En'owkin Centre Philosophy

Okanagan elder, Margaret Kruger
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

Jeanette Armstrong with Enowkinwixw traineesThe 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:

En'owkin Centre Objectives

Richard Armstrong with visitors of En'owkin Centre1. 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

En'owkin Centre poles

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:
-One Year Certificate in Foundations in Indigenous Fine Arts

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology:
-College Readiness
-Okanagan Language

University of British Columbia - Okanagan:
-Baccalaureate Degree in Indigenous Studies

Okanagan Language Authority /B.C. College of Teachers:
-Certification for Nsyilxcen Language Speakers/ Teachers

Theytus Books Ltd.:
-Canada's oldest Aboriginal owned & operated Publishing House is housed in the En'owkin Centre

The Land Conservancy:
-Locatee Lands Conservation Project

Centre for Ecoliteracy

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.