The Westbank First Nation will be celebrating its history during the West Kelowna’s biggest party.
Several teepees will be erected during Westside Daze, forming a village where demonstrations such as arrow head making, pictograph rock painting and tulle mat weaving will take place. There will also be teepee theatre and a living history display full of pictures and information about the traditional lifestyle and language of the Westbank First Nation.
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Several different performances including drumming, dancing and a variety of traditional and contemporary presentations along with story telling will be offered for entertainment.
Na-ha-itk (known as Ogopogo to tourists) will make an appearance on stage as its original form and not as the story that has been told to tourists in the past.
“This is the history of this land, and it is the history that is never told,” Pamela Barnes, one of the organizers for the event said. “We have a long way to go in this country and to celebrate who are are, it’s a part of everyone’s history, too. It’s about time it came into the open and had a place. We celebrate every culture (in Canada) but we don’t celebrate the true history of this land and we have been here for so long (before colonization). I think that it’s important for everyone that is here in this land and uses its resources to understand the history, and the original caretakers of this land.”
Related: Westside Daze: Westbank First Nation celebrates culture
Westside Daze will be on Canada Day long weekend, June 29 to July 1. Westbank First Nation will be on stage Saturday from 12:50 p.m. until 4 p.m.
For a full schedule please click here.
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