Untold stories and community voices will be spotlighted front and centre in Coldstream.
The global TEDx phenomenon is coming to the North Okanagan, with TEDx Kalamalka Lake debuting on Monday, Oct. 6 from the Coldstream Community Hall.
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together through video and live speakers. The events are branded as TEDx as the x represents an independently organized TED event. TED provides general guidance but the individual events are self-organized.
Curated under the theme of Roots and Resonance: Rewriting the Local Narrative, this TEDx event aims to showcase overlooked voices, celebrating the wisdom, strength and creativity that shape the community from the ground up.
"We're incredibly proud to bring TEDx to the North Okanagan for the first time," said Philipp Gruner, the event organizer. "This event is about providing a stage for locals whose efforts have brought change locally and globally and shining a spotlight on the thinkers and doers in our own backyard."
Among the speakers is Amelia Sirianni, an actor/artist originally from Vernon who spent 14 years in Toronto honing her craft as a professional musical theatre actor. She came back to Vernon with her family where she owned a childhood music program. After an executive director role at a local charitable society, Sirianni now co-owns Ghost Tours of Vernon and actively connects the community through engaging storytelling.
Orthopedic surgeon Julian Sernik is another speaker who is passionate about understanding how high-performing teams can improve efficiency, quality, and outcomes鈥攁nywhere people work together. Outside the clinic and OR, Sernik brings the same focus on teamwork to the mountains. In summer, he explores British Columbia鈥檚 backcountry on horseback. In winter, he draws on decades of mountain experience as a ski patroller and mountain doctor鈥攁nd recently became a certified ski guide.
Speaker Sarah Wildeman, a leadership and team dynamics coach, integrates the wisdom of nature into her work 鈥� helping people and systems grow with intention and resilience.
Educator of small humans, Tracy Cramer is also a speaker, as well as a mentor to future teachers through her work with UBCO students.
Tickets are available through .
Speaker announcements, ticket details and volunteer opportunities will be shared in the coming week. Visit for more information.
