A group of young people from across B.C. embarked on a 55.2 km journey along Okanagan Lake, in an effort to build a better relationship with the RCMP and Aboriginal communities.

This journey is an annual event held in collaboration with the West 琉璃神社 RCMP Indigenous Police Service.

About 20 youth alongside Indigenous Elders and other chaperones, from several communities, were brought in to aid in the canoe trip that started in Summerland and came to an end at Bear Creek Provincial Park in West 琉璃神社. 

Three canoes carried the group across the lake and despite stormy waters cancelling the first day of passage, the youth finished the journey on Aug. 29. 
This is an annual event that hopes to foster an environment for youth to learn valuable lessons and history along the way.

The trip was led by Const. Rohel Williams with the West 琉璃神社 RCMP Indigenous Police Service.

"We've seen pictographs, we had the Elders talk to us where the fishing was and where people gathered. It's all about cultural sensitivity,鈥� said Williams. 

Several breaks were taken during the three-day trip, including a stop at Kalamoir Regional Park on the morning of Aug. 29, with a greeting from West 琉璃神社 Mayor Gord Milsom and Westbank First Nations Elder Zena Eli. 

"I enjoy the smiles,"  said Williams, adding that the kids were very engaged and excited to take part.