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Indigenous Arts & Cultures in Vernon

Discover Indigenous Destinations and Experiences in Vernon

Vernon, located in the scenic Okanagan Valley, is part of the traditional territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation, whose people have lived in the region for thousands of years. With its rolling hills, lakes, and grasslands, Vernon offers visitors a chance to explore Indigenous history, art, and land-based traditions that celebrate the deep connection between the Syilx people and the land.

Visit the Sncewips Heritage Museum

Located nearby in Westbank, the Sncewips Heritage Museum, operated by the Westbank First Nation, offers an in-depth look at Syilx history, governance, and cultural practices. Exhibits include traditional tools, Indigenous plant knowledge, oral histories, and artwork that provide insight into the Okanagan people’s relationship with the land.

Explore the Kekuli (Pit House) at Allan Brooks Nature Centre

The Allan Brooks Nature Centre in Vernon features an authentic replica of a Syilx kekuli (pit house), a traditional winter dwelling used by Indigenous peoples. Visitors can learn about Syilx architectural design, community life, and seasonal food harvesting through interpretive displays and Indigenous-led tours.

Indigenous Art and Public Installations

Vernon is home to public Indigenous art installations, murals, and carvings that reflect the traditions of the Syilx Nation. The Vernon Public Art Gallery and local artisan markets frequently showcase handmade beaded jewelry, cedar carvings, and contemporary Indigenous paintings.

Attend Indigenous Cultural Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Vernon and the surrounding region host Indigenous-led events that celebrate Syilx traditions through drumming, storytelling, and dance. These include:

  • National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations
  • Local powwows and Syilx storytelling gatherings
  • Cultural workshops featuring Syilx artists and knowledge keepers

Indigenous-Led Outdoor Adventures and Eco-Tours

Vernon’s landscapes have long been central to Indigenous life, and visitors can explore the region through guided nature walks, foraging experiences, and canoe tours led by Indigenous knowledge keepers. These experiences provide insight into traditional Syilx plant medicine, salmon conservation efforts, and land stewardship practices.

Explore Indigenous-Owned Wineries

The Okanagan Valley is known for its world-class wineries, and some of them are Indigenous-owned and operated. Nk’Mip Cellars, North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery, is a short drive from Vernon and offers wine tastings that incorporate Syilx land stewardship practices and history.

Whether you’re exploring Syilx cultural landmarks, engaging with Indigenous artists, or learning about traditional ecological knowledge, Vernon invites you to experience the deep-rooted heritage and living traditions of the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation.

Every community has its own unique cultural footprint.

Please come back to visit this community as we are curating content and destinations throughout the Province of BC. If you or your organization wish to be presented on this page, we invite you to become a Marketing Member

Upcoming Community Events

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Summer Season | Caetani Centre

Caetani Centre: Art Making. Life Changing, Community Creating
Vernon
Date:
June 1, 2025
-
August 28, 2025
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Caetani Centre Announces Packed Summer Season This season, the Caetani Centre has something for everyone with the Caetani Summer Music Festival, Guided Tours, Caetani Splash “Return to Rome” Dinner and Art Auction, and more… VERNON — Get ready for summer fun and some special announcements as the Caetani Centre prepares for an exciting season ahead. The Caetani Centre recently kicked Read more...
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Silver Star Summer Music Series | Destination Silver Star

Destination Silver Star
Vernon
Date:
June 21, 2025
-
September 6, 2025
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Silver Star Summer Music Series June 21 – September 6, 2025 | Every Saturday afternoon | Silver Star Village The Silver Star Summer Music Series returns for its second year, bringing live music to the heart of Silver Star Village every Saturday afternoon from June 21 to September 6, 2025. Following a standout debut that showcased over 100 talented artists, Read more...
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Summer Art Workshop Series | Vernon Community Arts Centre

Vernon Community Arts Centre
Vernon
Date:
August 4, 2025
-
August 17, 2025
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Join us at Vernon Arts Summer School (VASS) for an immersive artistic experience designed for adults of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting, VASS offers a unique chance to expand your skills, connect with the vibrant local arts community, and ignite your creativity. Choose from 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day workshops that offer hands-on exploration, collaboration, Read more...
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Silver Star Beer & Cider Fest | Destination Silver Star

Destination Silver Star
Vernon
Date:
September 6, 2025
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Silver Star Beer & Cider Fest September 6, 2025 | 1:00-6:00pm | Silver Star Village What’s better than beer in the mountains? Celebrate Oktoberfest early this year with Silver Star’s signature craft beer and cider event—the perfect après to an epic summer season. The celebration returns to the vibrant Silver Star Village, where guests can sip on some of BC’s Read more...
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Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture | Arts Council of North Okanagan

Arts Council of the North Okanagan
Vernon
Date:
September 19, 2025
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October 12, 2025
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The Sundog Festival is a vibrant, community-driven celebration of arts and culture in the North Okanagan. Rooted in collaboration and creativity, the festival offers inclusive and inspiring opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate, perform, and connect. Running over three weeks and aligned with BC Culture Days, the festival brings together local artists, cultural heritage carriers, community Read more...
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Creative Chaos

Tourism Vernon
Vernon
Date:
June 5, 2026
-
June 7, 2026
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Come join us for the 51st  Annual Creative Chaos Festival!!!! The Creative Chaos Festival is hailed as one of the major tourist events in Vernon, B.C. It showcases over 200 artisans and crafters from across Canada. As well there are Specialty  Foods products with Performing Arts and Food Trucks. Creative Chaos hosts some of the best in local performing arts. It’s Read more...
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