8 women feted with Syilx awards

Dear editor: Over 200 people attended the Syilx Women are Sacred Awards .

This event takes place every two years and honours the women who have gone above and beyond in their communities throughout the seven bands within the Okanagan Nation. This bi-annual event is hosted by the Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House.

Several dignitaries, including Chief Chad Eneas from the Penticton Indian Band, our local MLA Dan Ashton and Elaine Alec, this year’s keynote speaker, addressed a sold-out crowd that included over 43 peernominated Community Champions and eight award winners.

Each of these awards is named and presented in honour of an outstanding woman who has made an impact and left a legacy within her community.

The Wisdom and Strength Award, in memory of Clara Dubrett, went to Hazel Squakin of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.

Giving to Our Children and Youth Award, in memory of Catherine (Jean) Wilson, went to Kim Montgomery of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.

Giving to Our Community Award, in memory of Matilda Gabriel, went to Debbie Boston of the Upper Nicola Indian Band.

The Helping Hands Award, in memory of Victoria Baptiste, went to Andrea Watts of the Penticton Indian Band.

The Women’s Warrior Award, in memory of Annie Kruger, went to Anita Louie of the Penticton Indian Band.

The Women’s Leadership Award, in memory of Louise Gabriel, went to Lindsay Kovacs of the Osoyoos Indian Band.

The Appreciation of Culture Award went to Tara Stanley of Westbank First Nation.

The Young Women’s Award (new this year) went to Sophie Wilson of the Penticton Indian Band. Jan Lipscombe, Executive Director, Okanagan Nation Transition

Emergency House