Westbank First Nation Elders, Okanagan College (OC) students, staff, and community members gathered to celebrate the gifting of Syilx Okanagan names for the college's newest student housing complex.
Elders Pamela and Grouse Barnes bestowed the names citx史 ki snmymya蕯tn, meaning 鈥渉ome for school,鈥� for the building, and sn虛蕯ull虛stn, meaning 鈥渁 place to gather,鈥� for the common area. The KLO Road facility highlights Indigenous culture with features like a feather design by Syilx artist Clint George and story poles by artist Les Louis.
鈥淲e are continually looking for ways to enhance access to education for Indigenous students and for people from all backgrounds and cultures,鈥� James Coble, dean of students, said. 鈥淭his is truly a heartwarming addition to our campus housing building, having these names, and having this art in here.鈥�
Brent Basil, a first-year Human Services student living in the building, shared his appreciation. 鈥淓ven though I am not Okanagan, I do feel welcomed by the Okanagan people,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat means the world to me as I finish up my first semester.鈥�
OC President Neil Fassina emphasized the building鈥檚 connection to the traditional territory of the Syilx people and the Westbank First Nation. 鈥淚t features amazing art, and now fortunately features traditional names,鈥� he added. 鈥淚t's a beautiful testament to the lands we are on and a fitting place that this is authentically a place that students actually call home.鈥�
Rhea Dupuis, OC鈥檚 director of Indigenous relations and reconciliation noted that the college is committed to honouring the Nations throughout the Okanagan. 鈥淲alking together with Indigenous communities toward Truth and Reconciliation is vital as we work to improve access to education for Indigenous learners,鈥� she said.
Elder Grouse Barnes, a Syilx Knowledge Keeper, did his best to give the audience a Sylix language lesson, including how to pronounce the building names. 鈥淣ot bad, there鈥檚 a test later,鈥� he joked.
The 216-bed student housing facility, which opened in September 2024, provides students with spaces for studying, socializing, and connecting. Amenities include common areas, laundry facilities, and bike storage.
