One Language. One Land. One Culture. One People.

In 1846, the Canadian-US border separated the Syilx Okanagan lands, without their involvement and consent. Despite the division, the Syilx Nation remains interconnected through cultural, familial, territorial, economic, and political ties. 

The Syilx Unity Declaration was signed on July 15^th, 2010, to signify a unified relationship between the Okanagan Nation Alliance and Colville Confederated Tribes; a relationship that has stood and occupied these lands since time immemorial.  

At Spirit Ridge Resort in Osoyoos B.C., the Chiefs and Council members of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, including the Colville Confederated Tribes Business Council (CCTBC), gathered to sign the Declaration of Unity. The event drew hundreds of attendees from both sides of the international border, including chiefs, councilors, and elders from our Nation, who came together to witness this historic signing. 

Members of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and Colville Confederated Tribes make this declaration to signify unity between the Syilx Nation.

See Also

Declarations

Suggested Resources

Okanagan Nation Declaration

"We are the unconquered aboriginal people of this land, our mother; The creator has given us our mother, to enjoy, to manage and to protect;" The Okanagan Nation Declaration is a significant document that embodies the collective aspirations, values, and rights of the Syilx Okanagan people.

Article, Document, Video | 5 min read

Syilx Okanagan Language Declaration

Our nsyilxcən language is our knowledge of the land, water and the tmixʷ. Our nsyilxcən language affirms the connections between the Syilx Okanagan Nation and other Salishan-speaking Nations.

Article, Document, Video | 3 min read

siwɬkʷ Water Declaration

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.

Article, Document, Video | 5 min read