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nsyilxcən, an Interior Salish language, is the traditional language of WFN and the syilx Okanagan people. nsyilxcən is shared by the eight communities that comprise the Okanagan Nation (Okanagan Indian Band, Westbank First Nation, Penticton Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Upper Nicola Band, and Colville Confederated Tribes).
Based on the FPCC Reports on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages from 2014 to 2022:
The ongoing language revitalization efforts of fluent speakers, Elders, knowledge holders, community Members, and language advocates ensure that nsyilxcən is passed onto future generations and that Members are supported in their language learning journeys. Additionally, nsyilxcən is now recognized as an official language and is now taught throughout School District #23 as well as at the Sensisyusten House of Learning.
In working with WFN's Education team and the Syilx Language House, WFN is pleased to sponsor and support students seeking to learn their language and pursue the four-year nsyilxcən language program.
In the Summer of 2025, WFN began working more closely with the En'owkin Centre to coordinate WFN Member-staff language classes. The current cohort started in September 2025 and includes includes 18 WFN Member-staff as well as Elders.
The Okanagan Song was created by Delphine Armstrong (Westbank First Nation) and Herman Edward (Lower Similkameen Indian Band) while receiving input from other Okanagan Nation members and is treated as our National Anthem.
The song was created as a way to provide a healthy sense of unity for all eight communities that make up the Okanagan Nation. The song itself belongs to the People. It essentially serves as the anthem for the Okanagan/syilx Nation, but is also sung in times of great happiness or trouble; as an honor. We must be mindful with how we use this song, as our songs are prayers, and this song in particular acknowledges our responsibility to be the stewards of these lands.
Prior to contact, we as a people had many songs that were sung for a variety of reasons, most of them shared during specific times of the year or for specific occurrences or practices. With colonization and assimilation, many of our songs were outlawed, stolen, misplaced and misused. Singing the Okanagan Song reminds us of our resiliency.
The song is always sung in four verses and is not to be changed from its original intent without the permission and inclusion of the Okanagan people.