Culture and Language

Westbank First Nation Heritage Repository and Offices

building a strong foundation - it's the journey, not just the destination, that's important

The Westbank First Nation (WFN) Heritage Repository and Offices officially opened at a new space in Governor's Landing in June of 2011. The repository holds some of WFN's extensive collections including archaeological artifacts, historical and contemporary art and archives. The office has a small space reserved for exhibitions. Visiting hours are by appointment Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The department has focused primarily on building cultural capacity and best museum practices, language revitalization, public programming development, satellite exhibitions, collections management and research.

The department has also formed strong collaborative ties with other heritage organizations such as the Kelowna Museum where three WFN interns completed a comprehensive collections management course.

The Westbank First Nation (WFN) Heritage Repository and Offices officially opened at a new space in Governor's Landing in June of 2011. The repository holds some of WFN's extensive collections including archaeological artifacts, historical and contemporary art and archives. The office has a small space reserved for exhibitions. Visiting hours are by appointment Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The department has focused primarily on building cultural capacity and best museum practices, language revitalization, public programming development, satellite exhibitions, collections management and research.

The department has also formed strong collaborative ties with other heritage organizations such as the Kelowna Museum where three WFN interns completed a comprehensive collections management course.

Mission Statement

We believe in the power of our own voice to inspire, educate and transform. We are dedicated to collecting, preserving, restoring and interpreting collections that reflect the cultural and natural history of our Okanagan/Syilx heritage.

Vision Statement

We will provide benefit to our people and the broader public through research, language revitalization, exhibitions and public programming, and will strive to make our collections accessible to our Members first, and additionally to a broader demographic. We will collaborate with other heritage organizations with similar interests, while operating our own space(s) suitable to our Mission Statement.

Current Exhibits

• WFN Repository and Offices - artifacts including archaeological, utilitarian (baskets, tools) and contemporary;
• WFN Government Building - two dimensional works, historical artifacts, contemporary art;
• WFN Community Services - indigenous garden and pit house;
• Kelowna International Airport Exhibit Case (rotating yearly) - historical and
  contemporary art and artifacts.

Pendleton Blankets - like the one pictured to the right are available for purchase.  Click <here>  for more details.