7 Celebrations – Reconnecting the Thompson Okanagan Event Details
1. Reconnecting in the Shuswap
North Shuswap October 26-27, Sicamous October 28-29, Salmon Arm November 3-5,
2022
Celebrate culture and tradition in the Shuswap as 100 km of the region come together to host a series of events in the North Shuswap, Sicamous, and Salmon Arm. This series of events will feature cultural performances, Indigenous storytellers, local and Indigenous artisans, and a continued theme of welcoming the Sockeye Salmon home through the Uninterrupted Virtual Reality experience narrated by Dr. Mary Thomas.
The Adams River salmon run has always been an extremely important part of the Secwépemc Peoples traditions and food source and provided enough fish to eat fresh, dry, and smoke for the long winter months. The run also is the signal of the changing
of the season.
October 26-27, Quaaout Lodge, Chase, October 28-29, Red Barn, Sicamous,
November 3-5, Song Sparrow Hall, Salmon Arm.
More event details can be found at ThompsonOkanagan.com/7-celebrations
Book your stay and plan your trip at shuswaptourism.ca
2. Reconnecting in the South Okanagan
Oliver and Osoyoos, November 25-26, 2022
The Osoyoos and Oliver region is rooted deeply in Indigenous culture and history. The name “Osoyoos” originates from sẁiẁs (pronounced “soo-yoos”) meaning “narrowing of the waters” in the local Okanagan language (Syilx’tsn). Celebrate the changing of the seasons at this year’s Fire & Ice Light Up with live performances from local artists including Wildfire Gypsies, Dirt Road Opera, and
Raquel Cole being showcased at both Gyro Osoyoos Park in Osoyoos and Lion’s Park in Oliver. An artisan market will be present both days showcasing local and Indigenous art.
November 25, Lion’s Park, Oliver, November 26, Gyro Osoyoos Park, Osoyoos.
More event details can be found at ThompsonOkanagan.com/7-celebrations
Book your stay and plan your trip at DestinationOsoyoos.com and VisitOliver.com
3. Reconnecting in the Boundary
Christina Lake, January 27-29, 2023
Over the last 200 years, many intrepid explorers have visited Christina Lake and the surrounding area. Christina Lake was part of the region inhabited by the Sinixt First Nations, also known as the Arrow Lakes People. Age-old pictographs are at several places along the northeast lakeshore—evidence of these first inhabitants and visiting tribes. They offer a tantalizing glimpse into the region’s past.
Revisit the legend and lore of the lake and learn about the Indigenous, and later, Japanese culture that composes this community. Local artists, performers, and storytellers will all be present to celebrate and educate locals and visitors of the history and current happenings of Christina Lake and Boundary Country.
January 27-29, Christina Lake, watch for more details of location coming soon.
More event details can be found at ThompsonOkanagan.com/7-celebrations
Book your stay and plan your trip at BoundaryBC.com
4. Reconnecting in the North Okanagan
Vernon and Silver Star, February 3-5, 2023
Vernon is within the Okanagan Indian Nations traditional territory, also known as the Syeelhwh Nation, which means “the people who live here”. S-Ookanhkchinx or Okanagan translates to “transport toward the head or top end”. This is a reference to the people travelling from the head of the Okanagan Lake to where the Okanagan River meets the Columbia River. Silver Star mountain’s history reaches back centuries to include Indigenous use as a summer ground for hunting and berry picking. The first Winter Carnival in Vernon was held on Long Lake (Kalamalka Lake) on February 23, 1893. It was stated this was the first affair of its kind to be held on ice in the Province of British Columbia. The first annual Vernon Winter Carnival (as we know it today) was held in 1961. Through honoured Carnival traditions and exciting new opportunities, residents and visitors get to show their community spirit— to show the true Carnival spirit. Vernon and at Silver Star Mountain host the traditional Winter Carnival celebrations and reconnect to the culture in the North Okanagan through live performances, interactive experiences, local food, ice sculpting, and artisan markets. The diversity of the people in the North Okanagan is what makes it an incredible place to live and explore.
February 4, Vernon Recreation Centre Auditorium, February 3-5, Silver Star Village.
More event details can be found at ThompsonOkanagan.com/7-celebrations
Book your stay and plan your trip at TourismVernon.com and DestinationSilverStar.com
5. Reconnecting in the South Okanagan
Summerland, February 18-20, 2023
When you journey through the spectacular Okanagan landscape, travelers are following in the centuries six-thousand year old footsteps of the Okanagan peoples. Filled with vintners and entrepreneurs who honour the spirit of Summerland, the town has become a place where tradition meets innovation in perfect harmony.
Visit Summerland for a truly authentic Okanagan experience and enjoy live performances and buy local, shop local to support the businesses that hold the community together.
February 18-20, Downtown Summerland
More event details can be found at ThompsonOkanagan.com/7-celebrations
Book your stay and plan your trip at VisitSummerland.com
6. Reconnecting in Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks Resort, March 3-5, 2023
Sun Peaks offers deep steeps, long cruisers, glade zones, powder stashes, and corduroy groomers all found within 4,270 acres of skiable terrain. Three mountains surround a European-style, ski-through village filled with quaint shops, cafés, and eateries. The Secwépemc peoples have been venturing to Swelkwek’welt, known today as Sun Peaks Resort, to hunt and gather, develop traditional medicines, and for spiritual training and ceremonies for over 8,000 years.
Along with their rich culture and history, Sun Peaks Resort recognizes its women in sports that use Sun Peaks as their home base. Enjoy the fresh powdery snow and ski resort atmosphere while celebrating women in sports, experiencing local artists, artisan markets, and storytellers who will come together to showcase the culture and history of the North Thompson community.
March 3-5, Sun Peaks Resort Village
More event details can be found at ThompsonOkanagan.com/7-celebrations
Book your stay and plan your trip at SunPeaksResort.com
7. Reconnecting in Gold Country
Cache Creek, March 24-26, 2023
While Cache Creek blossomed as a supply point of the 1860s Cariboo Gold Rush, there are two stories on the origin of the town’s name. Some claim it derived from the fur trade of the 1800s when First Nations were the only inhabitants of the BC Interior and supplies were stored or “cached” in the valley junction. Others say it came from a stagecoach robbery that occurred during the gold rush. The Bonaparte First Nations or the St in Secwépemctsin, which means “people of Stuctuws” are empowered by a foundation of tradition, culture and language.
Gold Country is composed of rolling hills, deep valleys, endless lakes, and the Bonaparte River that connects to the Thompson River. Come together in Cache Creek and enjoy local artists, artisan, and storytellers as they share what life used to be like and how it has transformed to today’s life.
March 24-26, Cache Creek, Watch for more details of location coming soon.
More event details can be found at ThompsonOkanagan.com/7-celebrations
Book your stay and plan your trip at ExploreGoldCountry.com
Media release and images provided by Krista Lochhead, Hatch Hospitality.
