R’Native Voice

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R’Native Voice : Speak Out and Be Heard : Okanagan Nation Youth Program

Establishment

R’Native Voice was established in 2005 to support Aboriginal Youth in the Okanagan Territory. It promotes teaching youth about their culture, history which will assist the youth to develop self-empowerment and to make choices that will support them to make decisions that will lead to a more sustainable future.

Program run through Sookinchoot.

Funding
Financial support for this initiative is provided by Ministry of Children and Families, Interior Health and First Nations Health Council.

Affiliates

Sponsored by the Okanagan Nation Alliance, collaborating organizations that participate include the seven Okanagan Bands and three urban Friendship Centres throughout the Okanagan Territory.

Including:

  • Okanagan Indian Band
  • Westbank First Nation
  • Pentiction Indian Band
  • Osoyoos Indian Band
  • Lower Similkameen Indian Band
  • Upper Similkameen Indian Band
  • Upper Nicola Indian Band
  • First Nations Friendship Centre
  • Sookinchoot Youth Centre
  • Ki-Low-Na Friendship Centre
  • Ooknakane Friendship Centre
Okanagan Nation Wellness Declaration

To support a holistic approach to Health and Social Development that promotes self-sufficient Okanagan Nation communities by integrating our traditional and cultural approaches to community wellness.

Workshop Topics

The Program runs 14 weeks in each community covering the following topics:

  • Okanagan History
  • Mask Making & Identity
  • Beliefs & Values
  • Depression & Suicide
  • Traditional Foods & Nutrition
  • Self Esteem & Stress
  • Goal Setting
  • Drugs & Alcohol
  • Lateral Violence & Racism
  • Bullying
  • Family Relationships
  • Residential School
  • Sexual Health
  • Crime Prevention & Community
  • Traditional Protocols
  • Community & Wrap Up

After completion of the 14 weeks of workshops, the youth assemble for a weekend campout gathering to promote nation unity and to celebrate the completion of the program along with their individual growth and achievement. Activities include: tipi raising, archery, drum making, double ball, sharing histories, hike and medicines, Okanagan language, story telling and workshops.

In the four years that the project has been running, over 200 Aboriginal youth have participated. When asked what they liked most about the project, youth consistently state:
“I want to learn more about my culture, and participate more in cultural activities.”

R’Native Voice Contact Information

For More Information Contact:
Amanda Montgomery, BA
R’Native Voice Coordinator
Email:
Phone: 250.707.0095 Ext:128 or
Toll Free: 1.866.662.9609
3255 Shannon Lake Road
Westbank, BC V4T 1V4
Toll Free: 1.866.662.9609
Fax: 250.707.0166
www.syilix.org