Host: Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Indigenous Tourism BC, BC Tourism Resiliency Network
Presented by: Elders Pamela and Grouse Barnes Westbank First Nation
$30 | Registration is limited
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Indigenous Tourism team is hosting a 3-hour virtual workshop to empower tourism professionals to engage with Indigenous neighbours, businesses, and communities within Canada.
Join us for this journey to explore the history of the Syilx lands and peoples through the eyes of those that have cared for, and lived in balance with, for thousands of years. Striving to understand where we come from, where we are, and where we can go from here.
The workshop will include:
A glimpse into the Syilx Indigenous world view
History from the Syilx perspective and the impacts of Truth and Reconciliation
Current state of Truth and Reconciliation
How we can move forward in all humanity
About the Speakers: Elders Pamela and Grouse Barnes - Westbank First Nation
Grouse and Pamela Barnes are Adjunct Professors at UBCO School of Nursing. They are Honorary Fellows at Okanagan College and facilitate cultural teaching in partnership with Kelowna Heritage Museums, the Kelowna Art
Gallery, Rotary Centre for the Arts and Regional Parks.
Grouse (Wilfred) Barnes is a syilx knowledge keeper and member of Westbank First Nation. As one of the few fluent nsyilxcn speakers he is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the language. He serves as an Elder in Residence at Sensisyusten House of Learning, School District 23, and Okanagan College. Grouse is a member of the Okanagan Nation Alliance Critical Response Team and serves as a Spiritual Care Provider at Kelowna General Hospital. He also works with the Okanagan Nation on traditional lands management.
Pamela Barnes is a syilx educator/ knowledge keeper and member of Westbank First Nation. Her traditional syilx education is a lifelong journey starting with her great-grandfather Mickey Derrickson and other family and community
knowledge keepers. In true syilx tradition she strives to educate and mentor the next generations in all the work she does. Pamela’s academic background is in Aboriginal government. She is one of the founders of WFN’s Sensisyusten School and currently sits on the board. She has an extensive history of serving on numerous committees and councils for School District 23 and Okanagan College. Outside of education, Pamela serves on various committees, such as Okanagan Sustainability Leadership Council and WFN Community Consultative Group which works with the local RCMP.