The recent tragic drowning of a young 12 year old girl certainly had an impact on the Southern Bands and Organizations of the Okanagan Nation. The Penticton Band, Osoyoos Band, Lower Similkameen Band, Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House and Ooknakane Friendship Center have all come together to show their support and to offer donations of food, accommodations, gas cards, and whatever else they could to help the family through this most heart wrenching time.

We certainly would like to recognize the unbelievable professional expertise and efforts of the local RCMP, their dive team, Penticton Fire Department, Penticton Search and Rescue, and the many people / volunteers who had offered their help and support to the family as well. We would like to pay special recognition to the Penticton Indian Band for opening their community hall and faclities to the family, the  Osoyoos Band who has generously covered the cost for the casket, and the Ooknakane Friendship Center who has also covered costs for 2 hotel rooms for 2 nights for members of the family.

A tragic loss such as this certainly makes us realize how precious our children are and how precious life is in all our communities. The Penticton Band Council and Penticton Band Community is so very proud at how our communities and organizations have pulled together to help with very sad and tragic loss. Anyone who wishes to help the family through monetary donations to go towards funeral costs can contact Emory Gabriel at (250) 809-5158 or Theresa Gabriel at (250) 488-9245.

Chief Jonathan Kruger