By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Nk’Mip Cellars held its third annual fundraiser for the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) on Saturday, Sept. 27, featuring a silent auction of 50 items ranging from a Rocky Mountaineer experience to tickets to next year’s Festival of the Grape.
The nearly 100 guests enjoyed the food of The Bear, The Fish, The Root and The Berry as well as Sweetgrass at Nk’Mip Cellars and, of course, the award-winning wine of Nk’Mip Cellars. Accompanying the food, wine, and silent auction was the silky smooth voice of acclaimed Indigenous artist Hayley Wallis.
“On behalf of the Town of Osoyoos, we are happy to support the event bringing unity, culture, healing and reconciliation together. She noted many local businesses donated items for the silent auction.
Roger Hull, father of Nk’Mip Cellars Winemaker Justin Hall, performs a smudging for Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff.
Don Urquhart photo
Tracy London, representing the IRSSS, said, “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and with so much gratitude that you come here with hope, your feeling that you’re walking the path of reconciliation with us.
Tracy London, representing the IRSSS.
Don Urquhart photo
She also expressed her thanks for the generosity, noting it makes a significant difference for the work of the IRSSS and residential school survivors.
Troy Ravndahl, Nk’Mip Cellars’ estate manager, expressed his appreciation for the support, saying, “It’s very amazing for us here at Nk’mip to support the community.”
Troy Ravndahl, Nk’Mip Cellars’ Estate Manager.
Don Urquhart photo
He added that the evening was particularly meaningful given that Roger Hull, who did a smudging for each guest as they entered, is the father of Justin Hall, the winemaker for Nk’Mip Estate Winery and a residential school survivor himself.
The tally of total donations will be announced at a later date.
Hayley Wallis performing. Don Urquhart photo
