Originally known to the First Nations of the Okanagan Valley as Khiluk, which was- and remains today revered as a sacred site producing therapeutic waters. During World War I the minerals of Spotted Lake were used in manufacturing ammunition. Later the area came under the control of the Ernest Smith Family, for a term of about 40 years. In 1979 Smith attempted to create interest in a spa at the lake. The First Nations responded with an effort to buy the lake; in October 2001 they finally struck a deal. First Nations arranged the purchase of 22 hectares of land for a total of $720,000, and contributed about 20% of the cost. The Indian Affairs Department paid the remainder.

A huge colony of Pacific Walrus on Arakamchechen Island in the Northern Bering Sea. (Photo by Francois Gohier/Ardea/Caters News)

Princess Diana relaxes on the sand during a visit to the beach on the Caribbean Island of Nevis January 4, 1993. (Photo by Mark Cardwell/Reuters)

Jellyfish Lake (Palauan: Ongeim'l Tketau, “Fifth Lake”) is a marine lake located on Eil Malk island in Palau. Eil Malk is part of the Rock Islands, a group of small, rocky, mostly uninhabited islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu. There are about 70 other marine lakes located throughout the Rock Islands. Jellyfish Lake is one of Palau's most famous dive (snorkeling only) sites. It is notable for the millions of golden jellyfish which migrate horizontally across the lake daily.

A model practices her walk ahead of Dakar fashion week on Goree Island in Dakar, Senegal, on December 03, 2022. The 20th anniversary of Dakar fashion week is held in a preserved colonial era fort on Goree island, which was one of Africas biggest slave trading centres during the 15th and 16th century. (Photo by John Wessels/AFP Photo)

Xabi Zurutuza of Spain for Red Bull KTM Ajo crashes during Moto3 Free Practice Three as part of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Phillip Island, Australia, 19 October 2024. (Photo by Joel Carrett/EPA)

People in a variety of colorful costumes participate in the 43rd annual Mermaid Parade at Coney Island on June 21, 2025 in New York City. The annual Mermaid Parade marks the beginning of summer in NYC and pays tribute to Coney Island’s Mardi Gras celebrations in the early 1900’s. (Photo by Craig T. Fruchtman/Getty Images)

More than 6 billion people live in countries where serious levels of public sector corruption are fueling inequality and exploitation, according to Transparency International's 2015 index of perceived public sector corruption. The group's annual report measures perceptions of corruption due to the secrecy surrounding most corrupt dealings. Two thirds of the 168 countries assessed were identified as having a serious corruption problem. Somalia, which has been mired in conflict since civil war broke out in 1991, ranks bottom of the list. (Photo by Feisal Omar/Reuters)