Community Roots

This award honours all those pioneers that settled in greater Oliver following the establishment of the Fairview Townsite (1887).

The original townsite of Oliver was surveyed in 1921 and through their spirit and perseverance helped build Oliver.

Jane Stelkia is the oldest living Elder/member of the Osoyoos Indian Band – a spry 89. She and her family have been ranching, raising and riding horses in the Oliver area since the Fairview Townsite was founded.
Jane, along with a family member, established the Inkameep vineyards and was in charge of clearing the land, planting the vines and (by hand in the beginning) packing water in to keep things growing. She used to organize and put on rodeo shows both at the rodeo grounds and at the family ranch and has helped countless young people over the years from all over the world by offering a place to live and work when they needed it the most.

Jane is a long time member of the BC Cattlemen’s Association. She has sat on several advisory committees including one focused on local water conservation and has hosted several field trips with SD 53 classes.
Jane attended the special Tree Planting Day on Sept 27, 2017 at Lions Park to help students plant 75 trees and she spoke to volunteers, guests and dignitaries at the beginning of the event about what life was like in Oliver’s early history and the importance of preserving the environment.

Jane has also spent over 20 years working to preserve the cultural history/heritage of the OIB by sharing her knowledge and experiences with the Inkameep Day School and her childhood art with students and by collaborating with Dr. Andrea Walsh on a project currently on display at the Kelowna Museum and Art Gallery.