Okanagan Nation Alliance takes over Ogopogo copyright

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Since turnover to Vernon, the rights have rarely been asked for use, believed to only be granted twice. But the most recent request in March from Don Levers for a sequel to his 1985 self-published book, Ogopogo: The Misunderstood Lake Monster, sparked a conversation about cultural appropriation. First Nation communities were dismayed to learn the city held the copyright to a story and concept tied to Syilx culture.

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The transfer, according to a report to city council, was initially thought to be a straightforward assignment, but soon became convoluted. It was met with a trademark challenge from a third party, challenges to the original 1956 assignment, an in-depth story by the British newspaper The Guardian, and several COVID-19 and emergency delays.

Vernon city council resolved to assign the rights to the Okanagan Nation Alliance during a closed-door meeting in March 2021. The final stamp of approval was given Tuesday afternoon.

In a quirk of bureaucracy, in 1989, Ogopogo was listed under the B.C. Wildlife Act, making it illegal to hunt or disturb the species.