Okanagan Indian Band celebrates groundbreaking for new Cultural Immersion School

February 22, 2024 — Okanagan Indian Band, Vernon, British Columbia — Indigenous Services Canada 

The Government of Canada is working in partnership with Indigenous communities to help establish educational institutions that will deliver quality, culturally appropriate programs and services for children.

Today, the Okanagan Indian Band held a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the construction of a new Okanagan Indian Band Cultural Immersion Elementary School. When complete, the new facility will provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for future generations to come. Students can thrive while embracing the Sqilxw language and culture as well as all forms of academic success. 

Located on Okanagan Indian Reserve #1, the new school will replace the aging and outgrown Cultural Immersion School building. The new school’s seven classrooms, gymnasium, library, kitchen, language, culture and administration areas will support the Okanagan Indian Band in expanding a culturally appropriate learning environment for the community’s kindergarten (age 4) to grade 7 students. 

Working in partnership with the community, the Government of Canada has committed $19.3 million to this important school project. The Okanagan Indian Band will contribute $2.85 million.  

The new Okanagan Indian Band Cultural Immersion School is expected to open for students in September 2025.

The Okanagan Indian Band celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Cultural Immersion Elementary School. When complete, the school will offer a safe and enriched learning environment for #FirstNations students.