En'owkin Centre Philosophy
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Ethics Chair/ Elder Representative Margaret Kruger, P.I.B. |
The philosophical statement of the En'owkin Centre is handed down to us from our elders. We choose to guide our future development from this philosophy.
We believe as Indigenous people, the Creator has given us a way of life and natural laws, which govern our relationship to all living things. We believe the Creator has entrusted to us the responsibility of being 'keepers of the land' of living in harmony and oneness with each other; and maintaining a balance with all things in the environment.
Our knowledge and customs are understood and practiced through our relationships to our land and in the way it protects and ensures our continuance and survival.
Our Mother Earth is a living embodiment of our spirituality and nourishes us in all ways: physical, spiritual, mental and emotional.
Our spirituality is a sacred trust.
The values of our people are contained in our teachings. It is through our values that we live under the instructions of the Creator that form the foundation of our survival. Therefore, our sacred responsibility is to protect our spirituality, culture and land.
En'owkin Centre Mandate
The En'owkin is a dynamic institution, which puts into practice the principles of self-determination and the validation of cultural aspirations and identity. An Indigenous cultural, educational, ecological and creative arts organization, the En'owkin Centre is taking a lead role in the development and implementation of Indigenous knowledge and systems, both at the community and international levels.
In consideration of sacred responsibilities given to us by the Creator, upheld through our culture and continues through our Elders, we are committed to:
Provide the educational needs and programs of the Indigenous people
with full participation by the Elders, the parents and the community.- Enhance the mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of our people
by preserving and reinforcing Indigenous culture, practice and teachings. - Develop and implement community based education programs,
which focus
on the
needs
of the Indigenous community and are controlled and monitored at the community level. - Restore the Okanagan language to its rightful place as the communicator of the culture, under the guidance of the Elders.
En'owkin Centre Objectives
1. Operate a quality First Nation Post-Secondary Institution offering educational programs to enhance Aboriginal culture, language, political development and leadership and excellence in Aboriginal arts training.
2. Operate a quality Aboriginal Adult College Readiness Program to assist in adult completion of requirements and skills to enter programs of higher learning.
3. Operate a program for culture and literacy, archives, and educational resources for the benefit of all peoples requiring such information.
4. Operate and offer umbrella services to language, culture and arts associations and collectives to encourage and foster higher levels of professionalism.
En'owkin Centre Partners & Affiliates
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The En'owkin Centre would like to take this time to acknowledge those who have partnered with, supported or those who are affiliated with the En'owkin Centre programs and activities. University of Victoria: Nicola Valley Institute of Technology: University of British Columbia - Okanagan: Okanagan Language Authority /B.C. College of Teachers: Theytus Books Ltd.: The Land Conservancy: South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program South Okanagan Heritage Alliance It is with these partnerships/ affiliations that allow the En'owkin Centre to achieve such high standards of success. |
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