Heritage Society to Produce Book for 2021
The Oliver & District Heritage Society has started work on a new commemorative book to mark 100 years of the Oliver community and over 10,000 years of the syilx Okanagan people, titled: One Hundred X One Hundred /x̌cəcikst X x̌cəcikst: Celebrating the People of Oliver and the Osoyoos Indian Band.
The Heritage Society has sought out many new stories and photographs to include in the book which will focus on the history of the syilx people and the many groups of migrant settlers who have made Oliver their home. Julianna Weisgarber, Executive Director of the ODHS, states, “It is a chance to recognize the land, the people, and the organizations that have made the area what it is today.”
The 96-page full-color book will feature maps and artwork, as well as historical photos. The goal of the book is to help build a stronger shared community, make a deeper connection to the land, and grow a future together for generations to follow.
Ken Favrholdt, historical geographer, is the book’s editor, and Jenna Bower, curator at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, is providing her expertise as co-editor. The book is projected to be published in September of 2021, and will be affordably priced at $9.99.
Many Oliver residents and Osoyoos Indian Band members have contributed photos and stories, making the book likely the most up-to-date history of the community thus far. As a special feature, QR codes will appear throughout the book with links to additional information and words in the Okanagan language. Our many thanks to the partners and contributors who have given their time to this project, especially Jenna Bower, Sheri Stelkia and the OIB Language House, Terry Baptiste, and Charlotte Stringam.
To reserve a copy of the book, please contact the Oliver Archives at 250-498-4027 or email info@oliverheritage.ca.
This project has been made possible by the Government of Canada, and by funding from the Oliver Community Arts Council.
