City of Vernon hands over copyright to name Ogopogo to Syilx Okanagan Nation

Photo: Contributed

The City of Vernon has handed over the copyright to the name Ogopogo to the Syilx Okanagan First Nation.

The city had held rights to the name, based on the Okanagan Lake monster legend of n'ha-a-itk since the 1950s, when it was used a marketing tool for the valley's lakes and beaches.

The word "n'ha-a-itk" has various translations, such as water-demon, water god, or sacred creature of the water.

Byron Louis, Chief of the Okanagan Indian Band, says he's pleased about the transfer.

“I really commend the City of Vernon for turning over that copyright to the word Ogopogo, although the word Ogopogo does not have any meaning, it's basically gibberish. It's the story that it's based on that comes directly from us,” said Louis.

City of Vernon spokesperson Christy Porier said the matter came up when author Don Levers sought use of the name in a children's book.

“Council endorsed a request from Mr. Don Levers and Okanagan Publishing House to use Ogopogo in the sequel to ‘Ogopogo The Misunderstood Lake Monster,’ including print and video media,” Poirier said.

From there, the decision was made to hand over the rights.

Louis said the First Nation plans on keeping the copyright because it is significant in terms of what it's based upon.

“That is our story,” he said.