Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative
Vernon Winter Carnivalâs Wild West theme is under scrutiny for its lack of sensitivity around what was a violent time for Indigenous Peoples.
Image Credit: Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative February 19, 2021 - 6:00 AM Indigenous Peoples and allies in the North Okanagan have been speaking out against the name of this year’s annual Vernon Winter Carnival, “Wild West,” calling it “anti-Indigenous” and “problematic.” “Systemic racism in our society is evident when organizers of a 61-year-old event still think it’s OK to use problematic themes such as this one,” says Dina Brown, a Syilx woman who works, lives, and practices her culture and ceremonial traditions on her home territory in the Okanagan.