The Guide has two primary objectives:
- To help newcomers navigate local systems more effectively and access programs and services in a timely manner.
- To introduce newcomers to the Indigenous Community, fostering an early understanding of the people of the land even before arrival.
This resource is intended to support both individuals who are in the process of immigrating and have not yet decided where in Canada to settle, as well as those who have recently arrived.
Each section provides an overview of the South Okanagan–Similkameen service area, along with practical tips shared by fellow immigrants. The Guide also includes pre-arrival and post-arrival checklists, as well as interesting facts about the region.
The Welcome Guide was developed on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people, and we are very grateful to the Syilx people for hosting us on their land and helping us to understand the Indigenous culture and traditions, and for sharing this information with newcomers.
This Welcome Guide is a product of collaboration. It was developed by immigrant volunteers, members of the Welcoming Community Workgroup of the South Okanagan-Similkameen Local Immigration Partnership (SOSLIP) and the team of the South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services (SOICS).
We express a special gratitude to:
• sknir’men – Buttercup Anona Kampe, a member of the Penticton Indian Band and an educator, for sharing her knowledge and reviewing the content on the Indigenous Community
• Mitra Fathian and Hector Carlos for collecting information
• Andrew Kemp for editing and guidance
• Ben Laurie for creating beautiful illustrations for the Guide
BC Welcome Guide
“Whether you have just arrived from another country or from another province, welcome to British Columbia. We know that moving to a new place can be both exciting and challenging so we gathered the essential information and resources you need to settle in. From healthcare, child care, and housing, to driving, transportation, and more, the B.C. Newcomers’ Guide can help you navigate your journey to a new life in British Columbia.” Visit Welcome BC to learn more about their programs, resources, and regional updates.