The Board of Education, School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) is pleased to announce that on April 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., School District No. 67 will be formally raising the flag of the Penticton Indian Band and the Okanagan Nation Alliance alongside the Canadian flag and B.C. provincial flag.
In addition, a Syilx name will be bestowed on one of our district facilities. The facility known as the "IMC" will be renamed Siya Centre. Siya is one of the Four Food Chiefs, and is the Chief of all things that grow above the land. It is an n'syilxcn word that represents innovation and new learning, which is an appropriate name for a meeting space that hosts meetings with students, educators, and the board. This ceremony will commemorate our relationship and ongoing partnership with our Indigenous stakeholders.
"The Penticton Indian Band Chief and Council applaud and commend School District 67 in their continued efforts in building a strong and positive working relationship with the Penticton Band and our nation communities. We all agree that our greatest resource are our children and future generations.
This momentous name giving and flag raising ceremony will further strengthen our relationship in the spirit of the ongoing work through Truth and Reconciliation" notes Chief Greg Gabriel.
School District No. 67 Board Chair James Palanio states "Our School District remains committed to the implementation of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and a focus on equity in our schools. We appreciate the partnership with the Penticton Indian Band on this event. It is a symbol of our continued commitment to this work".
Members of the public and the media are invited to attend.