On Thursday, March 13, 2025 researchers from the Watershed Ecosystems Project (WEP) had the opportunity to join members of the Okanagan Basin Water Board Stewardship Council on a guided tour of the Sncəwips Heritage Museum, located in Westbank on the unceded territory of the Syilx people.
Hosted by Syilx knowledge holder and Museum Docent Coralee Miller, the tour offered a powerful exploration of Syilx history, land-based knowledge, and cultural continuity, with particular resonance for those working in water and watershed governance. WEP researchers reflected on the importance of centering Syilx perspectives in watershed science, research, and policy – particularly in relation to water stewardship, reconciliation, and climate resilience.
The visit was part of an ongoing effort to create ethical space and Syilx cultural awareness for WEP researchers, and advance a more respectful and informed approach to watershed ecosystems science in the Okanagan Basin. For WEP researchers, the experience reinforced the vital role of Syilx knowledge keepers and the need for Syilx community leadership in watershed research.
To learn more about Sncəwips museum and the work of Westbank First Nation in cultural revitalization and education, visit www.sncewips.com.
