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“We are all a part of it together”
Pronunciation with thanks to Jasmine Peone
Join us in fostering a community where everyone feels valued, seen, and heard.
The Okanagan 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies are proud to present a message of inclusivity through the You Belong project. Translated from the Syilx language, the phrase kʷu yʕayʕát kʷuʔ čn̓k̓ʷɬn̓xiʔm̓ signifies “We all join in together” and “We are all a part of it together” and is prominently portrayed in the You Belong design.
This powerful message serves as a reminder of our shared connection, regardless of background or identity. We acknowledge the traditional territories of the Syilx people and the Okanagan Nation, and express our gratitude to the Syilx Language House for providing these meaningful words.
Building a Stronger Community Through Belonging
The heart of belonging lies in fostering a sense of community, where we support and celebrate each other’s unique identities. We recognize that diversity is not just our strength, but also the foundation of a vibrant and inclusive society.
This campaign aims to convey a clear message: You belong here. We are all part of this together.
Through this initiative, the Okanagan 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone, reaffirming the importance of unity and collective action in building a stronger, more compassionate community.
"A Visual Celebration of Diversity"
“This design represents for me the love that I have for the Okanagan and for the people in the Okanagan. I have been lucky enough to call the Okanagan my home for my entire life. It has taken care of me, provided for me. I have experienced so much love here, and I want to give that love back to its people.”
“Eagle feather, Alberta rose, swallowtail butterfly, strawberry, and maple leaf. The elements chosen for this design all represent the beauty of the Okanagan. All elements are also sacred to Anishinaabe culture, my culture. Also represented in this design is the beauty and magnificence of the 2SLGTQIA+ community.”
“Growing up, I was unaware of the hate that existed here. As this land belongs to the Syilx people and falls on Turtle Island, I feel it is my duty to protect and stand up for love, the love that I feel and believe in myself.”
“With the help of Wilbur Turner, I put my heart and soul into this design. I could not have asked for a better partner or a better project to express the love I have for Syilx territory.”
Chi miigwech.
Sarah Jones
Sarah Jones: The Artist
Sarah Jones, is an Ojibwe and Indigiqueer artist. She was born and raised in Syilx Territory, away from her Nation of Shoal Lake 40. In her work she is striving to reconnect with her lost culture and hopes to use her art as a tool to further explore Indigenous practices and methodologies. Sarah uses practices such as digital art, as well as traditional and mixed media art like watercolour, gouache, lino printing, and even tattooing. Sarah is working to create a successful brand @honeycubpokes that shares her vision, her ideas, her culture, and her passions with the rest of the world.
Sarah Jones
(She/Her)
The Shop
Our store celebrates the spirit of belonging and unity. Each purchase supports our mission to create a welcoming, inclusive space for the Okanagan 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies.
Together, we strengthen our vibrant and diverse community.
Rainbow Grillers Trucker Cap — Pride BBQ Hat
$40.00
Rainbow Grillers Tank Top — Pride BBQ Graphic Tank
$45.00
Rainbow Grillers V-Neck Tee — Pride BBQ Shirt
$45.00
You Belong Maple Leaf Caps
$40.00
You Belong Butterfly Caps
$40.00
You Belong Strawberry Caps
$40.00
The Campaign
In Spring 2023, the Okanagan 2SLGBTQIA+ community and its allies united to send a profound message of belonging, fueled by the belief that everyone deserves to be seen and valued. Through Advocacy Canada’s campaign, they raised over $8,000 to bring this vision to life, displaying a billboard emblazoned with the simple yet powerful statement, “You Belong.” The design, crafted by an Indigenous queer artist, became a symbol of inclusivity, extending to clothing, stickers, and other items that carried this message into everyday life.
This campaign arose from a deep need to confront the rising social and political challenges faced by minority groups, particularly the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. In a time of increasing division and targeted attacks, it stood as a beacon of love, empathy, and unity. It called upon the community to embrace their shared humanity and to create safe spaces where all identities are celebrated.
The “You Belong” campaign is a testament to the power of collective action in fostering a world where acceptance and compassion prevail over prejudice and fear.
Photo by Aaron Hemens of IndigiNews.com
The Community Impact
The Okanagan is home to thousands who proudly identify as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We are your neighbors, colleagues, and family members, spanning every profession and walk of life. Our identities—whether two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, non-binary, or more—are not new or fabricated.
We have always been here and will continue to be.
The “You Belong” campaign reinforces this truth, countering erasure with a bold declaration: we all belong here. You belong here. Everyone belongs here. This project serves as a powerful affirmation of our collective presence and the importance of inclusivity in our community.
Acknowledging Our Contributors
To the many donors who contributed to the fundraising efforts, a special thanks goes out to you. This project wouldn’t have been possible without your support.
The billboards may be down, but let the message of belonging continue to live on in your heart.
Special thanks to the focus group members for their dedication, and to Central Okanagan United Churches for displaying banners of the billboard design.
Finally, we acknowledge Advocacy Canada, the Kelowna-based nonprofit that spearheaded this project, bringing together the community in a powerful display of belonging and support.