siwɬkʷ Water & Climate Forum Mar 23/24
This is not just a conference. It’s a pathway forward for water, land, and future generations.
Hosted by Okanagan Nation Alliance
The siwɬkʷ Water and Climate Forum is a Syilx-led, action-oriented gathering designed to strengthen regional water governance, advance Indigenous food and water sovereignty, and respond to the urgent challenges of desertification and climate change in the Okanagan and Similkameen Watersheds.
Over two days, participants will engage in learning, dialogue, and connection – exploring what it means to care for water across communities, jurisdictions, and generations. The Conference will centre on building climate-resilient and collaborative approaches to watershed governance, and on how Syilx, Indigenous knowledge, Western science, and community leadership can work together to strengthen both our watersheds and our relationships.
The Forum will feature international, provincial, and regional speakers, bringing diverse perspectives and lived experience. We are honoured to welcome our international keynote speaker, Dr. Nuria Hernández-Mora (Spain), a globally respected leader in watershed governance who has played a key role in advancing the European Union Water Framework Directive. Her work offers valuable insight into place-based, collaborative water stewardship in a changing climate.
This conference is held in collaboration with the Okanagan–Similkameen Collaborative Leadership Table (CLT)—a watershed governance table bringing together Syilx Nation and local government leaders. The Forum creates space to explore the how of moving from shared commitment to water to collective action, while also offering an opportunity for CLT leaders to share their journey with the broader watershed community.
As climate impacts intensify, the Okanagan–Similkameen is testing what’s possible.
This forum will:
- Spotlight global, provincial and regional innovative, climate-resilient water governance models
- Strengthen the Collaborative Leadership Table (CLT) as a scalable BC approach
- Help shape a 250-year responsibility plan for water
- Align leadership, investment, and action across jurisdiction
Join the movement toward watershed resilience.
Who Should Attend?
Leaders, knowledge holders, policy makers, water professionals, post-secondary students, and anyone interested in protecting water.
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West Kelowna Library Mar 21
OUR community OUR water – World H20 Day In-Person
Discover simple practical actions —especially in gardens & around homes—to conserve water, protect water quality, & help prevent the spread of invasive species. Water is under increasing pressure. Hear how the Okanagan Basin Water Board manages threats & promotes smart, WaterWise choices. From WaterWise landscaping 2 preparing for future 2 preventing invasive mussels, this talk will celebrate OUR water & inspire you to action.
Space is limited so REGISTRATION is required. https://orl.libcal.com/event/4002066
Suitable for adults.
Date: March 21 2026 SATURDAY
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: West Kelowna Branch Library 3731 Old Okanagan HWY
Cost: free
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Free Doc Screening All Too Clear
| In recognition of World Water Day, the Okanagan Basin Water Board and UBC Okanagan’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences are hosting a free community screening of the award‑winning freshwater documentary All Too Clear on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Following the 90‑minute film, guests are invited to stay for a 60‑minute expert panel and audience Q&A, with complimentary refreshments. This event supports our ongoing mandate to protect Okanagan water resources by raising awareness about invasive mussel threats and their potential impacts on our region’s lakes, ecosystems, and economy. The featured film, All Too Clear, examines how quadrillions of invasive quagga mussels are transforming the Great Lakes at a scale not seen since the glaciers — raising urgent questions about what a similar invasion would mean for the Okanagan’s drinking water, fisheries, real estate values, tourism, recreation economy, and cultural value. Event Details What: All Too Clear film screening + expert panel/Q&A When: Sunday, March 22, 2026, 2:00–5:00 p.m. (Doors open at 1:30 p.m.) Where: Commons 201 Theatre, UBCO, 3297 University Way, Kelowna Cost: Free (registration required): https://WWD2026AllTooClear.eventbrite.ca Agenda 1:30 p.m. – Doors open 2:00 p.m. – Greetings & film screening 3:30 p.m. – Break 3:45 p.m. – Panel & Q&A 5:00 p.m. – Adjourn Registration: https://WWD2026AllTooClear.eventbrite.ca |
Salmon Arm Events