“We are pleased to break ground for the new school. At the heart of our traditions, we Syilx nurture the roots of wisdom. Our Cultural Immersion School—nk̓maplqs iʔ snm̓am̓ay̓aʔtn iʔ k̓l sqilxʷtət—is a place where heritage becomes the compass guiding future leaders on a journey of knowledge, respect, and unity.”

Byron Louis
Chief of the Okanagan Indian Band

OKANAGAN INDIAN BAND, VERNON, BC, Feb. 22, 2024 /CNW/ – The Government of Canada is working in partnership with Indigenous communities to help establish educational institutions that will deliver quality, culturally appropriate programs and services for children.

Today, the Okanagan Indian Band held a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the construction of a new Okanagan Indian Band Cultural Immersion Elementary School. When complete, the new facility will provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for future generations to come. Students can thrive while embracing the Sqilxw language and culture as well as all forms of academic success.

Located on Okanagan Indian Reserve #1, the new school will replace the aging and outgrown Cultural Immersion School building. The new school’s seven classrooms, gymnasium, library, kitchen, language, culture and administration areas will support the Okanagan Indian Band in expanding a culturally appropriate learning environment for the community’s kindergarten (age 4) to grade 7 students.

Working in partnership with the community, the Government of Canada has committed $19.3 million to this important school project. The Okanagan Indian Band will contribute $2.85 million.

The new Okanagan Indian Band Cultural Immersion School is expected to open for students in September 2025.