Author

Athena Bonneau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

My ancestry includes Okanagan Syilx and Northern Cree. I was born and raised on the unceded territory of the Penticton Indian Reserve. My journalism experience includes working as the Indigenous correspondent for Global Okanagan. I am passionate about representing Indigenous Peoples in today’s world, while respecting and acknowledging history, following traditional protocol, and producing truthful work with integrity as an Indigenous woman. Athena’s work is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Athena Bonneau,'s Latest Articles

Deadline to apply to UBC’s Virtual Indigenous Science Experience program is June 10
Indigenous high school students learn about science in free online summer program

Deadline to apply to UBC’s Virtual Indigenous Science Experience program is June 10

It's important for people to see Indigenous people ‘doing great things,’ says Cody Teichroeb.
‘It’s very close to home’: Okanagan men run 52 km to raise funds for mental health

It's important for people to see Indigenous people ‘doing great things,’ says Cody Teichroeb.

EPIC program
Learning Syilx teachings through EPIC program at Southern Okanagan Secondary School

‘When it's done, it's like the sound of your mother's heartbeat,’ says student after completing a drum.

Chief Clarence Louie to receive honorary degree from UBC Okanagan after serving as chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band for 37 years
Chief Clarence Louie of Osoyoos Indian Band to receive honorary degree from UBC

‘Everyone should be learning and earning,’ says Louie.

Chinook salmon release
Chinook returned to their historical habitat for the first time in 70 years

The Okanagan Nation Alliance conducted a ceremonial Chinook release at sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ (Okanagan Falls) on April 20.

Nsyilxcən Language
Syilx people can earn a degree in the Nsyilxcən language with new UBC program

It’s the first Indigenous language degree in Canada, says academic lead Jeanette Armstrong

Grouse and Pamela Barnes
Westbank First Nation Elders honoured to be recognized by the Okanagan College

Wilfred “Grouse” and Pamela Barnes are recipients of the Okanagan College 2020 Honorary fellows award.

aboriginal water rights
Raising awareness of Indigenous water rights in B.C.

Water rights workshop at UBC’s Okanagan campus brings together stakeholders to improve understanding of Aboriginal rights and title.

Harron Hall’s children’s book seri
‘Water is life’ teaches new Syilx children’s book series

Syilx and Nlaka'pamux author to launch 'Follow the Water' book series on Feb. 5

Indigenous knowledge
Indigenous knowledge systems often overlooked in academia

The University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) hosted their second webinar in a three-part series focused on systemic racism in science.