By Brenda Giesbrecht
July 1, 2017 may be Canada鈥檚 150th birthday party, but the country鈥檚 history goes back farther than that 鈥� a long way back. Westside Daze offers a chance for you to learn about the local history going back a few thousand years.
鈥淲estbank First Nation is pleased to once again participate in the annual Westside Daze celebration, and to showcase our culture July 1 at sukanaqin sxelxalt (Okanagan Day),鈥� said Chief Roxanne Lindley. 鈥淭here will be everything from First Nation stories, music, art, dancing and performances, to displays, demonstrations and fun activities for all ages. WFN looks forward to working together to create a healthy community for all and to continue celebrating and acknowledging the strength and resilience of our syilx ancestors and nation members.鈥�
The sukanaqin sxelxalt events will be held on the grounds next to Johnson Bentley Aquatic Centre (3737 Old Okanagan Hwy).
RELATED: Westside Daze celebrates 15-plus decades in Canada
Displays include a teepee village, traditional fishing activities, artifacts and 鈥極kanagan life鈥� - a living history featuring plants, medicines, food gathering and traditional activities.
Demonstrations will include teepee raising, crafting arrowheads, rope making, tulle mat making and stick games. Hands-on activities include crafts such as beading, birch bark baskets and canoes, mini ribbon shirts and dresses, and salmon necklaces
There will entertainment on stage that includes storytelling, drumming, dancing, musicians and other entertainers.
Take time to enjoy the wealth of local history and present day Westbank First Nation culture at sukanaqin sxelxalt.
Okanagan Day takes place July 1 from noon to 4 p.m.
