INDIGENOUS OKANAGAN COLLEGE

As part of the Indigenous OC initiative, Okanagan College is gifting Indigenous graduates with commemorative convocation stoles designed with pictographs from both the Syilx Okanagan and Secwépemc nations.

Indigenous Services collaborated with local Syilx Okanagan and Secwépemc Knowledge Keeper and Artist, Les Louis, to create beautiful Indigenous-designed stoles. With family lineage to both Lower Similkameen, and Bonaparte Indian Bands, Louis says “My creativity stems from many influences, but none so important as my culture, language, traditions, and mother nature.” Respectively, these stoles were created with local Syilx Okanagan and Secwépemc designs, including pictographs of a canoe family and three eagles.

Pictographs have been created by Syilx Okanagan and Secwépemc peoples for thousands of years and are found throughout the region. Each pictograph’s meaning is specifically relevant to the place that it is in. The depictions of pictographs range from being a representation of specific ceremonies and protocols, to practical maps as to where to find certain resources, to acknowledging social and societal structures as well as important sites. Many pictographs provide insight as to how and when to utilize certain resources and many traditional knowledge keepers are able to decipher and share this knowledge today. The pictographs chosen for the convocation stoles carry traditional meanings, however, have been slightly modified for our use and carry symbolic meaning to Okanagan College.

The three people in the canoe are symbolic of the three Okanagan College campuses that exist on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan people. These three campuses, Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon are connected by Okanagan Lake. The canoe family illustrates the collaboration and connection of faculty, staff and students at all campuses, paddling together on an educational journey. The three eagles are a Secwépemc design, representative of the Salmon Arm Campus residing on the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc nation. The three eagles carry a special significance as eagles, and their feathers, are honored and revered with the utmost respect. Eagles are also considered messengers, bridging a sacred and spiritual connection to the Creator.

For all Okanagan College convocation ceremonies, students and employees with Indigenous ancestry may choose to wear their traditional Indigenous regalia, in lieu of a gown and hood. Traditional regalia refers to the traditional and sacred clothing, accessories and pieces worn or carried by Indigenous peoples during various ceremonies, such as powwows, celebrations and pan-national gatherings. As regalia are personal and sacred outfits, it is appropriate to approach and inquire, however, please refrain from touching without consent.

To learn more about Indigenous convocation stoles and the meaning of the pictographs, please visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/indigenization.