Indigenous Land Acknowledgement of the Thompson Okanagan Region
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) acknowledges that the Thompson Okanagan region is situated on the traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc peoples. As well, the Thompson Okanagan includes land and water routes that were created and used, both historically and presently, by Indigenous peoples as seasonal travel and trade routes.
TOTA is committed to working towards truth and reconciliation by collaborating with Indigenous tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC). As an organization and team, we continuously reflect on our relationship with the land and our commitment to reconciliation as it relates to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Land Acknowledgement Page
TOTA has published a Land Acknowledgement page on the corporate website, TOTABC.org, as a step on the path to cultivate strong relations with First Nation and Métis peoples.
The page has been published as a way to show respect for the region’s Indigenous peoples by testifying to their presence, both historical and current; and in honour Orange Shirt Day and Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021.
The Land Acknowledgement page includes:
Recognition of the traditional territory of the the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc peoples.
Information on TOTA’s commitment to working towards truth and reconciliation by collaborating with Indigenous tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC).
Resources to learn more about Canada’s Indigenous Land, History, and Culture
The Land Acknowledgement page can be accessed from:
Direct through the link TOTABC.org/Land-Acknowledgement
TOTABC.org, News.TOTABC.org, and ThompsonOkanagan.com footers
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day - September 30
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.
September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, Canadians can wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.
Work Towards Reconciliation
As individuals, organizations, and governments, we all have a part in working towards reconciliation. We can begin by learning more about the lands where we live, work, and play.
TOTA encourages tourism organizations and professionals to develop partnerships with local Indigenous communities, and to recognize and honour Indigenous peoples by acknowledging the traditional territories.
For more information on traditional territories and Indigenous communities, check out the following resources and contact communities directly for specific information.
Traditional Indigenous Territory, Language, and Treaties Map
Government of Canada – First Nation Profiles Interactive Map
BC Assembly of First Nations - Map of Thompson Okanagan Communities
To learn more about Indigenous Tourism in the Thompson Okanagan region:
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns about the content of the Land Acknowledgement page or TOTA’s Indigenous Tourism initiatives, please email Indigenous@TOTABC.com.