Okanagan Nation Alliance

The Okanagan Nation Alliance is comprised of the seven member Bands introduced in the profiles below. The organization facilitates collaborative working in areas of shared interest including Title and Rights, natural resource management, social services and economic development. As equity and asset development for First Nations is being refocused across the country, there is an increasing interest from the private sector to do business with First Nation communities. The Chiefs’ Executive Council and the Economic Development Working Group have been advancing a number of planning and development initiatives. Our Business Development Unit can help deliver elements like capacity building, investment attraction, and business and partnership development. We’re ready to build the future with you!

Okanagan Indian Band

The Okanagan Indian Band, with a population of 1708 people, is the largest band of the Okanagan Nation Alliance. Its main reserve, Okanagan IR#1, comprises over 25,000 acres and surrounds the North Arm of Okanagan Lake, a popular tourist and recreational destination. Okanagan IR#1 is famous for its many beachfront cottage developments. The Band and its members are active in the local economy and work hard to promote knowledge of Okanagan language, history and culture. Band members operate a variety of businesses primarily in the tourism, service, forestry and agricultural industries. Community events include an annual rodeo and an annual Gathering which includes a traditional Powwow.

Westbank First Nation

Westbank First Nation lands, approximately 5300 acres situated on both sides of Okanagan Lake, are adjacent to the City of Kelowna, in one of the fastest growing areas in BC. There are 630 band members with over 400 resident members, and we currently share our lands with 8,000 non-members. There are a number of businesses operating here to serve the needs of our expanding population base, including retail, restaurants, artisans, botanical tours, manufacturing and industrial services, including Heartland Economics Ltd., which is owned by WFN.

Upper Nicola Indian Band

The Upper Nicola Band occupies the northwest portion of Okanagan Territory. The band’s eight reserves (located in the upper watershed of the Nicola River) cover 30,000 acres. Approximately 50% of UNB’s 854 band members reside on-reserve in two communities: Spaxomin at Douglas Lake, and Quilchena, on the shores of Nicola Lake. An ambitious three-phase Comprehensive Community Plan is underway on IR #1, utilizing timber volume from two band-managed woodlots and a Forest and Range Agreement signed in 2005. A sort yard and milling operation will generate new jobs in Phase 1, with more jobs projected by the end of Phase 3. The community plan reflects an integrated approach that covers the economic, socio-cultural and ecological needs of the community and the land.

Penticton Indian Band

The Penticton Indian reserve is located west of Penticton BC. The land base is approximately 46,000 acres with 910 members. The Penticton Indian Band, through it's Development Corporation, owns and operates Westhills Aggregates (gravel pit & new crusher operation) and Coyote Cruises Limited Partnership (river floatation devices that are rented to the public for a fun ride down the river channel from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake). Come visit to see our most spectacular view of the city between the lakes. The grand opening of the Coyote Cruises Season will be the first weekend of July.

Lower Similkameen Indian Band

Located in the Similkameen Valley, the land base of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band is a combination of distinctive desert lands, luscious valley lands, mountainous alpine and fertile wetlands. The mountainous region contains various streams, creeks, rivers and lakes.The pristine back country offers the beauty of nature as it should exist. The area is known for its diversity in agriculture through ranching, farming and orchards. Natural resource development in logging, restoration and forest management is also important in this area. The Similkameen people have retained their ceremonies, arts, culture, heritage and language which are spoken fluently by the people and being taught to the next generation through their oral history and teaching from the chaptiqulw and through family systems. The Lower Similkameen Indian Band is looking forward to many developments and opportunities that are taking place within its territory.

Upper Similkameen Indian Band

The Upper Similkameen Indian Band currently manages eight Indian Reserves in the Similkameen River watershed from Hedley past Princeton. The traditional territory extends from Manning Park in the west, Aspen Grove in the north, Hedley in the east and south to the USA border with 3 Band Offices located in Keremeos, Hedley and Princeton. USIB is the smallest ONA Member Band with 63 members; it is one of the most progressive First Nations Community in the forest industry, owning one of the largest Logging operations in the Merritt Forest District and tree planting operation, a professional layout and development and silviculture division. USIB owns and operates the Hedley Mascot Gold Mine Tours and the Snazai’st Interpretative Centre. The Band employs over 160 full-time and parttime workers and is the second–largest private employer in the Similkameen Valley.

Osoyoos Indian Band

Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) is home to a 410-member community sharing borders with the towns of Oliver and Osoyoos. The OIB is a leader in economic development with nine companies employing more than 500 people on reserve. The OIB invites you to visit Nk’mip, a 4-star destination resort featuring: Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa with luxurious accommodation units, award–winning Nk’mip Cellars Winery – North America’s First Aboriginal Winery, Sonora Dunes the ultimate desert golfing experience over looking Osoyoos Lake, Nk’mip RV & Campground on the shores of Osoyoos Lake and Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre an 8.5 million dollar centre celebrating the Lands, Legends and the
People.

Did you know?

• Nearly 60% of the Syilx population are youth, representing the fastest growing population in the region, and we are committed to growing their opportunities as tomorrow’s labour force, business people and leaders.
• Self-employment statistics provide a testament to the determination and work ethic of First Nation peoples. Entrepreneurial success rates for First Nations business people are impressively above those for the broad base.
• Developing with First Nations as partners creates economic certainty and has precedent with many successful business leaders in BC and Canada.