Our Collection
Donation FAQ | Donations on Display | Repatriation
Our living collection is made up of tangible and intangible objects and knowledge of cultural significance. As a people with an oral history, we know that it is the intangible and our people that give our museum life. Our knowledgeable staff ensure our collection is taken care of in line with best museum and best cultural practices.
To inquire about making a donation, please contact our Collections Manager, Deáni Mostert.
Email: dmostert@wfn.ca
Phone: 778 755 2787
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What does the museum collect?
The Sncewips Heritage Museum collects objects and archives that represent the history and culture of the Westbank First Nation and syilx/Okanagan community.
Does the museum accept drop-off donations?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept drop-off donations. All potential acquisitions must be evaluated by our museum staff with respect to our strict collections policy before we can accept your donation. Our storage space is limited; we can only accommodate objects that fit (physically and thematically) in our collection. We gratefully examine each offer, but reserve the right to decline. Please contact the museum by phone or by e-mail to make a donation inquiry.
May I donate anonymously?
No. Any material that is either anonymously dropped off or abandoned at the museum will be disposed of. The museum does not use your personal information for anything other than our administrative records.
Will the museum issue a tax receipt for my donation?
The museum will issue a tax receipt upon request. However, the museum cannot provide an appraised value for donated objects. Determining appraisal value is the responsibility of the donor.
My object has a clear and interesting history, but it comes from outside of the Okanagan. Does the museum want this object for the collection?
The intention and mission of the museum is to represent the Westbank First Nation and syilx/Okanagan community. Unfortunately, we cannot accept donations that do not add value to or compliment this prioritized theme. Please consider making a donation inquiry at a museum in the city or town that your object originates from.
My object has been in my family for decades; I don't know the object's history, but I think it might be Indigenous. Does the museum want this item for the collection?
We rarely accept objects with little known history; we prefer objects that have a story. Exceptional items may be considered for acquisition only after determining the object's ability to aid in the representation of the Westbank First Nation and syilx/Okanagan community.
Repatriation
There are thousands of items of cultural and historical significance to us that are held in 3rd party museums or institutions. Most of which are dependent on following museum conservation standards and policies which are not always conducive to Indigenous pedagogy when it comes to representing and repatriating items. Returning items of cultural significance is of the utmost importance and must be supported by all stakeholders. Sncewips is actively involved in creating a more respectful process to facilitate repatriation both in regards to items of significance to the Okanagan Nation as well as other Nations throughout BC.
Sncewips is a registered repository and we can provide safe and respectful storage of items based on the guidance of our Nation’s knowledge keepers while still maintaining best museum practices. We can provide a place of transition to assist with the return of ancestral remains. Sncewips has specifically designated a storage area for human remains. By no means do we assume authority, as we simply would like to assist in the facilitation of repatriating collection items based on the guidance of our elders and knowledge keepers.
Sncewips will never display human remains or items that are significantly and culturally sensitive. We can also provide a final home for culturally significant objects of our ancestors as we are best suited to represent and interpret these items as they reflect the heritage and natural history of the syilx people. We are not an art collector and should not be put in a position to purchase items rightfully belonging within the syilx Nation.