A program of the First Nations Friendship Centre Society in Vernon, British Columbia, Sen'klip Native Theatre Company was formed in 1987. Since then, Sen'klip has developed into one of the most respected Native theatre companies in Canada. Its purposes include creating positive outlets of expression for youth, providing viable career options and cultural education and retention, and working toward professional theatre pursuits.
Since its inception, Sen'klip has toured throughout Western and Central Canada and into the North Western United States. Clienteles include educational facilities, from elementary to college levels; Native groups; government; and a wide variety of special interest groups. Cultural theatre has become a popular issue within the education system, and with the production of "How Turtle Set the Animals Free" Sen'klip Theatre has toured with a total of over 120 elementary and secondary school performances in British Columbia in the past two years. This sharing of culture makes for greater cultural understanding and respect.
Going beyond performance, Sen'klip has developed cultural awareness workshops and displays including a 100 foot long Earth Woman Living Landscape Stage at Newport Beach RV Park in Vernon, BC, has brought entertainment and amusement to thousands of people. This "Living Landscape" stage is the site of Native Summer Youth Theatre productions.
Communication with local Elders has given Sen'klip Theatre an authentic research base from which to work, and has assisted in the development and enhancement of inter-community relationships.
Stepping into the Eco-tourism market, Sen'klip has developed important National and International connections and is working to assist in the preservation of the Okanagan culture through its popularity as a tourism resource.
A founding member of the Canadian Spirit of Ecotourism, other successes in the tourism industry have come in the form of hosting visits from an inbound German tour groups, participating in Canada Day and Multi-Cultural Celebrations, and working with both the Canada and British Columbia governments on the creation of a European tour of Canadian Native talent.