Indigenous culture and community is being celebrated all Saturday long in West Kelowna.
The 7 Celebrations event organized by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), took place on Saturday at Memorial Park and the Annette Beaudreau Amphitheatre. It is a day to celebrate Indigenous culture through dance, song, and storytelling.
7 Celebrations was named after the 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations Thompson Okanagan Pledge which was inspired by Indigenous philosophy that the actions we make today will have a lasting impact for 7 generations to come. The 7 affirmations on the pledge are:
- True Roots;
- Tread Lightly;
- Be a good Neighbour;
- Travel Safely;
- Live in Harmony;
- Shop Local;
- Educate Others.
On top of music and games, many local vendors were on display for people to practice the 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ˜shop local91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™ affirmation. Live music is going on at the amphitheatre until 9:30 p.m. with many artists taking the stage, including Juno Award nominee The Oot n91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™ Oots family act.
TOTA91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s goal with this event is to celebrate the traditions, stories and cultures of the region91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s communities to ensure they live on for years to come, which is in keeping with the association91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s philosophy to embrace the preservation of the Thompson Okanagan environment and Indigenous cultures as a foundation for promoting international tourism.
Salmon Arm, Vernon, Shuswap, Sun Peaks, Cache Creek, Osoyoos, and more communities around the Okanagan have also held 7 Celebrations events.
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jordy.cunningham@kelownacapnews.com
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