SOICS

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate, recognize, and learn about the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Here are some local events and workshops to check out and support!

🦅 Biodiversity & Bald Eagle's Home Workshop with Rock On Collective
📅 Saturday, June 20
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Naramata Creek

Join this relationship-building workshop exploring local biodiversity (ktɬəɬtan) through a sqilxʷ/syilx (Okanagan) perspective. Activities include paired walks to a waterfall, nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn language learning, and collaborative discussions on supporting local biodiversity.

Facilitator: skəkm̓xísaʔt (she/her), suknaqinx (Okanagan), raised in the area now known as Cawston. She has been studying nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn for the past five years and currently serves as a Language Administrator with the Okanagan Indian Band.

Register Here!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/biodiversity-and-bald-eagles-home

🌅 Sunrise Ceremony
📅 Sunday, June 21
⏰ 4:30 AM – 6:00 AM
📍 Okanagan Park

Hosted by the Ooknakane Friendship Centre, this special gathering offers an opportunity for reflection, connection, and celebration on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

2nd Annual Frybread Competition
📅 Friday, June 19
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Come celebrate Indigenous culture, community, and cuisine at this popular annual event.

For more information about the Frybread Competition and Sunrise Ceremony, please contact the Ooknakane Friendship Centre
📞 (250) 490-3504

We encourage everyone to participate, learn, and celebrate as we recognize National Indigenous History Month and honour the enduring cultures, knowledge, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in our community.

Join Anona Kampe of the Penticton Indian Band and syilx Okanagan Nation for an interactive land-based learning experience!

Explore local plants, animals, birds, insects, and landforms while learning through your senses outdoors. Anona will share traditional syilx Okanagan knowledge about harvesting practices, plant uses, and introduce participants to the nsyilxcn language through local species, place names, and water features.

📍 Location: Near The Lost Moose Lodge on Beaverdell Road.

Connect with SOICS about registration information!
(250) 492-6299, [email protected]

Interested in learning more about careers as a Pharmacy Assistant/Technician or Pharmacist in BC?

Join this valuable learning opportunity featuring guest speakers from BC Cancer Agency, who will share insights on hiring practices, qualifications, and training pathways in the field.

Connect with SOICS to register — space is limited

We’re getting ready to celebrate SOICS’ 50th Anniversary, and we want to hear from you!

Over the past 50 years, SOICS has proudly supported immigrants, newcomers, and our community. Now, we’d love to celebrate the people and stories that made this journey so meaningful.

Share your favourite SOICS memories with us; whether it’s a heartfelt story, a photo, a video, or even a short message about what SOICS means to you.

Let’s celebrate 50 years of community, connection, and service together.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

📧 Email us at [email protected]
📱 Send us a message on Facebook or Instagram: .penticton