Elders & Knowledge Keepers

Wilfred (Grouse) Barnes, is a syilx Knowledge Keeper and member of Westbank First Nation. As one of the few fluent nsyilxcn speakers, he is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the language. He serves as an Elder-in-Residence at School District 23 and Okanagan College. Grouse is a member of the Okanagan Nation Response Team and serves as a spiritual care provider at Kelowna General Hospital. He also works with the Okanagan Nation Alliance on traditional lands management.

Pamela Barnes, is a syilx educator and Knowledge Keeper and a member of Westbank First Nation. Her traditional syilx education is a lifelong journey starting with her great-grandfather, Mickey Derrickson, and other family and community Knowledge Keepers. In true syilx tradition, she strives to educate and mentor the next generations in all the work she does. Pamela’s academic background is in Aboriginal government. She is one of the founders of Westbank First Nation’s Sensisyusten School and sits on its board. She serves on several committees and councils for School District 23, Okanagan College, the University of British Columbia, and the University of British Columbia Okanagan.

BCcampus is honoured to have syilx Knowledge Keepers, Wilfred (Grouse) and Pamela Barnes, welcome us as we gather at Okanagan College on June 10-11, 2024.