Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) youth will be able to help build confidence, connection, and leadership through culturally grounded programming, thanks to a large donation from Ottawa.
Kelowna MP Stephen Fuhr, the Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, announced on behalf of Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, $2.14 million in federal support for the band through the Crime Prevention Action Fund.
The announcement was made Tuesday, March 3, at the Head of the Lake Hall near Vernon.
The funding will support a community-led project that helps Indigenous youth aged 14 to 25. By strengthening ties to syilx teachings, cultural values, and the land, the project aims to reduce risk factors linked to crime while supporting wellness, identity, and community belonging.
“Supporting Indigenous-led approaches to community safety is essential to building a strong future for everyone,” said Fuhr. “This investment will empower Okanagan Indian Band youth to deepen their connection and community, while gaining skills and confidence they need to thrive.
“Guided by Elders, knowledge keepers, and local leaders, the project will strengthen the well-being of the entire community.”
Participants will have opportunities to learn from OKIB Elders and knowledge keepers, access healing and wellness supports, develop leaderships skills, and engage in arts-based cultural expression.
The project will also bring community members together to develop community safety protocols, strengthen cultural ties, and share safety resources.
The announcement comes just months after the OKIB Youth Leadership Council hosted a successful, sold-out second annual What Happens Upstream – A Time For Action conference. The one-day event drew a capacity crowd of 300 attendees aged 14 to 25 who wanted and needed their voices to be heard.
Kayla Ochoa, chair of the OKIB Youth Leadership Council, said the funding from Ottawa announced Tuesday will will continue to support the OKIB youth’s dreams, safety, education, and connection to the community.
“With this funding, we’re able to share much needed resources and information directly with youth in our community,” said Ochoa, who took part with her peers in an opening and closing drumming and singing at Tuesday’s announcement.
“We welcomed around 300 youth in October to the conference, which was an important milestone and only the beginning. As we continue to grow, we’re committed to learning alongside one another throughout this journey.”
OKIB and its youth leadership have come up with an ambitious five-year Indigenous empowerment plan through cultural reconnection and syilx safety protocols.
The project is designed to address specific needs within the community, focusing on reconnecting cultural ties, improving communication to address misinformation, and enhancing community safety to prevent crime.
The plans hopes to build a more connected, informed, and resilient community by fostering cultural pride, ensuring comprehensive communication, and promoting a safe environment.
“True community safety comes from connection,” said OKIB Chief Dan Wilson. “This $2.14 million in funding will support Okanagan Indian Band in strengthening cultural reconnection, land-based learning, and syilx safety protocols that help our people feel grounded, supported, and informed.
“When our youth, families, and Elders are connected to culture, language, and one another, we build resilience that reaches far beyond prevention and into long-term healing.”
Close to a dozen members of the OKIB Youth Leadership Council took part in the drumming and singing of traditional songs.
Elder Eric Mitchell served as emcee for Tuesday’s announcement.