The Okanagan Historical Society (OHS) is thrilled to announce its Centennial Celebration, taking place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Mary Irwin Theatre. This landmark event marks 100 years of preserving and sharing the stories of the Okanagan region.

Doors open at 6:00 pm, welcoming guests with a variety of dessert selections, a cash bar, book sales, a silent auction, and the opportunity to meet and mingle with history lovers from across the valley. The evening's formal program begins at 7:00 pm, featuring cowboy poetry by OHS member Ken Mather, special acknowledgements, and a compelling keynote address from Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band.

Chief Louie will present on the theme "From Cowboys and Indians to Reconciliation," offering timely reflections on regional history, Indigenous leadership, and the ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation. "This event is both a celebration of our shared past and a call to continue working together toward a more inclusive historical understanding," said Lois Marshall, President of the Okanagan Historical Society. "We are honoured to welcome Chief Louie and our many friends and supporters as we mark this important milestone."

The OHS, incorporated in 1925, is one of British Columbia's oldest organizations dedicated to preserving local history. In addition to publishing an annual historical report since the end of the Second World War, the Society supports a wide variety of heritage-based projects, preservation initiatives, and public events. It frequently collaborates with museums, archives, and other heritage-focused organizations throughout the region. Today the Society operates through seven active branches located in Salmon Arm, Armstrong-Enderby, Vernon, Kelowna, Summerland, Penticton, and Oliver-Osoyoos.

Tickets for the Centennial Celebration are $25 for OHS members and $40 for non-members and are available now at www.theboxoffice.ca/upcoming-events/centennial-celebration. OHS members must obtain a coupon code from their local branch to access the member rate. To find your local branch contact, visit www.okanaganhistoricalsociety.org/branches.php.

In addition to the evening celebration, attendees are invited to the OHS Annual General Meeting, which will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Okanagan Regional Library - Kelowna Branch. The AGM is free and open to the public.