The Kamloops Art Gallery is showcasing the largest collection of Daphne Odjig, the Canadian contemporary Native artist who has earned some of this nation's most important honours. From May 29th to August 21, 2005 the exhibition “Four Decades of Prints” brings together over 90 works that celebrate just one significant aspect of her work—printmaking—and provides viewers with an opportunity to celebrate aboriginal cultural heritage through the eyes of one of Canada’s most remarkable artists. The Woodland School painter’s expressive and lyric use of the formline has brought her international fame and prestigious commissions.

“If my work as an artist has somehow helped to open doors between our people and the non-Native community, then I am glad. I am even more deeply pleased if it has helped to encourage the young people that have followed our generation to express their pride in our heritage more openly, more joyfully than I would have ever dared to think possible.”- Daphne Odjig.

Kamloops is the Ginseng Capital of British Columbia, with ideal growing conditions of hot, dry summers and cold winters. Production began in 1982, but Ginseng has a long history in North America and was used by First Nations people for its medicinal properties as a tonic and stimulant. Sunmore Gingeng Factory, the only professional ginseng manufacturer in North America, offers tours of its factory and teaches about the healing powers of ginseng, introducing the simple, yet effective usage of North American ginseng to consumers. Sunmore Ginseng Spa incorporates ginseng in many of its wellness and relaxation programs. A sense of peace and harmony pervades throughout, architecturally designed around the principles of Feung Shui. The interior of each treatment room is decorated in the theme of one of the Chinese five elements. Harmony from within is promoted through a wide variety of massages, including full body massage, reflexology and hot stone massage.

Kamloops has history, culture, and heritage. The 25th annual Kamloopa Pow Wow is July 30th - August 1st this year, an opportunity to celebrate the heritage of the First Nations people. More than 15,000 people attend to witness 1,300 performers, competitors, arts and crafts over three days. Kamloops is home to the Secwepemc Museum, Heritage Park and Ethnobotanical Gardens, a 12-acre Native heritage park on the banks of the South Thompson River, which gives visitors the opportunity to experience the rich cultural history of the Shuswap People. Artifacts include a birch bark and dugout canoe and displays on hunting, fishing, clothing, games, food gathering and cooking. The Kamloops Museum depicts the railway, Old West and ranching heritage of the area.

Over two hundred lakes, within a 40 mile radius of downtown Kamloops, draw visitors from around the world for water sports and great fishing. All ranges of accommodations are available, including scenic lakeside lodges, campgrounds, motels and hotels. Experienced fishing guides know where and when the fish bite, including the famous Kamloops fighting trout, and flyfishing lessons are available. Golf, mountain biking and hiking also surround the city of Kamloops. In this adventure land of rodeos and cattle country there are numerous ranches and lodges ready to take guests horseback riding over the rolling grasslands. The more adventurous can live out their dreams of experiencing the old west.

The BC Wildlife Park features indigenous animals of the province, in a spacious natural setting. The 50 hectare park has spacious natural exhibits for wildlife species such as grizzly bears, mountain lions, timber wolves, moose, mountain goats, birds of prey and snakes. It’s a perfect family outing, with great presentations for all ages on their captive breeding program for burrowing owls, and other shows on bats, birds, and snakes.

During May, June and September. the restored Steam Locomotive 2141, “Spirit of Kamloops,” departs from the historic CN Station on Saturdays for a 115 mile round trip to Armstrong with passengers enjoying the sounds of steam in restored coaches, café lounge car and open-air “hayrack” cars. Highlights are a 493-foot tunnel, unique horseshoe curve, beautiful valleys and the rolling cattle country.el and into A great way to spend the evening outdoors in Kamloops is Music in the Park, a free daily concert series from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each evening in July and August. A wide variety of musicians and singers perform in the bandstand at Riverside Park, providing an entertaining and idyllic venue for an evening picnic.

Rustic guest ranch, resort-style luxury or family accommodations with a pool - pampering the senses or testing the stamina — Kamloops is the perfect choice this summer. For information on other activities and accommodations in the area, call 800-662-1994 from anywhere within North America.

For more information, please contact, Ms. Lee Morris, CEO, at (250) 374-8000 or by email at lee@tourismkamloops.com.