By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle

This month, Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) member Jane Stelkia will be turning 95 years old, making her the oldest person in the syilx Nation, and the OIB has extended an open invitation to help her celebrate.

The OIB community is inviting “media and all members of the public across syilx territory” to celebrate Jane’s “big birthday party” on April 11. The party will comprise a horseback ride, a meal, and a special tribute video highlighting Jane’s life over the years.

“Jane is a true cowgirl and has spent her whole life working with cattle and horses,” said event organizer Sofia Terbasket-Funmaker. She continues to ride horses, build fences, mow her lawn, teach nqilxwcn/nsyilxcen, and attend community gatherings to this day.

Having been born in 1930, the syilx elder has seen a lot of change through her life and Terbasket-Funmaker says Jane wants to talk about history in the Okanagan territory and contemporary terms for Indigenous Peoples. 

“I want the public to know who we are” said Jane, who requested that the media attend her birthday to help spread her message.

“OIB is very proud to celebrate Jane’s 95th birthday,” said Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) Chief Clarence Louie. 

“She is one of the oldest, and still active, horse culture knowledge keepers and language speakers, in our entire Okanagan nation. To be 95 and still riding horses, not only is that rare, it is a testament to the hardworking old indian ways”.

The celebration will be hosted in Osoyoos, Jane’s home community. The party will start at 3 p.m. at the Indian Grove Riding Stables, where people are invited to participate in the annual horseback ride. Riders are asked to bring their own horse.

At 5 p.m., the celebration will move to the Nk’mip Campground’s Clubhouse, where guests will greet Jane with a warm welcome as she enters the scene on horseback. Her favourite meal will be served to all – roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy – which will then be followed by a screening of different media projects she has done over the years.

There will be a designated play area for children, and the family kindly asks that young ones remain quiet while in the clubhouse.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP through the Facebook event called “Jane Stelkia’s 95th Birthday Party”.

For more information, contact event organizer Sofia Terbasket-Funmaker at 250-499-0435.