Souls Who Bring the Soul (and Sun) to the North Okanagan
By Jim Barr, ZenSeekers.com
The “largest flash mob happening weekly in the north Okanagan”—as Mayla Jansen describes the Polson Night Market she co-founded—doesn’t just happen by chance. It’s a byproduct of the soulful community of the north Okanagan, which you can find at events and happenings throughout the summer and fall months here.
Trails, bands and artisans found in the North Okanagan have a collective vibe you have to experience this summer. In Vernon, Silver Star, Lumby and beyond, the north Okanagan is a community of people who are passionate about this place.
Watch this video for a taste of the soulful north Okanagan scene and then meet five such souls who are powering it up:
Mayla Jansen, Polson Night Market
“Polson Park in Vernon is a community hub,” says Jansen, who cofounded the weekly Friday night event that takes place at Vernon’s central park through the summer and fall.
“We have a safe place for kids to play, and we can hang out, eat dinner, and check out amazing local art. The Polson Night Market is the best thing happening in Vernon on a Friday night.”
Polson Market features 50 to 70 vendors weekly, showcasing new and creative offerings.
Noah McLeod, Local Losers Underground
Stroll the market and you’ll also likely bump into Noah McLeod, founder and producer of Local Losers Underground, the music production company that fuels many of the region’s live music events, including a rotating Friday night gig at the market.
“The North Okanagan has an incredibly diverse music scene,” enthuses McLeod.
This summer, McLeod and his Local Losers crew bring a variety of talent to the stage every Saturday at Silver Star’s Summer music series, running through September.
McLeod, an artist himself, emphasizes the importance of community support in the creative industry. Don’t miss the Sundog Fest in the third week of September.
Suzanne Schneider, Monashee Trail Society
“Monashee Trails believes that trails are not just paths through nature but paths to a brighter future for all of us.”
As president of the society, Schneider and her team are dedicated to trail development, bringing economic benefits and tourism to the region. Trails provide an opportunity for people to connect with nature and calm their nervous systems. For more information, visit the Monashee Trails Society website.
Taylor (skook) Marchand, syilx Nation Youth
While on the trails, pause a moment and appreciate the deep history here. This land is part of syilx homelands, and the local Indigenous community takes pride and responsibility in stewarding nature here.
For Youth like skook, that responsibility is part of his cultural upbringing, and his role within the Nation.
“We take care of the land, but more importantly, we take care of the helpers (sacred beings),” says skook. “This is how we care for all the land.”
Marchand highlights the significance of Silver Star, known in Syilx language as akst̓x̌ałq, meaning a place for gathering huckleberries. For a deeper understanding of the land, consider an Indigenous gardens tour.
Dawna Jodoin, President of Bush Babes and Bro’s Trail Running Club
“There’s so much soul in the North Okanagan,” says Dawna Jodoin. Jodoin, who founded Bush Babes to get more people on the trail, has built a team of ambassadors who help newcomers learn the trails and run safely while having fun.
They introduce people to the Okanagan through their events and races. Lace up and join the trail running fun this summer.
Come experience it for yourself
The North Okanagan is a four-hour drive from Vancouver, five hours from Spokane, or a six-hour road trip from Calgary. The region offers a variety of accommodations, from camping to luxury options, and plenty of cultural and outdoor experiences.
Learn more about the region at Explore North Okanagan.
Share your journey with #northokanagan on Facebook and Instagram.
