the syilx people and help ensure it continues to be heard and spoken throughout our territory.

The hope is that, for generations to come, snyaʕ̓tán will become a familiar name for a place where people gather, play and spend time together. While the facility’s official name remains the Active Living Centre, snyaʕ̓tán reflects its connection to the land, language and culture of the syilx people.”

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