Language & Culture

Language & Culture Program works to strengthen the presence of nsyilxcən (Okanagan Language) and Syilx (Okanagan) culture throughout our community by creating meaningful opportunities to learn, share, preserve, and celebrate who we are as Syilx people. Guided by our Elders, fluent speakers, and cultural knowledge holders, our work supports language revitalization while honouring the teachings, values, and traditions that have been carried since time immemorial. 

Our programs and initiatives connect people of all ages with nsyilxcən, sqilxʷcawt (our Syilx ways of living and being), siwɬkʷ (the water) and tmxʷu̓laʔxʷ (the land) through immersive learning opportunities, community language classes, cultural gatherings, ceremonies, traditional teachings, land-based experiences, resource preservation, and community engagement.

By working together with families, schools, and community members, we help ensure that our language and cultural knowledge remain living, practiced, and accessible for future generations. 

As Syilx people, we carry the responsibility of ensuring that nsyilxcən, sqilxʷcawt, siwɬkʷ, and tmxʷu̓laʔxʷ continue to live through our children, our families, and our community. Through this work, we honour those who came before us while carrying these teachings forward for future generations.

kʷu səckn̓kn̓xtwixʷəxʷ k̓l aʔ nqilxʷcntət uł iʔ sqilxʷcawtət. 
Together, we are helping our language and our culture live and grow. 

Language Nest Program

An early childhood language immersion program for children ages 1 to 3. Through daily interaction with fluent speakers, Elders, and dedicated staff, children are immersed in nsyilxcən while learning through play, cultural activities, songs, stories, and everyday experiences.

Language Technology Program

A year-round program available by appointment or inquiry, that helps preserve and protect our community’s language and cultural history by digitizing older media such as photographs, audio recordings, video tapes, and other archival materials.

Community Language Program

OKIB offers community language classes for individuals interested in learning or strengthening their nsyilxcən language skills. Courses are typically delivered online in the evenings, providing community members with an accessible opportunity to connect with language, culture, and one another.

Cultural Requests

Our Language & Culture team works with Elders, fluent speakers, drummers, singers, and Knowledge Holders to help organizations respectfully incorporate Syilx language and culture into meetings, events, ceremonies, schools, and community gatherings.

Translation Requests

If you would you like an English word, phrase, sentence, message, job title, building name, or place name translated into nsyilxcən (Okanagan Language), our Language Team works alongside fluent speakers to provide accurate translations that honour the meaning and pronunciation of the language.

Before Submitting Your Request

We encourage you to review our Protocols & Guidelines for Respectful Engagement with Knowledge Holders. 

This resource provides guidance on cultural protocols, gift giving, honoraria, etiquette, booking procedures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help ensure respectful and meaningful engagement.