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The East Ballroom of the Penticton Lakeside Resort was the scene Saturday night of the 2023 Okanagan Nation Women's Awards.
And PentictonNow was there.
The bi-annual event, inactive since 2018 due to pandemic restrictions, is organized and hosted by ONTEH (Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House).
It honours women of the Okanagan Nation -- which at 69,000 square kilometers is gargantuan -- for their contributions, commitment and dedication within the community.
More than that, each award except one (the newest) is named after a Syilx woman from the past, thereby honouring them as well.
ONTEH gathers nominations from throughout the Nation, and a selection committee then chooses the winners.
Saturday night was filled with hugs and congrats as each winner was called to the stage -- most with nominators and friends/family in tow -- to be draped in a gorgeous Pendelton blanket, watch a personalized tribute video, and address the upbeat crowd.
Prior to the awards, the Lakeside served up a big spread highlighted by prime rib and salmon, and the High Water Drum Group pounded out rhythms as famed regional dancers Tyrone Krueger and Nicole Schellenberg (and Christian Schellenberg) did their thing in the centre of the room.
The "Giving To Our Children & Youth Award" (in memory of Catherine Wilson) was won by Anona Kampe.
The "Wisdom & Strength Award (in memory of Clara Dubrett) was won by Sherry Louis.
The "Giving To Our Community Award" (in memory of Matilda Gabriel) was won by Edna Terbasket.
The "Helping Hands Award" (in memory of Victoria Baptiste) was won by Kristine Jack and accepted by Grace Greyeyes.
The "Women's Warrior Award" (in memory of Annie Kruger) was won by Tabitha Eneas.
The "Women's Leadership Award" (in memory of Louise Gabriel) was won by Colleen Marchand.
The "Young Women's Award" (in memory of Dorothy Ward) was won by Saige Werstuik.
The "Appreciation Of Our Culture Award" was won by Chelsea Wilson.
For more information on the Okanagan Nation Women's Awards and ONTEH, turn here.
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