(13) CHIEF swkn̓cut
Crystal Przybille, 2019
238 Queensway Avenue
Prior to 1876, before colonization and the imposition of the Indian Act, the syilx were a self sufficient, self-governing people.
Charlie swkn̓cut was the Village Chief of the Mission Creek area when the Okanagan faced both an influx of settlers and the imposition of the Indian Act.
He was a modest individual with a high regard for peacekeeping and community balance, playing a vital role in maintaining communication that was vital to the syilx lifestyle. His Chieftainship correlates with the arrival of Father Pandosy, who came to the Okanagan in poor health, fleeing American Mercenaries and was nursed back to health by the syilx people.
During his time as Chief, swkn̓cut maintained the central idea of peace between syilx people and settlers while balancing all aspects of community to his people.