Media Release: Okanagan Indian Band Opens New Cultural School on Westside Road

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The Okanagan Indian Band has officially opened a new cultural immersion school — nk̓maplqs iʔ snm̓am̓ay̓ʔtn iʔ k̓l sqilxʷtət (The place where our children learn our Indian ways) — located at 11555 Westside Road. The 26,200-square-foot facility replaces the previous learning space established in 2006 and will support education for Kindergarten to Grade 7 students.

Designed in collaboration with the OKIB Education, Language and Culture Department, the school includes 12 classrooms, a full-sized gymnasium, a language and culture room, a library, kitchen and cafeteria, and flexible learning spaces. Outdoor areas support land-based education and include separate zones for primary and intermediate grades, gathering spaces, and greenspace for future expansion.

“This school reflects the vision and commitment of our community to deliver education that is rooted in culture and built for the future,” said Chief Dan Wilson. “For generations, our people have fought to keep our language and traditions alive. This school is a response to that call — a place made by and for our people, where future generations can walk through the doors and know they are seen, heard, and valued.”.

The new school was funded through a $19.3 million investment from Indigenous Services Canada and a $2.85 million contribution from OKIB.

“The opening of the nk̓maplqs iʔ snm̓am̓ay̓ʔtn iʔ k̓l sqilxʷtət Cultural Immersion School is a powerful demonstration of the Okanagan Indian Band’s commitment and hard work to advance education. This crucial work is grounded in language, culture, and identity — Chief Wilson and the entire community have demonstrated their tremendous vision and leadership. This new facility will be a space where children can grow academically while staying connected to their identity, as Syilx people. This work is essential to the legacy and longevity of Indigenous culture,” said The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services.

OKIB Chief and Council would like to acknowledge and thank efforts and vison of past Chief and Council in helping to make the school a reality.

Construction began in February 2024 and concluded in summer 2025.

Quick Facts:

• School Name: nk̓maplqs iʔ snm̓am̓ay̓ʔtn iʔ k̓l sqilxʷtət (The place where our children learn our Indian ways)

• Project size: 26,200 sq. ft.

• Classrooms: 12 (Kindergarten–Grade 7)

• Funding: $19.3 million (ISC), $2.85 million (OKIB)

• Construction period: February 2024 – July 2025

• Location: 11555 Westside Road, Vernon, B.C.

Media Contact

Josh Winquist Manager, Communications and Events Okanagan Indian Band communications@okanagan.org

Media Contact

Indigenous Services Canada Media Relations media@sac-isc.gc.ca