Nk'mip Desert Cultural Centre

The Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre invites visitors to celebrate thousands of years of Okanagan First Nations habitation on desert lands. The Centre provides on-site tours – including a traditional village, interpretive programs, an 80-seat performing arts theatre, archives, sculpture and water garden and interactive displays reflecting the rich heritage of the Okanagan First Nations people. The Nk’Mip desert lands are one of Canada's three most endangered ecosystems and the home of many endangered plant & animal species.

A new $9 million facility will be opening in June 2006, celebrating the theme of the “Lands, Legends and the People”, and showcasing the significance of the Osoyoos Indian Band through historical time to the present. In addition to rattlesnake research, guided and self-guided hikes, the Centre will present the story of a First Nations people in the context of one of the most environmentally unique landscapes in Canada.

An exciting new addition is the “Chaptik Theatre”, featuring the debut film "Coyote Spirit". This original movie shares the story of a modern-day girl that goes back to the “res” (reservation) for the summer and learns from her grandfather and the mythical “Coyote” about who she is and what it means to be Okanagan.

• Also, the “Pithouse Experience Theatre” will give a traditional winter home experience where visitors will hear and see voices from the past
• "Critters Corner" featuring the Centre’s extraordinary rattlesnake research and tagging programs among other learning displays
• A New Elite Gift store for local native crafts and unique gifts
• Installed professional sound and light systems will support a variety of performances, film festivals, community theatres and speakers-conferences-trade show options for internal and external rental purposes.

Directions: The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is located on Highway #3 and is 1 Km East of the Osoyoos City Centre.

Facilities:

• A New Name
• A New Museum and Gallery
• A New Interpretive Centre
• A New “Critter’s Corner”
• A New Elite Gift Shop
• A New “Chaptik Theatre”
• A New Indoor Pithouse Adventure
• Desert Trail and Village
• Most Adventures are Wheelchair Accessible

Hours of Operation:
May to August: 9:30am – 4:30pm (7 days a week)
Sept. to April.: 9:30am – 4:30pm (5 days a week)

Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre can handle groups up to 80 persons. For more rates, group discounts and information, please call us.

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