UBC Okanagan is supporting a thriving interdisciplinary environment with x̌əl sic snpax̌nwixʷtn—a planned space that will bring together scholars and students of diverse academic backgrounds in an innovative way. Unique neighbourhoods will be shared by teams of interdisciplinary researchers from across UBC Okanagan’s entire research spectrum to enable team-based approaches to solving complex problems and support collaborations with Indigenous partners, community members and industry.
Syilx values and knowledge have significantly informed the building’s planning and design through a deep partnership and collaboration with the En’owkin Centre from the beginning of this project. In January 2023, the En’owkin Centre generously gifted UBC Okanagan the name x̌əl sic snpax̌nwixʷtn, an Nsyilxcn name for the building, previously referred to as the Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Innovation (ICI) building. The new name was conceptualized by Syilx Okanagan Language Keepers, Knowledge Keepers and Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency students in a process that took place over the course of several months and involved profound reflection on the building’s purpose and its cultural significance.
- “x̌əl” signifies “for the purpose of”
- “sic” represents “new/innovation”
- “snpax̌nwixʷtn” embodies “a place where people work together to enlighten and inform each other”
Once open, x̌əl sic snpax̌nwixʷtn will provide a home for curious and collaborative interdisciplinary research champions and ambassadors of community engagement and inclusive change.
The Offices of the Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation and the Provost and Vice-President, Academic are currently managing the initial space allocations in x̌əl sic snpax̌nwixʷtn through an inclusive and transparent selection process.