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

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.

indigenous education
What’s happening with Indigenous education programs in the Okanagan?

Indigenous education departments set plans to gradually reopen school from COVID-19 pandemic.

Destany Lulua
Student Destany Lulua reflects on going back to school and graduating amid global pandemic

'I was so excited for grad and then it just changed so dramatically.'

Autumn Bents graduation photo. Submitted by Autumn Bent.
‘I am proud of the 2020 grad class’

Grade 12 student Autumn Bent reflects on graduating amid a global pandemic.

penticton indian band graduation
Penticton Indian Band celebrates class of 2020 in a unique way

Drive-in movie setting and virtual graduation honoured students, while following public health safety measures.

dugout canoe
Bringing back dugout canoe culture, starting with students

Around 500 students in West Kelowna and Kamloops were carving traditional dugout canoes at school — now their carving teachers are finishing the job.

Medicine Wheel
Using the Medicine Wheel to find contemporary healing

How Idris Hudson was influenced by the Medicine Wheel to deliver traditional medicines to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.