Syilx inspiration behind northern rail trail gateway design

A new gateway design for kilometre zero (KM 0) of the Okanagan Rail Trail draws influence from and pays homage to Indigenous history.

The design is inspired by a Syilx summer encampment. It will have a nature focus and include shade structures and seating, alongside inviting way-funding and interpretive signs and structures.

It’s part of a second phase of improvement plans for the site, spearheaded by the Friends of the Okanagan Rail Trail volunteer group (FORT).

FORT started work on the KM 0 trailhead in 2019. The project’s first phase involved replanting native species and restoring the surrounding grassland. The second phase, dubbed the ‘Okanagan Sunflower’ campaign, will help cover costs for the gateway.

It’s budgeted at $294,000. Around $97,000 in grant funding has been secured, as well as $53,000 in donations as of September.

“Granting agencies, community residents and corporations supported the initial vision for the trailhead,” FORT Chair Laurie Postill explained in a brochure detailing the project. “Now with detailed plans, we need your support to make it happen.”

The improvements and interpretation will reflect and celebrate the “unique natural and cultural values of the northern (Kalamalka) trail section, and K’ək’maplqs (the Little Head of the Lake) area in Coldstream,” the pamphlet said.

Before it was home to an active rail line, what is now the Okanagan Rail Trail was part of a larger interconnected network or trials used by Indigenous people to access Northern Syilx Territory.

The K’ək’maplqs area was an important fishing, hunting, and harvesting place, according to Okanagan Indian Band Chief Byron Louis. The remains of out houses have been found in the vicinity.