siwɬkʷ Water Declaration
“The Okanagan Nation has accepted the unique responsibility bestowed upon us by the Creator to serve for all time as protectors of the lands and waters in our territories, so that all living things return to us regenerated. When we take care of the land and water, the land and water takes care of us. This is our law.”
– excerpt from the Syilx Water Declaration
In July 2014, the Okanagan Nation Alliance endorsed the Syilx Water Declaration that was put forth by the Natural Resources Council, which will be a living document. Syilx communities have always recognized and nurtured a strong connection towards siwɬkʷ (water).
We were placed in a sacred manner upon this earth and charged to care for and protect all of our relations within our homelands especially our most sacred relative, siwɬkʷ. These responsibilities were given to us by the Creator, kʷuləncútn and they have been upheld since the beginning of time by our ancestors. They now pass to us and our children through our grandmothers and grandfathers.
The Syilx Water Declaration serves as a living document on the Syilx relations and values to water. This document communicates the importance of water and responsibilities we have as Syilx people. The importance of water in Syilx communities and governance is related through captikʷł and the natural laws. Syilx governance systems have always sustainably and respectfully managed water.
Water is recognized as an entity to be protected and shapes the norms of Syilx people. The natural laws of the land have been passed down through captikʷł (oral histories). It is through captikʷł that the Syilx learn about their responsibilities to the water and land. The principles and responsibilities stated in the Syilx Water Declaration reflects the strong collective voice of the Syilx Nation and it is our responsibility to move forward and act for siwɬkʷ for everyone in the Okanagan for perpetuity.
There are many sacred aquatic areas and systems within Syilx territory that contribute to the physical, spiritual, and cultural health of the Syilx Okanagan people and sustain all tmixʷ (all living things). Spiritual practices are rooted in the land and waters of our territory. The tmixʷ and tmxʷulaxʷ (land) are the connecting threads between our ancestors and each new generation.
As part of this connection, Syilx Okanagan people recognize water as a sacred entity and family member that connects all life. The relationship to water is embedded in the language, in the bodies, and in the ways of Syilx Okanagan people. Water has the capacity to bring all people together through gatherings, feasts, and ceremonies.
How can you contribute and uphold the Syilx Water Declaration?
- Learn: Read, understand and share the importance of our roles as caretakers of the land and water.
- Share: this declaration with your class, colleagues and community.
- Act: Be mindful of your water consumption and usage – water is to be shared, not something we own.
See Also
Suggested Resources
Okanagan Nation Declaration
Syilx Okanagan Language Declaration
Syilx Unity Declaration
