As Syilx people, gathering together for an event is a time honoured tradition. From gathering together for storytelling in the winters, or in the summers to fish, events continue to hold an important role in our daily lives.
Continuation of multicommunal social institutions of interaction, of kinship, gathering, and practicing activities language and ceremony is a vital contribution in today’s day and age, building or enhancing relationship support and help and identity for all involved. The concept of getting to know the land and each other is a long-term practice in health and well-being in all aspects of traditional land management and self-care.
These community focused events help encourage and instill cultural teachings, education and awareness for the Nation and the public, build success in terms of understanding cultural identity through holistic occasions such as the Unity Run, R’Native Voice, and Youth Leadership Gathering. These events give cause to ignite the spark and passion in the journey that youth, women, men, and elders transition through.
Upcoming Events
Annual Events
Spirit of the Syilx Unity Run
The Okanagan Nation Alliance’s Annual “Spirit of Syilx” Unity Run is scheduled to take place June 4-7, 2026. Over 100 youth and members from across the Syilx Nation will run to create awareness on suicide and violence. Participants will relay over 330 km starting from ncaʔm, Christina Lake, BC and run through the eastern portion of the Syilx Territory to qalisuʔ, Gerrard, BC. This Annual Run started in 2009 with the three major goals of the run: to create awareness of high violence in our Nation, to promote Nationhood among the Youth and to promote healthy living.
Programs in Community
Spirit of Sylix unity run
The Okanagan Nation Alliance’s Annual “Spirit of Syilx” Unity Run is scheduled to take place June 4-7, 2026. Over 100 youth and members from across the Syilx Nation will run to create awareness on suicide and violence. Participants will relay over 330 km starting from ncaʔm, Christina Lake, BC and run through the eastern portion of the Syilx Territory to qalisuʔ, Gerrard, BC. This Annual Run started in 2009 with the three major goals of the run: to create awareness of high violence in our Nation, to promote Nationhood among the Youth and to promote healthy living..
Annual General Assembly & syilx youth Leadership gathering
The Annual General Assembly takes place each year, along with the Syilx Youth Leadership Gathering. The event brings together the Syilx Okanagan Nation to celebrate our accomplishments and provide an opportunity for Nation members to come together. The AGA is hosted by each of the Syilx Okanagan communities on a rotating basis.
The 2026 AGA and YLG will be hosted by the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.