síyaʔ Celebration

síyaʔ is one of our four food chiefs in the syilx/Okanagan creation story.

síyaʔ is the nsyilxcən word for Saskatoon Berry. With her feminine spirit she represents community focusing on the importance of family and community connections.

The síyaʔ celebration is held in June, where we honor our youth in their coming of age as well as the blossoming of the saskatoon bushes. We hold ceremony for the community and nation during this event. As we take time to honor our youth, our highschool graduates, our life-givers, provider and elders.

The saskatoon bush reminds us that we are accountable to one another regardless of position or status.