The Okanagan Nation flag is raised by OKIB elders Penny Lawrence and Joanne Louis outside the Armstrong RCMP detachment. (Photo credit: RCMP)

By Pete McIntyre

land recognition

‘Act toward reconciliation:’ Okanagan Nation flag raised by RCMP & OKIB

Nov 15, 2022 | 3:45 PM

The flag of the Okanagan Nation now flies alongside the Canadian flag outside the Armstrong RCMP detachment.

Representatives from the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and the Okanagan Indian Band recently held a ceremony celebrating the raising of the flag and the unveiling of a plaque at the site.

(Land recognition plaque installed outside RCMP detachment in Armstrong. (Photo credit: RCMP)

The Okanagan Nation flag was raised by OKIB elders Penny Lawrence and Joanne Louis on Oct. 20. A land recognition plaque, written in Okanagan language, English and French, was also unveiled at the entrance to the building. The plaque acknowledges that the site of the detachment is located on the traditional Syilx territory of the Okanagan peoples.

“We are proud to instill this plaque and raise the Okanagan Indian Band flag at our Armstrong office,” RCMP Superintendent Shawna Baher, said. “This act toward reconciliation supports what we are working every day to achieve; strong, healthy, sustainable relationships with our Indigenous communities.”

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Flags of Canada and Okanagan Nation fly outside Armstrong RCMP office. (Photo credit: RCMP)

Collaboration on the project began back In September of 2020, led by Constable Kyle Camalush of the RCMP’s Indigenous Policing Services.

Camalush said as a liaison, he has worked closely alongside the OKIB community, learned a great deal, and made it a priority to share the knowledge with his colleagues to foster a better understanding of local culture and traditions.

“In September of 2020, I engaged in discussions with the OKIB as well as local RCMP management and proposed the idea of a land recognition initiative at the Armstrong RCMP detachment. With funding support and through much collaboration with the OKIB, a flagpole, locally developed art piece and land recognition plaque have been permanently mounted at the Armstrong detachment,” the constable said.

Camalush said he was fortunate to work with Savannah Louis, who is in the fourth year of her Bachelor of Language Fluency degree at UBCO, to ensure the statement was accurately and primarily recorded in Okanagan language.

“Limləmt, Savannah!,” Camalush remarked.

“The local art piece was developed by Tessa Louis and will illustrate the RCMP’s valued and dedicated relationship with the Okanagan Indian Band as we both continue to work collaboratively together,” Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer, said.

The artwork will be unveiled at a future ceremony.