Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca
NK’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The NK’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is an outstanding interpretive facility that lets visitors understand the culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band and the Okanagan region.
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The Osoyoos Indian Band, and local business partners, invite travellers to immerse themselves in Okanagan Nation culture in honour of National Indigenous History Month. Soak in the unparalleled landscapes of their sacred land, and tour the region with a new experiential package offered by Spirit Ridge Resort, Unbound Collection by Hyatt, and the highly anticipated Elements Dinner, hosted at Nk’Mip Cellars.
Throughout spring and summer, travellers who stay at Spirit Ridge can book the First Nations Package, which offers two nights of storied luxury interwoven with traditional art, food and stories of the Osoyoos Indian Band. The package features a Land to Legacy Tour for two at Nk’Mip Cellars, which guides visitors through the complex world of winemaking – from grape to glass – supplemented by tastings of the winery’s award-winning varietals. During the tour, guests will learn about Nk’Mip Cellars' legacy as the first Aboriginal-owned and operated winery in North America while strolling among the vines where premium grapes are grown and harvested. The package also includes two complimentary passes to the nearby Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, an architectural marvel where the Osoyoos Indian Band honours its past and showcases artifacts, interactive displays and authentic storytelling. Spirit Ridge’s First Nations Package starts at $199 (based on double occupancy), and is available now through October 31.
Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca
Spotted Lake
Spotted Lake, whose waters have healing properties, is a sacred landmark to Indigenous communities in the Okanagan Valley.
Those visiting the region on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) are encouraged to join fellow food-lovers at the Elements long table dinner, hosted on the patio at Nk’Mip Cellars. The five-course feast inspired by the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water will be prepared by leading Aboriginal chefs who will gather in the South Okanagan to share with guests the longstanding history and culinary culture of Indigenous peoples. Chefs include Shane Chartrand, whose roots are with the Enoch Cree Nation, and who has achieved multiple culinary honours and awards throughout his career; Joseph Shawana, who is of Odawa heritage, and whose training in classical French cooking adds a distinctive flair to his traditional Aboriginal dishes; and Orlin Godfrey, whose cuisine is inspired by local produce and time-honoured techniques of the Okanagan people. Each chef will explain the vision and influences behind their course, and Justin Hall – winemaker at Nk’Mip Cellars and proud member of the Osoyoos Indian Band – will pour Nk’Mip Cellars wines expertly paired to each dish. Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie will also be onsite to welcome guests at a pre-dinner reception held on the roof of Spirit Ridge. Event tickets cost $155 (plus tax), and can be purchased here.
“We invite visitors to disconnect from their busy lives and reconnect with themselves in the South Okanagan,” said Chief Clarence Louie, Osoyoos Indian Band. “There are so many opportunities here for guests to learn about local Indigenous culture, and to see for themselves how we preserve the past by strengthening our future as an incredible year-round travel destination.”
Complete your journey by attending Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre’s spring and summer concert series starting June 1, which features a diverse line-up of musical acts (tickets cost $30 and can be purchased on-site), or by visiting must-see cultural sites like nʕaylintn (formerly known as McIntyre Bluff) and Spotted Lake from its roadside viewpoint. To book your trip, visit spring.oibdc.ca.