Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre – A Unique Natural History Museum in Canada’s Only Desert
The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre * is one of the most unique natural history museums I have ever visited. The Nk’Mip (prounounced in-ka-meep) experience is comprised of both indoor and outdoor exhibits with lots of hands on displays and multi-media theater experiences. I loved the opportunity to learn about Canada’s only desert with its unusual semi-arid micro-climate and the culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band.
The Building
When I first arrived at the centre I was amazed by the building. It seems to rise from the ground as if it is part of the earth. It is an eco-friendly building designed by Bruce Haden to resemble the traditional Okanagan First Nations winter homes. Layer upon layer of concrete mixed with the local soil and mineral pigments creates thick walls with added insulation in a modern update of the ancient building technique of ‘Rammed Earth’.
Other environmentally friendly features include radiant heating and cooling with hot water pipes within the floor for heat and cold water pipes in the ceiling for cooling. The facility uses as little water as possible with native plants that don’t require irrigation and waterless urinals in the rest room. I thought the green roof was the coolest feature. Desert vegetation is planted in 8” of soil atop the concrete room. It really helps the building blend in with its surroundings.
The People
I was confused at first trying to understand the different designations for the native peoples in the area. The Syilx of the Okanagan Nation are eight communities or bands, seven are in British Columbia and one in Washington which uses the term tribe instead of band. Members share the same language, culture and customs. The Osoyoos Indian Band is part of the Okanagan Nation and over 400 members live and work on the Osoyoos Indian Reserve.
When you first come inside, make sure to discover the legends of Sen’klip, the Coyote in the multi-sensory theatres. The indoor exhibits include a “Living Land” display about desert plants and animals. Although I am not a fan of snakes, the information about the endangered Western Rattlesnake and what the community is doing to help save it was very interesting.
I love history and my favorite exhibit was about the Inkameep Day School Exhibit and the extraordinary teacher Anthony Walsh who encouraged the children to create works of art celebrating their Okanagan identity and history. Works of arts and artifacts from the school are on display and help tell this fascinating story.
The Desert
Outside I had the opportunity to explore the 2 kms of desert walking trails. As I strolled through the area, I began to develop an appreciation for the beauty of the sage and antelope-brush. I did find it surreal to be in the heat of the desert and feel the arid dryness while having a view of all the water in Osoyoos Lake.
One thing that stood out for me was the sculptures by Smoker Marchand. They looked very similar to the ones I had seen at the Beebe Springs Natural area off Highway 97 on the U.S. side of the border. I had stopped to take a break and was enthralled by his work. Come to find out he was the artist. Many of his works can by seen throughout the Nk’Mip resort. Working in iron and steel, he portrays traditional images of Native Peoples.
The traditional village is one of the highlights of the trail and you can peek inside a traditional pit house and a sweat lodge. During the peak summer season if you time it right you can take a trail walk with an interpreter to learn more about the Osoyoos Indian Band culture and the desert. May and June are the best months for wildflowers while September and October are the best times for fall foliage in the trees and seasonal blooms. If you want to see any wildlife plan to do a morning or evening hike. Coyotes, deer and of course snakes are often seen in the area.
Canada’s pocket desert is not your typical desert. There are no Saguaro cactus or sand dunes but familiar desert plants like prickly-pear cactus and creatures like scorpions and rattlesnakes can be found.
After your visit the Nk’Mip Resort has a variety of places to eat or have a refreshment.
*Centre is the Canadian spelling for center.
Press Trip: Thank you to Destination Osoyoos and the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre for setting up a private tour for me.
Thanks for the detailed article! I learned something today 🙂
I’ve seen the green roof tops on garden sheds before but not a concrete building. I think it’s a fabulous idea, and a great way to get ugly buildings to merge into the environment. Takes the term, roof top gardener to a whole new level.
WOW! As an avid national park goer, this one just got put on the list. I had no idea Canada only had 1 desert. I’ve visited the rockies twice now, and just ADORE everything about that area. Now I have another place to check out! 🙂
This is in Canada? How interesting to learn about this desert area! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve visited the Okanagan Valley several times but never had an opportunity to visit this park! Planning a road trip out there after COVID, to visit some friends so will be sure to add this as a stop!
It’s really great to hear about a place that I have never heard of before! I haven’t been to Canada, although I would very much like to visit, so it’s great to start getting together a list of places to visit when I eventually do get there.
Very interesting- hadn’t heard of this place before, in fact, I never even thought of Canada having a desert. Looks exactly the sort of place we’d love to visit. That trail looks very inviting.
I love unusual museums and exhibition and I will put this on my future BC travel plan. I didn’t know there is a dessert in Canada, pretty unexpected.
I did not expect to see desert environment in Canada! Looks like my backyard, so to speak. Actually, this place reminds me of a desert park in the White Tank Mountains; the Visitor Center is set up in a similar eco-friendly building. I’d love the history exhibits about the indigenous people of the area! Thanks for writing about that; I learned somethig new today 🙂 As you can tell, I enjoyed your post! Thank you for sharing.