Big plans begin with new centre opening

An amazing new facility that opened in June celebrates the lands and legends of the Osoyoos Indian Band through historical time to the present. The $9-million Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre presents the story of the people in the context of one of the most environmentally unique landscapes in Canada.

The new facility allows the centre to move out of temporary modular structures, where it began in 2002. It became a reality thanks to the band spearheading a partnership with the provincial government, Aboriginal Business Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Canada Heritage and Western Economic Diversification.

"Outdoor exhibits include an archaeological site where people can sift through the sand and find arrowheads and other particles of the past, with our interpreters explaining the historical significance of the finds," said Charlotte Sanders, general manager. Guided and self-guided trails are popular with visitors, as are indoor galleries, which include interactive and hands-on displays. Visitors learn to appreciate the uniqueness of the culture of the Osoyoos people through original art work and they can weave a basket, practice the Okanagan vocabulary or participate in a changing interactive cultural display, such as the making of regalia, to name just one recent activity. Oral stories that have been passed down from generation to generation are preserved as well.

"We have a new movie called Coyote's Spirit showing in our Chaptik Theatre, which tells the story of a young girl's return to the Osoyoos Indian Band to live with grandparents for the summer. During her stay she rediscovers what it means to be a member of the Osoyoos First Nation," said Sanders.

The ecological setting in the Great Basin Desert is unique, with mountains and sands all requiring specific rounds of traditional yearly survival activities not found elsewhere. "It's 10 degrees cooler up in the mountains, so it's quite a contrast. We guide groups out onto the desert area where a replica Indian village has been constructed. We teach them about the land and how we used cactus, sage and desert lilies, and how all the species interact to ensure the growth of each and the survival of the original people," she explained. The climate suits rattlesnakes and within the province, the Western Rattlesnake is considered a blue listed species, meaning they are at risk. "Through our research, preservation and conservation programs, we hope to lift the Western Rattlesnake out of this status, helping the vulnerable species flourish in the South Okanagan," she said.

The multi-media Pithouse Theatre is popular with visitors as well. Visitors are able to enter a reconstructed Okanagan traditional village and experience the mastery of traditional Okanagan lodging, as the outdoor village features two traditional pithouses, a tule or bulrush mat tipi, and a sweathouse set in a natural desert surrounding. Many school programs are facilitated in the pithouse, as part of the Okanagan cultural learning program.

"The Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre is just one of many projects upon which we've embarked recently," said Sanders. At the centre's recent opening, an announcement was made by Chief Clarence Louie concerning a landmark agreement that will see the First Nation lead the way in ensuring its members share fully in the economic opportunities growing across the South Okanagan. "We believe by forming meaningful partnerships we can attract tourism dollars which will benefit our entire community, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, as we share revenue from opportunities on Crown lands of the Osoyoos First Nation's traditional territories." The band has purchased a share in the Mount Baldy Ski Resort, which will provide jobs and economic revenue, and the ski resort will join the 18-hole golf course, the cultural centre and the motel to make a four-season tourist destination, she said. The ski resort will be built in four phases, and will feature accommodatio r 7,800 visitors, 13 chairlifts, and 2,000 acres of ski terrain attracting 150,000 skiers each year.

Besides employment, a share of revenues from real estate development will benefit band members, but even more important is the reassurance that archaeological sites and traditional land use will be respected in all future expansion activities.

The Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre is the first of three new Aboriginal cultural tourism attractions set to open in B.C. in the lead up to the 2010 Olympic winter games. It is also the anchoring component in the band's ongoing development of its Nk'Mip Resort in Osoyoos, just minutes from the main street of the town in the rich Okanagan Valley. Two hours south of Kelowna and a short drive from the U.S. border, with exceptionally hot summers, Osoyoos has been a popular summer family destination for years. The four-star Spirit Ridge Motel and Spa accommodates overnight visitors, said Sanders.

"This is a wonderful place to visit. We have a lot to give people of every nationality as we share our cultures together, and they go away recognizing that everyone's background and heritage is important," she said. "Visitors leave here rested, positive, informed, and with long-lasting memories to take home."