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sncewips | how our tangible objects tell our story

The Sncewips Heritage Museum began as a repository after Westbank First Nation achieved self-government in 2005. As our collection grew, we transitioned to the public sphere by opening our doors as a museum on June 14th, 2014. Five years later, we launched our much anticipated move and re-opened our space on February 1st, 2020. Through all of its changes, our museum continues to provide a protected place for sqilxÊ· culture and heritage. 

As an Indigenous owned and operated business, we hold space for syilx voices, connect our community to opportunity, and maintain a safe space for open, honest conversation. We encourage everyone who lives and plays in the Okanagan to drop-in, book a tour, and do their part to learn about the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the syilx people.

sncewips | a conversation with an ancestor

by syilx people, for all people

  • "What a beautiful place! Extremely grateful to gain more insights into the Indigenous history of the Okanagan and celebrate the peoples culture."

    Aditri Chatterjee

  • "Small yet well-curated. There is a lot to learn about the history of the Syilx. Entrance is by donation. You can get a good look in half an hour. My only suggestion: if you have child-height drawers, kids will likely touch the content regardless of a sign."

    Fabio Mologni

  • "One of our favorite stops on our whole western Canada trip was this museum. Coralee gave us a tour, and she is a great storyteller! Loved hearing about their history."

    C King

  • "What a amazing place and such a wonderful knowledgeable lady Coralee is . Would highly recommend this to anyone visiting kelowna or even some people living in kelowna as you'll definitely learn and take home a different insight into their history."

    Declan Geoghegan

  • "Wow what a treasure trove of knowledge there is here, especially if you're lucky enough to learn from Coralee! We initially went to learn a little about Westbank First Nation and ended up staying half the day, reading the signs, watching the videos and learning so much from Coralee herself on syilx history/culture and the Westbank First Nation's long journey to self-governance. Must visit!"

    Sara Bonyadi

  • "Displays well laid out interactive videos very informative free admission"

    Frederick Jamieson

  • "I agree with all the other great reviews. Just finished an excellent group zoom tour with Coralee. Learned a ton - and had many doors opened in my mind for further exploration. The museum is open in person now as well. Stop and take a tour or book one online, you will be glad you did!"

    Manije Irani