Welcome to the Indigenous Art Tour Page
Happy exploring!
Reconcili-Action 2025 (a project of Global Citizen Events) wanted to highlight some of the Indigenous Art located within the Central Okanagan. First of all, we acknowledge the support of the Westbank First Nation through their museum and Elders. The brochure linked below highlights a number of art pieces located on the Westside, their artist, their story and their location. We wanted to include some locations in Kelowna so selected a few that would be easiest to access as they are each located outside or in public areas. We are also grateful to the Uptown Rutland Association which gave us permission to highlight the 3 murals created by Indigenous artists who were part of the Mural program in the Rutland area. This list is by no means exhaustive, perhaps only a sampling to create interest in noticing the wealth and breadth of Indigenous art in this region.
Sen’klip Coyote and Bear
Coming into Kelowna from the Westside is the monument of Sen’klip Coyote and Bear The plaque at the Campbell Road site states: “The Okanagan people are observers of the beauty of nature, and active participants in the protection of this area. The Okanagan people used this place as a village and lake crossing for thousands of years.”
Chief Swkncut
Facing Lake Okanagan at the base of Queensway Ave in front of the Tourism building is Chief Swkncut created by artist Crystal Przybille
4 Food Chiefs Banners
On Bernard Ave at the corner of Richter St (in front of Safeway) look up to see the 4 Food Chiefs Banners created by artist Janine Lott
Ki-Low-Na Friendship Centre
At 442 Leon St are two amazing pieces of art in front of the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Centre
“Pica” Digging Stick
Kelowna General Hospital: “Pica” Digging Stick by artist Sheldon Lewis– is located on the wall at the Main Information Desk at Kelowna General Hospital There are several pieces of Indigenous art located in the courtyard
swi? numtx A sons prayer
Okanagan College – in the atrium of the Health Sciences Centre look for the “Four Food Chiefs” by artist Clint George and on the wall at the end of that same hallway is swi? numtx A sons prayer by artist Sheldon Lewis
SNILI?TN structure
UBCO has Indigenous Art in various locations but check out the SNILI?TN structure in the Central Courtyard by Les Louis
“I am not Alone”
on Coronation Ave at Metro Community is a wall mural “I am not Alone” inspired by Indigenous poet Diane Larsback and painted by Dylan; Liz Ranney
‘We are Still Here’
270 Hwy 33 is the mural ‘We are Still Here’ by artist Sheldon Lewis
Li Shyman Ooshtow (Trailblazer)
147 Park Rd at Metis Community Services is the mural Li Shyman Ooshtow (Trailblazer) by artist Jesse Campbell
Binesi (Thunderbird)
Rutland Thrift Store 140 Dougall Rd has a mural Binesi; (Thunderbird) by artist Peatr Thomas
BACKGROUND: Global Citizen Events mission is to create events which ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE, and INSPIRE TO ACTION.
Reconcili-Action 2025 Celebrates the Art of Indigenous Peoples in the Okanagan Many pieces of Indigenous Art are publicly available in our community. Do you know where?
We believe that Indigenous art is available but under-appreciated in our community. Art is viewed as an eye into the soul of a community; therefore important for the broader community to be aware of its presence and embrace it. Families, school groups, civic societies, seniors, and tourists to the area will appreciate the easy access to the Art tour. The concert will be geared to a general audience of all ages and will be free or at a minimal price to permit attendance by the most vulnerable. The appreciation of live performance overcomes barriers of culture, past hurts and misunderstandings and creates new memories of respect and appreciation. Other activities are child and youth focused as they are the ones to build new relationships.