"Welcome to the Traditional Territory of the Syilx People.
Wáy (Hello)
We are the Syilx-speaking
people – the original inhabitants of a vast and beautiful territory
that encompasses forests, grasslands, lakes and desert.
We invite you to discover all we have to offer, from unsurpassed
opportunities for travel and recreation to unique cultural experiences
and opportunities to partner in business development. This magazine
outlines some of the possibilities for you to learn about, work
with and experience the indigenous peoples of this land. We look
forward to sharing our past and our future with you!
Bridging the past and the present through sustainable development
For thousands of years, the Okanagan people were self-reliant
and well provided for through their own ingenuity and use of the
gifts of the land and nature.
We lived united as a Nation with a whole economy, travelling the
breadth and depth of our territory, hunting and fishing, growing
andharvesting, crafting and trading to meet our needs. Colonization
divided us from one another andfrom our way of life.
We were divided from the resources we relied upon, and our self-reliant
and self-sufficient economy collapsed.
 Today,
we are emerging as a resilient and determined people, working
to revitalize our communities and uplift our people to challenge
the barriers we face and to restore a high quality of life and
self-sufficiency. We believe that what we do today will impact
the next seven generations and we wish to leave them a testimony
of our commitment to business excellence and a legacy for which
our people will be renowned.
Across the Okanagan Nation, our people are coming together to
build our economies. A full time Business Development Unit provides dedicated resources to support capacity-building initiatives
through workshops, conferences and collaborative working projects.
We are engaging partners across the Nation and across cultures
to develop sound socio-economic strategies and integrated approaches
for developing and growing business enterprises for individual
entrepreneurs, Bands and the Okanagan Nation.
Our goal is to maximize our economic development through an emerging
model for regional cooperation by enabling a range of businesses
to operate under the umbrella of a professional, business-minded,
arms-length corporation that effectively manages resources and
assets to the benefit of all partners.
As stewards and protectors of the land, we analyze business opportunities
with environmental, social and economic development objectives
that respect our traditional values and knowledge, resulting in
sustainable development.
The Okanagan Nation is your gateway to each of the Alliance’s
seven member bands. Come see what we have to offer. Together we
can identify exciting opportunities for partnership development
and discovery!
Okanagan Nation Alliance -
t: 250.707.0095
www.syilx.org
Limləmt (Thank You)
Doing Business with the Okanagan
People
Doing business in any culture is undertaken according to an established
set of procedures, code of conduct, etiquette or behavior that
facilitates effective communication while respecting the values
and ideals of that culture. The business etiquette of the Okanagan
Nation is the same as for any First Nation in Canada. Developing
respectful relationships, initially from leader to leader, wherein
each party has invested trust equity, is key. Done correctly this
is a long-term investment. Consulting prior to establishing planning
is essential and requires sufficient time to build a mutual understanding,
mutual benefit, and internal capacity for engagement to consult
effectively. There are many long-term benefits and opportunities
for partners who wish to invest their interest, commitment and
assets into building relationships with First Nations in BC. Recognizing
this fact, BC businesses leaders over the last decade have begun
working to establish relationships with BC First Nations and are
realizing substantial benefits, while also changing the psychology
of the marketplace. 21st century leaders like John Winter, President
of the BC Chamber of Commerce stated in BC Business in May 2003
that ”The Throne Speech finally acknowledged the significant role
that First Nations will play in the economic revival in BC in
the next decade.”
Guiding principles for visiting or doing
business with First Nation communities
Terminology is important to have
established correctly. One of the most common questions raised
is how to reference Aboriginals. ‘Aboriginal’ is an umbrella term
used for three distinct groups of peoples; First Nations, Inuit
and Metis. The term First Nation generally refers to a ‘tribe’
of First Nation peoples. There are over 30 distinctly different
First Nations in BC, living in 198 First Nation communities (also
known as reserves or Indian Bands). The Syilx may be correctly
referred to as the First Nation, native or indigenous peoples
of this land.
Meetings
When invited to meetings with Okanagan First Nations, always thank
the First Nation whose traditional land the meeting is on before
you speak for the first time. For example, if you are at a meeting
in Kelowna, you would open your remarks by saying “I would like
to thank Westbank First Nation for welcoming us to their traditional
lands”.
Elders
Elders play an integral role in First Nation communities, especially
in terms of preserving language and cultural traditions. Elders
often provide an opening prayer at meetings, and educate those
present with their wisdom on issues. Our Elders have taught us
that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason: we should listen
twice as much as we speak. It is considered very disrespectful
to interrupt a person when they are speaking.
We trust that you will find
this introduction to terminology and protocol, and this publication
in general, helpful in creating understanding and building bridges
to learn about, work with and experience Okanagan First Nations.
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