SOICS

SOICS South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services has been helping newcomers settle since 1976 Helping Immigrants Settle in the South Okanagan - Since 1976

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate, recognize, and learn about the rich cultures, ...
06/16/2026

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate, recognize, and learn about the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Here are some local events and workshops to check out and support!

🦅 Biodiversity & Bald Eagle's Home Workshop with Rock On Collective
📅 Saturday, June 20
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Naramata Creek

Join this relationship-building workshop exploring local biodiversity (ktɬəɬtan) through a sqilxʷ/syilx (Okanagan) perspective. Activities include paired walks to a waterfall, nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn language learning, and collaborative discussions on supporting local biodiversity.

Facilitator: skəkm̓xísaʔt (she/her), suknaqinx (Okanagan), raised in the area now known as Cawston. She has been studying nqilxʷcn/nsyilxcn for the past five years and currently serves as a Language Administrator with the Okanagan Indian Band.

Register Here!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/biodiversity-and-bald-eagles-home

🌅 Sunrise Ceremony
📅 Sunday, June 21
⏰ 4:30 AM – 6:00 AM
📍 Okanagan Park

Hosted by the Ooknakane Friendship Centre, this special gathering offers an opportunity for reflection, connection, and celebration on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

2nd Annual Frybread Competition
📅 Friday, June 19
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Come celebrate Indigenous culture, community, and cuisine at this popular annual event.

For more information about the Frybread Competition and Sunrise Ceremony, please contact the Ooknakane Friendship Centre
📞 (250) 490-3504

We encourage everyone to participate, learn, and celebrate as we recognize National Indigenous History Month and honour the enduring cultures, knowledge, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in our community.

Looking to improve your English language skills this summer? 🌞📚Check out Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy Online LIN...
06/16/2026

Looking to improve your English language skills this summer? 🌞📚

Check out Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy Online LINC Program, offering free English classes for newcomers with flexible schedules to fit your lifestyle.

✅ Fully online instructor-led classes
✅ Morning, afternoon, and evening options
✅ Self-study sessions with drop-in support

Spaces are still available in some Levels 1–4 classes, although spots are limited. Levels 5 and above are currently nearly full, and some classes have waiting lists.

We encourage anyone interested to reach out and learn more, as availability can change as spring classes wrap up and new spaces open.

📞 Call or text: 250-512-7140
📧 Email: [email protected]
💻 Learn more: cbal.org/linconline

Eligibility: Permanent Residents, Refugees, and Temporary Residents eligible for IRCC-funded language services.

What an incredible opportunity! Be sure to check out Rock On Collective event—a meaningful way to learn, connect, and ho...
06/11/2026

What an incredible opportunity! Be sure to check out Rock On Collective event—a meaningful way to learn, connect, and honour the rich Indigenous history and culture of the South Okanagan.

https://rockoncollective.com/events

Join Anona Kampe of the Penticton Indian Band and syilx Okanagan Nation for an interactive land-based learning experienc...
06/02/2026

Join Anona Kampe of the Penticton Indian Band and syilx Okanagan Nation for an interactive land-based learning experience!

Explore local plants, animals, birds, insects, and landforms while learning through your senses outdoors. Anona will share traditional syilx Okanagan knowledge about harvesting practices, plant uses, and introduce participants to the nsyilxcn language through local species, place names, and water features.

📍 Location: Near The Lost Moose Lodge on Beaverdell Road.

Connect with SOICS about registration information!
(250) 492-6299, [email protected]

Interested in learning more about careers as a Pharmacy Assistant/Technician or Pharmacist in BC?Join this valuable lear...
05/28/2026

Interested in learning more about careers as a Pharmacy Assistant/Technician or Pharmacist in BC?

Join this valuable learning opportunity featuring guest speakers from BC Cancer Agency, who will share insights on hiring practices, qualifications, and training pathways in the field.

Connect with SOICS to register — space is limited

June is coming! Want to know what’s happening at SOICS? Take a look at some of these activities! You can also visit our ...
05/28/2026

June is coming! Want to know what’s happening at SOICS?

Take a look at some of these activities! You can also visit our website, www.soics.ca for updates and more information.

Have you spotted the new e-scooters and e-bikes around town lately?They’re from Bird Canada!Join SOICS for an online inf...
05/27/2026

Have you spotted the new e-scooters and e-bikes around town lately?

They’re from Bird Canada!

Join SOICS for an online information session to learn how to:
• Download and use the Bird app
• Ride the e-bikes and e-scooters safely and confidently
• Access special discounts available for registered SOICS clients

Discover a fun, affordable, and convenient way to get around town.

Ever wanted to learn the basics of bookkeeping? 📚💼Join us at SOICS for a 5-week bookkeeping course led by Chartered Prof...
05/26/2026

Ever wanted to learn the basics of bookkeeping? 📚💼

Join us at SOICS for a 5-week bookkeeping course led by Chartered Professional Accountants Julia and Guneet. This beginner-friendly course is designed to help you understand the foundations of bookkeeping with practical, easy-to-follow sessions.

Course Pricing:
- Full 5-week course: $150
- Individual sessions: $30 each
- Session 5 only: $50

Whether you’re looking to build new skills, support your business, or explore a career in finance, this course is a great place to start!

Contact us to register or learn more.

We’re getting ready to celebrate SOICS’ 50th Anniversary, and we want to hear from you!Over the past 50 years, SOICS has...
05/21/2026

We’re getting ready to celebrate SOICS’ 50th Anniversary, and we want to hear from you!

Over the past 50 years, SOICS has proudly supported immigrants, newcomers, and our community. Now, we’d love to celebrate the people and stories that made this journey so meaningful.

Share your favourite SOICS memories with us; whether it’s a heartfelt story, a photo, a video, or even a short message about what SOICS means to you.

Let’s celebrate 50 years of community, connection, and service together.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

📧 Email us at [email protected]
📱 Send us a message on Facebook or Instagram: .penticton

Address

340 Ellis Street
Penticton, BC
V2A4L7

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12504926299

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