The summer solstice, held on June 21, 2025, holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.
In honour and celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day the District of Lake Country reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty, self-determination and inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples, as recognized in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Constitution of Canada.
In response to recent statements by MLA Tara Armstrong (Kelowna–Lake Country–Coldstream), we publicly renew our commitment to upholding the established rights of Indigenous Peoples and to advancing the principles of truth, justice, and reconciliation.
Through our daily work in governance, public services, land stewardship and community engagement, we respectfully and gratefully acknowledge that we live and work on the unceded Traditional Territory of the Syilx Okanagan People. This acknowledgment is more than symbolic—it affirms our recognition of the enduring impacts of colonization and the reality that these lands were never surrendered through treaty.
We recognize the role that all levels of government—including municipalities—have played in systems that have marginalized Indigenous Peoples. We also acknowledge the systemic inequities that continue to affect Indigenous communities across Canada, including here in Lake Country.
As a local government, we are committed to taking meaningful and sustained action to support reconciliation. This includes working in partnership with local Indigenous communities, listening to Elders and Knowledge Keepers and embedding the values of respect, inclusion, and collaboration into our policies and daily work.
The Okanagan People have cared for this land since time immemorial. Their knowledge, cultures, and languages continue to enrich this region. As we move forward, we do so with humility and a commitment to listening, learning, and acknowledging the full truth of our shared history. These are not abstract ideas—Indigenous Peoples are our friends, neighbours, and in many cases, family. Respecting and supporting one another is what makes a community strong, and Lake Country is proud to be such a community.
Together, we are building a community where everyone feels valued, heard, and safe. Supporting the rights and dignity of Indigenous Peoples strengthens all of us. Reconciliation is not a single goal—it is a shared journey that demands ongoing effort, compassion, and courage.
Lake Country is a young, diverse, and caring community. We honour and celebrate people from all backgrounds and beliefs. The District stands firm in its dedication to truth, reconciliation, and respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples—today and for generations to come.
District of Lake Country
Mayor & Council