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

Orange shirt day
What orange shirt day means to this Penticton Indian Band Elder

Grace Greyeyes, a residential school survivor, speaks about her experience while wearing an orange shirt to honour those who attended residential school.

Penticton Indian Band
Positive COVID-19 case within Penticton Indian Band delays class for all on-reserves students

As a safety precaution, the Penticton Indian Band is going under a 14-day closure.

Back to school
How parents in the Okanagan Nation can prepare for the start of the school year

A guide to how parents can help their children get ready for back to school and practice safety measures.

sənsisyustən House of Learning
Westbank First Nation’s elementary school reopens

sənsisyustən House of Learning, which renovated and expanded a year ago, is back in session for the fall.

Levi Bent children’s book
Syilx author and illustrator publishes his first children’s book

The Indigenous children's book teaches Nsyilxcən language basics through illustrations revolving around the four seasons.

En’owkin centre
How an Indigenous learning centre in the Okanagan is getting creative for fall

The En'owkin Centre is finding new ways to offer classes as the pandemic continues and school begins.

OKIB nature-based learning
Okanagan Indian Band gets innovative with virtual and outdoor classes this fall

The OKIB Education Services Department will be implementing a mix of learning styles for elementary students amid the pandemic.

Hailey Causton
A virtual graduation to celebrate her degree, after nearly 10 years of work

'This is a huge let down,' says St̓aʔqʷaĺqs, who is graduating with her bachelor's degree from UBCO.

Serenity Baptiste
‘Graduating during the Covid 19 pandemic, it truly shows how strong the youth can truly be’

Grade 12 student Serenity Baptiste (Nqaqamls) reflects on graduating amid global pandemic.

Elizabeth Bent
‘Congratulations to my fellow 2020 grads’

‘I knew it wasn't going to be easy,’ says Nx̌astatkʷ who first started her business degree in 2011.