Community Events

Introduction to Outdoor Fundamentals for IBPOC, Newcomers & Immigrants

When: September 21st at 9:00am-3:00pm

Location: Meet at SOICS Centre Penticton (340 Ellis St, Penticton, BC V2A 4L7). Event will take place at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park.

Description: Participants will learn new skills, build safety and confidence, and grow their knowledge of their environment in an inclusive space focused on empowerment to explore and grow. This may include showing best practices in planning for a day outdoors, what to pack, risks to look out for, leave no trace/land stewardship, and more. The workshop objective is that all participants leave the day feeling comfortable planning, preparing, and packing for a day out on the Okanagan trails. Small lunch provided.

About the facilitator: My name is Naomi (she/her). I am a queer Latine woman. I currently live on the Unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and selílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in 'Vancouver'. Outdoor recreation has been a fundamental aspect of my life since I was young. I grew up going camping and canoeing every summer and have now been rock climbing for almost 10 years 🤯. My family is from Honduras and had absolutely no knowledge of outdoor recreation. Needless to say, we have many funny stories to share! It's my absolute privilege and joy to share my love and knowledge and I am particularly passionate about dismantling barriers to access for Black, Indigenous, and Racialized Folks and challenge the colonial tendencies of outdoor recreation. See you there 😊

Accessibility: Requires the ability to navigate some rocks, roots and uneven terrain. Includes some sections of uphill. Pace will be set so no one is left behind. Shuttle bus provided for participants.

If you need assistance with your registration, please reach out to South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services.

Upcoming Events

Registration OPEN. Max 14 participants. Shuttle provided from Penticton.

Mountain Tea Harvest - x̌ʷəx̌ʷƛ̓míɬp for IBPOC, Newcomers & Immigrants

When: October 3rd at 10:00am-12:30pm

Location: Meet at Wholesale club 200 Carmi Ave near the creek. Event will take place in nearby syilx territory.

Description: Mountain tea grows plentiful in the syilx Okanagan at a higher elevation in the bog areas where the soil is acidic. This medicinal tea can be harvested in the fall and helps calm anxiety, indigestion, diarrhea, sore throat and is considered a heart medicine. Anona will share with participants the importance of being mindful when harvesting. She will explain reciprocity, make an offering before the harvest and explain the protocols for harvesting. Back in your space, the tea is washed and laid out to dry to preserve it.

About the facilitator: sknir̓mn (Anona Kampe) is the granddaughter of the late Rachel and Basil Paul from the Penticton Indian Band, a member community of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. Anona shares Okanagan culture and history through stories. “I come from an oral society. Traditionally we did not have a written language. We learned everything through our stories, which are called captikʷł.” Anona is also skilled in beading, basketry and regalia making. She enjoys singing, is a drum carrier for her Nation, and is also a jingle dress dancer.

Accessibility: Requires the ability to navigate uneven ground. No cell service at location. Dress for the weather and bring a basket or bag for harvesting.

If you need assistance with your registration, please reach out to South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services.

Registration OPEN. Max 15 participants.

Biodiversity and Bald Eagle’s Home for IBPOC, Newcomers & Immigrants

When: October 5th at 9:30am-1:30pm

Location: Meet at SOICS Centre Penticton (340 Ellis St, Penticton, BC V2A 4L7). Event will take place at Naramata Creek.

Description: Join us for a workshop that explores local biodiversity (ktɬəɬtan) from a sqilxʷ/syilx (Okanagan) perspective. Activities include interactive games, paired walks, and brainstorming how to best help local biodiversity thrive. We’ll walk a 2.5 km return trail ending at a waterfall. The trail includes a steep incline near the end and is not wheelchair accessible; however, there is an outhouse at the trailhead and rest breaks will be included. Please bring water, sturdy shoes, and anything else you need to feel comfortable outdoors—snacks will be provided.

