7 Celebrations: Reconnect in the Thompson Okanagan Event Series
In the Thompson Okanagan, we are lucky enough to live in an incredible place that is composed of diverse communities and cultures. Here, we believe in sharing what we love about this region with each other and our visitors. We invited residents and visitors to enjoy the 7 Celebrations series of free events, to reconnect in the communities throughout the Thompson Okanagan.
7 Celebrations was named after the 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations Thompson Okanagan Pledge that was inspired by Indigenous philosophy that the actions we make today will have a lasting impact for 7 generations to come. We will celebrate the traditions, stories, and cultures of the region’s communities so they can live on for years to come.
Guests were invited to capture and share these celebrations with the hashtag #TO7Celebrations.
Reconnect in the Central Okanagan
May 20, 2023 - Memorial Park in West Kelowna, 3737 Old Okanagan Hwy
With the Central Okanagan warming up, join us for a kick off to summer event in West Kelowna where we will gather to celebrate the Okanagan community and Indigenous Culture through dance, song, storytelling and art from local artisans.
The Central Okanagan is composed of endless hiking and walking trails, beaches, wine trails, and rich culture. The Sncewips Heritage Museum, located in West Kelowna, is owned and operated by the West Bank First Nation and shares a growing collection of artifacts, histories, and oral stories with the public. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of the Syilx People from a Syilx perspective. This family friendly event will bring all of the exciting components that make up West Kelowna and the Central Okanagan together to create an unforgettable day of learning, reconnection, and fun.
Thank you to the sponsors of this event.
Reconnect in the Shuswap
Quaaout Lodge, North Shuswap, October 26-27, 2022
Red Barn, Sicamous, October 28-29, 2022
Song Sparrow Hall, 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.
Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at shuswaptourism.ca.
Reconnect in the South Okanagan
Oliver Visitor Centre, Oliver, November 25, 2022
Gyro Osoyoos Park, Osoyoos, November 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 (nsyilxcen).
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, storytellers, and fireworks being showcased at both the Oliver Visitor Centre in Oliver and Gyro Osoyoos Park in Osoyoos. An artisan market will be present both days showcasing local and Indigenous art.
Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at DestinationOsoyoos.com and VisitOliver.com.
Thank you to the sponsors of this event.
Reconnect in the Boundary
Christina Lake Community Hall, 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.
Join the celebrations and reconnect with your community and loved ones at this event that will mark the restart to the, at one time, annual Winterfest in Christina Lake with the popular Snow Pitch tournament. Local artists, artisans, performers, and storytellers will all be present to celebrate and educate locals and visitors of the history and culture of Christina Lake and Boundary Country.
**In anticipation of the Winter Fest, submit your favourite photos of Christina Lake in their photo contest in the hopes to be entered in the Christina Lake Adventure Guide.
Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at BoundaryBC.com.
Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at BoundaryCountry.com.
Thank you to the sponsors of this event.
Reconnect in the North Okanagan
Vernon Recreation Centre Auditorium, Vernon, February 5, 2023
Silver Star Mountain Resort, February 3-5, 2023
Vernon is within the Okanagan Nation traditional territory, also known as the Syilx Nation. S-Ookanhkchinx or Okanagan translates to "transport toward the head or top end." 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.
Join us in Vernon and SilverStar Mountain Resort and enjoy the celebrations of the local arts and culture along with winter activities during the yearly Winter Carnival. Live performances, local food, ice sculpting, and artisan markets (see list here) can all be enjoyed at this event. Learn more about the event at destinationsilverstar.com/7-celebrations/
Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at TourismVernon.com and DestinationSilverStar.com.
Thank you to the sponsors of this event.
Reconnect in the South Okanagan
Downtown Summerland, Summerland, February 18-19, 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, shop local products, enjoy family friendly activities, and learn about the Indigenous culture in the area from storytellers.
Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at VisitSummerland.com.
Thank you to the sponsors of this event.
Reconnect in the North Thompson
Sun Peaks Village, Sun Peaks, March 3-4, 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, to hunt and gather, develop traditional medicines, and for spiritual training and ceremonies for over 8,000 years.
Enjoy the fresh powdery snow and ski resort atmosphere while experiencing local artists, artisan market, live music performances and storytellers who will come together to showcase the culture and history of the North Thompson community.
Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at SunPeaksResort.com.
Thank you to the sponsors of this event.
Reconnect in Gold Country
Cache Creek Community Hall, 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.
Book your stay and plan to join the celebrations today at ExploreGoldCountry.com.
Funding
This series of events was funded in part by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, the Government of Canada and hosting Community Destination Management Organizations (CDMOs). Events management was by Gonzo Okanagan.
