Nk̓maplqs Iʔ Snm̓am̓ay̓aʔtn Iʔ K̓l Sqilxʷtət | Cultural Immersion School

The knowledge gathered and re-enlivened is represented by the spirals which Fox breathes into Coyote. In the center, after Coyote is brought to life, he protects the sunflower to allow growth and safety to exist as a being of the land. The sunflower represents the People-to-be. The sunflower is found on our homelands and grows from the land, coming back every year. The significance of the sunflower lies in the reawakening that comes with every spring. We come out of our period of storytelling and rest soon to move through the land/timxw, enacting the knowledge and responsibility we had learned during the winter months. The knowledge that had lied dormant but always was a part of us (Fox’s breath always being a part of him) has been in a period of ‘rest’ during colonization, with the implementation of the school allowing our children to have a safe space (Coyotes protection) to bring reawaken who we have always been. 

 

The dream of having a cultural school rooted in sqilxʷ ways of life became a reality on September 7^th 2006. The opening of the school was reliant on the determination, cooperation and support of OKIB elders, parents, educators, and community members. The educational experience at nk̓maplqs iʔ snm̓am̓ay̓aʔtn iʔ k̓l sqilxʷtət is unique and provides the opportunity for students to excel in sqilxʷ cultural and language learning. Teachers and instructors thoughtfully plan the academic and sqilxʷ programs meeting and exceeding provincial curriculum standards, connecting curriculum to sqilxʷ cultural perspectives. The school offers a student-centred approach to teaching and learning based on individual student strengths and interests. 

Guiding Principles  

• n̓haʔílsnt – be respectful  

• k̓ək̓níyaʔx – listen  

• x̌əsmncutx – do your  

• bestbx̌əsɬcawt – be kind  

• limtmnt – be grateful 

Mission Statement  

n̓kmaplqs iʔ snm̓am̓ay̓aʔtn iʔ k̓l sqilxʷtət instills pride and inspires success in our children through excellence in collaborative academic learning with a focus on traditional language and cultural teaching. 

Vision and Goals  

• Our children need access to excellent learning outcomes regarding the Okanagan language, knowledge, and culture. 

• Our children need access to excellent learning outcomes related to the BC Provincial School Curriculum and world knowledge. 

• Our children learn in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment. 

• An education that reinforces our Okanagan Language & Culture, and traditions 
  Prepare our children for further education and career choices. 

• Our school, teachers, and the total learning environment reinforce, appreciate and provide various learning opportunities. 

• To restore confidence in the accumulated knowledge and wisdom of our ancestors, grandparents, and parents. 

History  

When the Daycare opened in 1997 it included a Full Day Kindergarten Program. In 2006 the Okanagan Indian Band decided to expand beyond Kindergarten to include Grades 1 through 4. These classes operated out of the portable at Six Mile. During this first year, 14 students enrolled and a teacher and an Elder were hired. 

In September 2007 the school expanded to Grade 5 and then to Grade 6 in September 2008. The Immersion school went through the FNSA School Assessment process and was certified along with the Preschool and Kindergarten programs. In 2010 the school was granted an expansion to include Grade 7 and classes moved over to the old preschool/health building. 

In 2015 the First full-time Principal was hired for the school and we have had a Principal or Vice Principal in place since. In June 2018 the first children who attended the immersion school in Grade 1 when the school opened graduated from High School. 

Finally in September 2025, after many years of community and staff support in designing and fundraising, the new nk̓maplqs iʔ snm̓am̓ay̓aʔtn iʔ k̓l sqilxʷtət Cultural Immersion school Opened across from the Kindergarten and close to Komasket Park. The new school will help support children in our community for many years to come in the larger facility which even features a full size gym, drumming room and more! 

Programs and Services 

The school reception is open from 8:00am – 4:30pm each day. 

School is in session from 8:50am – 2:55pm 

Services provided: 

• 30-60 minutes of Okanagan Language and Culture daily for Kindergarten & Grade 1 

• 60-75 minutes of Okanagan Language and Culture daily for Grade 2 – 7’s 

• Nutritious morning snack and lunch 

• Land-based field trips 

• Outdoor Education 

• Applied Design and Skills Technology rooted in culture 

• Speech and Language services 1.5 days per week 

• Occupational Therapy a half-day every 4 weeks 

• Certified Teachers 

• Certified Education Assistants 

• Full size gym 

• Drumming room 

Student Registration Package Forms (PDF)  

Parents Handbook (Updated copy coming soon)