A tour around Vernon that gives a look into the region's Indigenous culture is back in 2025.
The Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society (VDICSS), in collaboration with local partners, announces the return of the month-long, self-guided Indigenous Learning Tour.
"As guests on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded lands of the Okanagan Indian Band, VDICSS is honoured to continue advancing reconciliation in our community by hosting the second Indigenous Learning Tour," said Martin Friedrich, VDICSS executive director.
This year’s initiative invites the community to take part in a fun, interactive, and educational journey that deepens understanding of Indigenous culture, sparks curiosity, and fosters meaningful connections.
“We are proud to offer this popular tour again for our community,” said Friedrich. “The tour received a B.C. Anti-Racism Award in 2024, and this year we believe it will be even better.”
The Indigenous Learning Tour features bright orange circles, sponsored by Printech, placed throughout downtown Vernon.
Each circle presents a thought-provoking question along with a QR code linking to engaging videos and trusted resources.
The self-guided format lets participants explore at their own pace while connecting with local businesses, agencies, and organizations.
New for 2025, the initiative has expanded to include custom orange shirts designed in collaboration with local Indigenous artist Faith Yow.
Sponsored by A.T.I Clothing, the shirts will be available for purchase at the tour's participating locations, with proceeds supporting ongoing Indigenous learning and reconciliation efforts in our community.
To purchase an orange Shirt go to .
“We’re excited to bring the tour back and hope it becomes a yearly community event,” says Anetha Kashuba, community connections coordinator at VDICSS. “It’s been encouraging to see all of the businesses from the first tour immediately volunteer to host a question again this year.
"On Sept. 30, we are honoured to join the North Okanagan Friendship Centre, with support from Associated Environmental, in inviting the community to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a time for dialogue, reflection, and coming together as a community.”
The Indigenous Learning Tour will run from Sept. 12 to Oct.17, with circles placed throughout downtown Vernon at locations including the Okanagan Regional Library, Ratio, Yankee Flats Meats, Towne Theatre, Bean Scene, The Wedge, Good Gracious, Nature’s Fare, Okanagan Science Centre, Vernon Community Art Centre, Cotton’s Chocolate, and Kaleco.
"This initiative is only possible because our community recognizes the importance of education as a path to reconciliation," said Friedrich. "It is not about perfection; it’s about taking steps forward and taking responsibility for our own learning. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and community partners, reconciliation in Vernon remains a shared and ongoing journey."