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NATURE

· Plants and Animals in the Dry Land

FIRST PEOPLES

· The Osoyoos Indian Band: Preserving Our Past, Strengthening Our Future

HISTORY

· A Scarcity of Water

This is a link to a map of the Grasslands of British Columbia with an optional close-up map of the Southern Okanagan.

FOCUS Southern Okanagan

The Osoyoos Indian Band

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This is a black and white line drawing of Ponderosa Pine needles and a cone.

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Nk'Mip Desert and Heritage Centre, Osoyoos.




		Ponderosa Pine and Sage (Ponderosa Pine), a drought-resistant and shade-intolerant tree, was utilized by the Okanagan in many ways. The pitch was a chewing gum used for medicinal purposes and as glue to secure spear points and barbed hooks to shafts. It was also used to treat wounds, as the pitch is antiseptic. The cambium - a moist inner bark - was eaten in early spring, while pine nuts could be gathered throughout the year as a snack.


(Sagebrush) Nk'Mip Desert and Heritage Centre, Osoyoos.

		(Sagebrush) is used as a spiritual cleanser. The dried leaves are burned and the smoke is "washed" over the body to cleanse it of negative energy. In the past, the bark was pulled off and used to weave mats, bags, baskets, quiver cases, clothing, saddle blankets and shoes. The leaves were also used as a natural insect repellent.

The Osoyoos Indian Band -