Author Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Kelsie Kilawna,'s Latest Articles Tofino Botanical Gardens transformed to honour Indigenous knowledge and conservation By Shalu Mehta & Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Cowichan Valley ● April 7, 2022 The Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Indigenous Gardens will provide place-based education and inspiration to support Indigenous-led conservation. City of Kelowna has no sense of urgency to deal with racism say Black artists By Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● December 11, 2021 “This is a city where it's easier for somebody to put out a universal symbol of anti-Black racism than it is for Black people to get space to curate their own show,” says Trophy Ewila. From ‘street kid’ to public rep for the Law Society of BC tribunal By Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● December 10, 2021 Jereme Brooks, who is syilx, plans to challenge the ‘mainstream Canadian lens’ and be part of restorative actions in his new role. After a hard year, members from the Okanagan Indian Band had a Halloween to remember By Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● November 5, 2021 Erica Clarke, whose family was gravely impacted by the wildfires, organized an uplifting event for her community. Okanagan Chief questions sincerity of possible visit from Pope By Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● November 5, 2021 ‘I wouldn't be worried about our forgiveness. I would be worried about … the crimes that were committed in God's name,’ says OKIB’s Chief Byron Louis. Trudeau called out for ‘words and broken promises’ by Secwépemc mom By Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● October 23, 2021 Ashley Michel stood and addressed Prime Minister Trudeau during his visit to Tk’emlups te Secwépemc (Kamloops, B.C.) on Monday. When Trudeau goes to Tofino, capq̕ʷicyaʔ goes to her meme garden By Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● October 19, 2021 capq̕ʷicyaʔ, also known as Alexa Manuel, says she uses humour to deal with hard times — as syilx People have been doing since time immemorial. Secwépemc hereditary family builds ceremony house for healing By Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● October 13, 2021 It will be a safe space for “winter dance, ceremonies, and sweat lodges, a place for people to land in,” says Secwépemc Matriarch Miranda Dick. Food for the frontlines — honouring Indigenous ingenuity during a colonial holiday By Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● October 9, 2021 ‘Genocide is the elephant in the room,’ this Thanksgiving, says Secwépemc Matriarch Miranda Dick. ‘Taking Back the Dinner’ is about reclaiming our history, says Indigenous scientist By Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Okanagan ● October 9, 2021 Now is a good time to reflect on the food you’re giving thanks for, says Jessica Hernandez. Posts pagination 1 2 Next