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(Image Credit: Okanagan Indian Band/website)
Sharing Traditional Knowledge

OKIB projects being supported by Heritage B.C.

Nov 3, 2026 | 12:22 PM

An agency that supports heritage sites and associated projects is providing some financial aid to support knowledge-sharing programs being led by the Okanagan Indian Band.

Through its Legacy Fund, Heritage B.C. said it would be supporting the OKIB in developing a 13-x̌iyáɬnxʷ (moons) calendar and foraging booklet.

Designed by Knowledge Keeper Marnie Gregoire and her mentee, the booklet will document traditional food and medicine knowledge.

They will be made available at Sun Valley Ranch, and that information would also be shared through a QR code-enabled sound walk in the medicine garden. This project would also see a series of associated YouTube videos filmed and shared to help pass on the knowledge.

Additionally, Heritage B.C.’s program was going to support the development and presentation of eight community foraging classes. 

Again led by Gregoir and her mentee, the classes would be offered at Sun Valley Ranch between February and September of 2027, aligning the teachings with what is in season.

Elsewhere in the Okanagan, Heritage B.C. pledged to support the development of an interpretation plan for Brookside Manor, or W.A.C Bennett House, to enhance public knowledge and community engagement with the Kelowna heritage site.

These projects were among 31 Heritage B.C. said it would support across the province through its annual Legacy Fund. A total of $476,912 was being distributed to support those projects, though an exact amount for how much each project would be receiving was not disclosed.

“We are pleased to support these wonderful projects, and yet we consistently see a record amount of funding requested again this year which highlights the growing need for heritage funding across B.C.”  Keri Briggs, Chair of the Heritage B.C. Board of Directors, stated.

“While the Heritage Legacy Fund provides essential support, funding for many important projects remains precarious. Heritage B.C. will continue to advocate for greater investment in heritage to help communities protect significant places, preserve local stories and ensure heritage remains part of B.C.’s future.”

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