About the facilitator: skəkm̓xísaʔt (she/her) is suknaqinx (Okanagan) and was raised in the area now known as Cawston. She has been learning nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn for the past five years and currently serves as a Language Administrator with the Okanagan Indian Band. Biodiversity holds deep meaning for her, as the language nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn comes from the land itself. The names of local plants and animals in nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn have been spoken for thousands of years, with a decline that began around 200 years ago with the arrival of settlers. She believes it is vital to care for and protect the plants and animals that have been here since time immemorial.

Accessibility: Requires the ability to navigate some rocks, roots and uneven terrain. Includes some sections of uphill. Pace will be set so no one is left behind. Shuttle bus provided for participants.

If you need assistance with your registration, please reach out to South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services.

Registration OPEN. Max 14 participants. Shuttle provided from Penticton.

Past 2025 Events

syilx People, Purpose & Colonization

We joined Anona for an interactive presentation with a powerful visual tool explaining time immemorial. During the presentation, we learned who the syilx Okanagan People are and how they are connected to the plants, animals, land and water in this territory. Anona shared the loss of purpose and the dysfunction that is connected to colonization, as well as how we can begin to heal from past traumas by reconnecting to culture.

Climb the Wall: Palestine Solidarity Meet-up

We climbed, we cheered, we waved flags, we celebrated Eid al-Adha with Qahwa and baklava at the crag, and we engaged in solidarity actions for a free Palestine. We also fundraised $163 to the Climb The Wall fundraiser—all money goes directly to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Middle East Children's Alliance and WADI Climbing.

2-Day Rock Rescue Course

In May 2025, ACMG Rock Guide Ren spent 2 days with six participants learning all about different rock rescue systems! What a beautiful weekend in the bluffs! Thank you to The B.I.G Initiative for organizing this event and inviting us to collaborate, it couldn't have happened without you.

Intro to Rock Climbing

In March 2025, ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide Keenan lead a course for people from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who are curious about outdoor rock climbing and want to test it out in an environment that promotes physical & emotional safety, belonging and mutual support. Thanks to SOS Pride for sponsoring this event.

Anchor Building and Cleaning Course

In March 2025, ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide Keenan lead a course where participants learned about best practices for cleaning and building single-pitch anchors, including how to tie different anchors, the pros and cons of each, communication, risk/hazard assessment, and safety procedures.

QC X ROC Spring Community Climb

In March 2024 we teamed up with Queer Crushers Kelowna for a stellar spring climb day! Although we got rained out on our first attempt, the following day the group hit up Lower Red Tail at Skaha for a day of smiles, sunshine and sends!

Cross-Country Ski Day

We may be a climbing organization, but at heart we are just people who love the outdoors! In March 2024 we hit the runs and learned a new sport thanks to Rainbow Outdoor Collective who supplied passes, rentals and instruction for free for us at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre.

2024 Events

Arc'teryx x Gneiss New Kids on the Bloc

In May 2024, we were invited to host a booth at the Arc'teryx x Gneiss New Kids on the Bloc event. We held a butterfly rope coiling contest and were able to give some Arc'teryx swag out as prizes. We had lots of fun and are so happy that we got to attend along with some other great Okanagan climbing groups!

Intro to Rock Rescue

In July 2024, Nicole, an AMGA certified single pitch instructor, taught a course addressing rock rescue techniques. Emergencies happen without notice and injuries are all too common while climbing. This course allowed participants the opportunity to acquire practical companion-rescue skills to better prepare themselves for the what-ifs.

Intro to Mindset for Climbers

In July 2024, Nicole, an AMGA certified single pitch instructor, lead a workshop that focused on mental and emotional components that go along with climbing. The session helped participants work through mental challenges on the wall and practice both top rope and lead climbing falls.

Ecology for Climbers

In September 2024, Cole Hooper, a Masters student at UBCO focusing on climbing management, led a walk around White Lake Basin to learn more about cliff ecology. We learned how to be an environmentally conscious and responsible rock climber to help reduce the potential impact we have on the species of the cliffs, including bats and snakes.

QC X ROC Fall Community Climb

In October 2024 we teamed up with Queer Crushers Kelowna for a stellar fall climb day! The group hit up Reilly Rock and Windy Wall at Skaha to take advantage of the weather before winter comes!