Syilx facts for kids
Okanagan family, c. 1918
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| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Canada (British Columbia), United States (Washington) |
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| Languages | |
| English, Okanagan (n̓səl̓xcin) | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Colville, Sanpoil, Nespelem, Sinixt, Wenatchi, Entiat, Methow, Palus, Sinkiuse-Columbia, and the Nez Perce of Chief Joseph's band |
The Syilx people are also known as the Okanagan people. They are a group of First Nations and Native American people. Their traditional lands stretch across the border between Canada and the United States. These lands are in Washington state and British Columbia, specifically in the Okanagan Country area. The Syilx are part of the Interior Salish group, which means they share similar cultures and languages. They are closely related to other Indigenous groups in the Northwest Plateau region. These include the Spokan, Sinixt, Nez Perce, Pend Oreille, Secwepemc, and Nlaka'pamux peoples.
Contents
Discover the History of the Syilx People
About 3,000 years ago, the Syilx culture was at its strongest. It is thought that around 12,000 people lived in the Okanagan Valley and nearby areas. The Syilx people were very good at adapting to their environment. They moved around their traditional lands throughout the year. This allowed them to fish, hunt, and gather food.
During the winter months, they lived in special semi-permanent villages. Their homes were called kekulis, which are a type of pithouse. These homes were dug partly into the ground to stay warm.
Changes After the Oregon Treaty
In 1846, the Oregon Treaty divided the Pacific Northwest region. This treaty split the Syilx tribe into two parts. One part remained in what became Washington Territory in the United States. This group reorganized under Chief Tonasket. They became a separate group from the main Syilx communities in Canada.
However, the Okanagan Tribal Alliance still includes the American branch of the Syilx. These American Syilx are part of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. This is a government made up of many tribes in Washington state.
Syilx Traditional Lands
The traditional lands of the Syilx people cover a large area. This includes the basin of Okanagan Lake and the Okanagan River. It also includes the basin of the Similkameen River to the west. Some of the upper valley of the Nicola River is also part of their territory.
Today, the different Syilx communities in British Columbia and Washington have formed the Okanagan Nation Alliance. This organization works across the border. It includes Syilx people living on the Colville Indian Reservation in the United States. Here, the Syilx are sometimes called Colvilles.
The Upper Nicola Band
The Upper Nicola Indian Band is a Syilx group. They live in the Nicola Valley, which is at the edge of the Okanagan territory. In their own language, they are known as the Spaxomin.
They have a historic alliance with neighboring communities of the Nlaka'pamux people. This alliance is in the region known as the Nicola Country. The area is named after a 19th-century chief named Nicola. He helped create this alliance. Today, this alliance is seen in the Nicola Tribal Association.
Unique Customs of the Okanagan People
The Okanagan people had some special customs. One unique tradition was their habit of singing. They would sing when they were giving thanks for food. They also sang when they were healing someone.
Understanding the Nsyilxcən Language
The language spoken by the Syilx people is called Nsyilxcən. The word "Syilx" is the root of the language name. The letters around it show that it is a language. Nsyilxcən is an Interior Salish language. It is spoken across the Canadian and U.S.A. border. You can hear it in southern British Columbia and northern Washington. Sadly, this language is currently endangered. There are only about 50 people who can speak it fluently today.
Syilx Governments and Alliances
The Syilx people have several important governments and alliances:
- Okanagan Nation Alliance
- Westbank First Nation (Westbank)
- Lower Similkameen Indian Band (Keremeos)
- Upper Similkameen Indian Band (Keremeos)
- Osoyoos Indian Band
- Penticton Indian Band
- Okanagan Indian Band (Vernon)
- Upper Nicola Indian Band (Douglas Lake) - This band is also part of the Nicola Tribal Association.
- Confederated Tribes of the Colville
