含羞草视频 and Okanagan Indian Band Raise Flag and Celebrate Naming Ceremony at Vernon Campus
Visitors to 含羞草视频 Vernon campus will notice the OKIB flag flying proudly in the sky.
In a historic and meaningful ceremony at 含羞草视频 Vernon campus, members of the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), students, staff, and local community members came together to raise the OKIB flag. The event also marked a special occasion鈥攖he official name-giving ceremony for the newly constructed student housing building on the Vernon campus, which will serve as a welcoming space for learners from across the region.
After thoughtful consultation with local Syilx Okanagan Nation Elders, members, and educators, the building was named ect虛a蕯t虛ix史蓹x史lm i蕯 t虛ik虛史t l a蕯 nk虛蓹k虛maplqs, a Syilx term meaning 'Changing Colours of Kalamalka Lake.' The name was translated by Virginia Gregoire and Pauline Archachan, transcribed by Ashley Gregoire, and reviewed and verified by UBCO professors Dr. Jeanette Armstrong and Dr. John Lyon. Dr. Armstrong is an OC alumnus and both her and Dr. Lyon are educators teaching Nsyilxcn language.
As the sun highlighted the changing colours of the season, the ceremony emphasized the importance of this time of year for Indigenous peoples.
鈥淎s the seasons shift, we are reminded of the deep connection to the land and the significance of this change for our communities,鈥 said Allan Louis, OKIB Councillor. 鈥淭oday, we raise our flag on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan people, acknowledging our history and moving forward with education and partnership.鈥
The event comes just days ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30, a time dedicated to honoring the survivors of residential schools and those who did not return. Reflecting on this, Dr. Neil Fassina, President of 含羞草视频, spoke about the importance of education as a tool for reconciliation.
鈥淩aising the Okanagan Indian Band flag here at the Vernon campus is a visible reminder of our responsibility to recognize the truth of our shared history and work towards a future of respect and healing,鈥 said Fassina. 鈥淎s we move toward National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this flag stands as a testament to our continued journey together.鈥
Rhea Dupuis, Director of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation at 含羞草视频, reflected on the importance of ceremonies like this in advancing the College鈥檚 relationship with Indigenous communities.
鈥淭his ceremony is a powerful reminder of our ongoing responsibility to Truth and Reconciliation,鈥 said Dupuis. 鈥淏y raising the Okanagan Indian Band flag and naming this student housing building with the Syilx name, ect虛a蕯t虛ix史蓹x史lm i蕯 t虛ik虛史t l a蕯 nk虛蓹k虛maplqs, we are taking meaningful steps toward healing and strengthening our connection to the Indigenous peoples whose lands we are on.鈥
鈥淥ur ancestors remind us to honour the land, the seasons, and the work we do together,鈥 said Dupuis, speaking on the name chosen for the housing building. 鈥淭his building is more than a structure鈥攊t鈥檚 a place where students will find a home away from home, where they will grow, learn, and contribute to the future of our communities.鈥
The day closed with drumming and the raising of the OKIB flag, reinforcing the shared hope for continued learning, growth, and partnership.
For more information on 含羞草视频 commitment to reconciliation, please visit .
Hear the pronunciation of ect虛a蕯t虛ix史蓹x史lm i蕯 t虛ik虛史t l a蕯 nk虛蓹k虛maplqs here.
Tags: Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous Services, Indigenization, Partnership, Housing, Vernon