Chelsea's Journey as a British Columbia Ambassador Candidate : Exploring the Okanagan Nations during Meadowlark Festival

During the afternoon of May 17th I took part in my second Meadowlark nature Festival Event and attended Tour 66- Explore the Okanagan Nations which was held at Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre.

For the first part of the afternoon we spent some time listening to an Osoyoos Indian Band Elder. The elder passed along her knowledge of local food that is still commonly used by the OIB. She also talked a lot about her culture. For instance she started off with a Prayer. She told us that although she speaks the local Okanagan Language she is not fully fluent is and is still learning more about it today.

The elder taught us a lot about the Food of the Okanagan. One of the things she focused on was teaching us how to make Bannock [Fried Bread.] She also handed out samples of locally caught Salmon that had been dried.

During our mini indoor picnic of delicious Okanagan Nation Edibles we were presented with a buffet of locally produced Jams & Jellies. There was Elderberry, Mullberry, Saskatoon Berry, Blackberry, Strawberry, Black Currant, Wild Cherry and my personal favorite Rose Petal Jelly.

To make her rose petal Jelly she gently picks & cleans the rose petals. She let's them soak in warm [not boiling] water over night. She then strains the water and follows the gelatin instructions. It turns out this lovely pink color if done right and it was scrumptious!

She also had a pie there for us to sample as well as a selection of berries to eat.

Just before our time with the elder ended she asked her granddaughter [who was one of two young women helping her out] if she would sing us the Okanagan Song. The Okanagan Song is similar to o Canada in that it is an anthem of the Okanagan People. The Okanagan Song means Beautiful Land & we are grateful.

After our time with the OIB elder had ended we made our way to the theatre to watch 1 one of the movies that was produced by the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre. After that we met our tour guide in the cultural area to learn more about the history of the people.

Our tour manager talked to us about the importance of Inkameep School. We were shown surviving pieces of artwork that was made by the first students of the school. Most fascinating was the fact that we got to listen to a sound clip of the students of Inkameep school singing.

There is a huge amount of original artwork created by the students that has been meticulously preserved and displayed for future generations to continue to enjoy and most importantly learn from.

Just before we made our way outside we entered an indoor Campfire area and heard stories about the salmon in Osoyoos.

This was a very fascinating short film because the movie was projected above, below and all around us.

The Sights and sounds around us including a 3D diagram of the fish, was ever changing all around us to fully immerse us into the tale we were being told.

After learning about the journey of the Osoyoos Salmon and how things have changed for them [both the good & the bad] it was time for us to start exploring outside!

Once outside we enjoyed a brisk walk around the grounds [following the pathway of course.] Whilst learning about the beautiful Nature surrounding the grounds.

During our tour we were allowed to smell one of the trees because this particular tree smells like Vanilla, or cookies. It's the Ponderosa Pine tree.

Side note this tree was on a marked path. Meaning no nature was harmed in the smell of this tree. They didn't let us all stray off the path to go smell trees, I promise!
One of the unique parts of the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre is their re-creation of Aboriginal outdoor Village areas. This is the field. Did you know that the elders would work on the outer edges of the field with the Younger women working the inner parts. This was to ensure the protection of the young women and keep an eye on them.

This is a Sweat Lodge which was used to physically and spiritually cleanse the body. Lodges were created near creeks or lakes with the entrance facing east. Men and Women used the lodges in separate groups. The entrance tended to be covered making the inside pitch black and the ground was covered in Fir boughs, with water being poured over the heated rocks.
The Lodge represents the womb of mother Earth with the frame representing her ribs.

The last part of the village is the Pit house.
The Pit house is a Winter lodging used by several families. It's Earth covered and sturdy providing safety, protection and warmth during Winter Months.

This portion of the afternoon was set aside for a Q & A and provided an opportunity for open discussion.

Afterwards the afternoon ended and with it ended my first experience with the Meadowlark Nature Festival and the first afternoon I had spent at Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre in several years. All in all I had a truly wonderful day and learned soooooo much about my Community and it's culturally rich History and breathtakingly beautiful surroundings.

I cannot highly recommend both a tour at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre nor a tour with the annual meadowlark Festival enough!