South Okanagan Similkameen Métis Association
We work to preserve Métis culture and support Métis citizens living in the South Okanagan area.
SOSMA wishes to recognize the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Okanagan (Syilx) People, on whose lands they live, learn, and work.
SOSMA Video by Drake Richardson
Mandate
The South Okanagan Similkameen Métis Association (SOSMA) is a non-profit organization that is committed to the preservation, promotion, and celebration of the rich Métis culture, history, and heritage in the South Okanagan region. Through a range of activities, programs and events, SOSMA seeks to create a thriving, vibrant community where Métis individuals and families can connect, share, learn, and grow.
Our mandate is to provide meaningful cultural learning opportunities and foster a sense of community among the Métis people residing in the South Okanagan. We aim to create an inclusive environment that encourages participation and engagement, thereby strengthening the ties within the Métis community and promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of Métis culture for all.
SOSMA hosts various cultural workshops that focus on traditional Métis arts and crafts, music, dance, and storytelling. These workshops serve as an educational platform that allows our community members to delve into their roots and traditions, learn new skills, and pass on Métis cultural knowledge to the younger generation.
In addition to these workshops, SOSMA organizes regular community gatherings and events, which act as a social network for the Métis community. These events not only provide a space for the Métis people to engage with each other, but also help in promoting Métis culture to a broader audience. From traditional music and dance performances to community feasts and cultural celebrations, these events highlight the richness and diversity of the Métis culture and contribute to the overall cultural landscape of the South Okanagan region.
Through these efforts, SOSMA has created a strong and supportive community network that celebrates and honors Métis culture, promotes cultural understanding and appreciation, and contributes to the overall well-being of Métis people in the South Okanagan. Our commitment to cultural preservation and promotion, community engagement, and inclusivity continues to guide our work as we strive to serve and support the Métis community in the South Okanagan.
Mission
The South Okanagan Similkameen Métis Association (SOSMA) is dedicated to fostering a thriving and vibrant Métis community in the South Okanagan region. Our mission is to preserve, promote, and celebrate the rich Métis culture, history, and heritage through a diverse range of activities, programs, and events.
SOSMA strives to create an inclusive, engaging environment that encourages learning, sharing, and growth. Our cultural workshops and events provide a platform for our community members to delve into their roots, learn new skills, and pass on Métis cultural knowledge to the younger generation. These activities not only strengthen the ties within our community, but they also help to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of Métis culture among a broader audience.
In addition to fostering a strong, supportive network within our community, we are committed to reaching out to the broader public to promote the richness and diversity of the Métis culture. We organize regular community gatherings and cultural celebrations that showcase traditional Métis music, dance, arts and crafts, and storytelling. These events help in raising the cultural profile of the Métis community in the South Okanagan region and contribute to the overall cultural landscape.
Our mission is guided by a strong commitment to cultural preservation and promotion, community engagement, and inclusivity. As we look to the future, we aim to grow and strengthen our organization to better serve and support the Métis community in the South Okanagan. In doing so, we hope to inspire a new generation of artists and cultural leaders who will continue to carry forward the spirit of the Métis people, in the spirit of reconciliation and cultural revival.
Geneology
SOSMA offers support for those seeking to prove Métis citizenship and apply to the MNBC registry. The genealogical process can be complex, which is why SOSMA is dedicated to helping potential Métis applicants understand how their identity relates to the historic Métis Nation. Contact us today to get started on your pedigree chart!
EVENTS
SOSMA offers a variety of events, including Louis Riel Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Moccasin Making Workshops, cultural dinners, the Red Dress Day March, Truth and Reconciliation Day gatherings, and an Annual General Meeting. Activities can vary depending on the year. We invite all community members to subscribe to be notified when we host events, as capacity can be limited due to the popularity of some events. For more information on past offerings, please click on the ‘events’ tab above..