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

60s Scoop Survivors Settlement Delayed
‘60s Scoop survivors still waiting for settlement amid pandemic

Thousands are still waiting for approval for ‘60s Scoop settlement payments. Now, due to the pandemic, the wait grows.

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.

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.

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.

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.