NK’MIP DESERT CULTURAL CENTRE: REVITALIZING NSYILXCEN CULTURE THROUGH YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is honoured to spotlight Indigenous organizations in BC that provide enriching opportunities for Indigenous youth to connect with their cultures and communities.
HANDS-ON CULTURAL LEARNING
The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is a beacon of Indigenous youth involvement, offering tailored educational programs designed to provide hands-on learning experiences. Nk’Mip conducts workshops, tours, and educational sessions, connecting youth with opportunities to learn and practice nsyilxcen culture.
LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TRADITIONAL HARVESTING SKILLS
Nk’Mip’s workshops, tours, and educational sessions teach valuable cultural skills such as nsyilxcen language learning. Youth receive hands-on instruction and guidance in traditional harvesting practices, methods, and protocols and can learn how to process, including cleaning, filleting, preserving, and packaging techniques.
Salmon gutting & filleting
PLANT KNOWLEDGE, PROTOCOL, AND POWWOW
Plant knowledge teachings include traditional medicine harvesting protocols and nsyilxcen fibrecraft methods in pine needle basket making and sp̓ic̓in (hemp rope) crafting. Youth can also attend workshops to learn and celebrate the vibrant cultural tradition of powwow.
Traditional medicine harvesting
Exploring roots and plants hands-on
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CULTURAL AMBASSADORS
By engaging Indigenous youth and connecting them with Knowledge Keepers, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of nsyilxcen culture and ways of knowing. Their efforts empower nsyilxcen youth to become the next generation of cultural ambassadors and leaders in Indigenous tourism in British Columbia.
“In our community-built q̓ʷc̓iʔ (pit house), we have shared captíkʷɬ (oral history and stories) with the youth, ensuring these vital traditions are passed down,” shares Jenna Bower, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre Director.
Sharing wisdom with the young
