The Okanagan (self name Syilx) are a Native American people who reside in Washington state on the Colville Indian Reservation, where they are sometimes known as Colvilles. They are also a First Nations people who reside in British Columbia, Cananda. The various Okanagan communities in British Columbia and Washington form the Okanagan Nation Alliance.

According to the Okanagan Nation Alliance website, "The word “Syilx” takes its meaning from several different images. The root word “Yil” refers to the action of taking any kind of many-stranded fiber, like hemp, and rolling it and twisting it together to make one unit, or one rope. It is a process of making many into one. “Yil” is a root word which forms the basis of many of our words for leadership positions, as well. Syilx contains a command for every individual to continuously bind and unify with the rest."

Almost all Okanagan people speak English today, but some Okanagans, especially elders, also speak their native Okanagan language.