More than a hundred people were on hand to celebrate to opening of the new Indigenous garden at Okanagan College on Tuesday.
This project was launched in partnership with the Westbank Fire Nation, the City of Kelowna and other community partners.
The new green space is now open to the public and boasts nearly 50 varieties of plants that are of cultural and historical significance to the Indigenous people of this region.
“This garden is a living, breathing example of the value Okanagan College places on Indigenous knowledge and culture,” said Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton. “Thank you to everyone who helped us grow this unique space on our campus for everyone to enjoy.”
Tuesday’s ceremony began with a blessing by Westbank First Nation Edler, Grouse Barnes, and also featured a speech from Westbank First Nation Coun. Chris Derickson.
It concluded with a ribbon cutting that included Westbank First Nations, college officials and youth from Little Scholars Daycare.
