| Okanagan First Nation
EditConflict Score
This score indicates the likelihood of conflict based on our SLO Algorithm. On a range of -10 to +10, this score of +3 indicates that Okanagan is more likely to have conflict over development in their territory.
+3
Community Profile
Last Updated September 8, 2024
- Name: Okanagan (ISC Code: 616)
- Former Names:
- Band Style:
- Cultural Area:
- Indigenous Language:
- Number of Registered Members: 2397
Governance
Band Council
- GOVERNANCE TYPE:
- TERM EXPIRES: 04/02/2025
- CHIEF: BYRON LOUIS
- NUMBER OF COUNCIL MEMBERS: 11
Contact Information
- BAND WEBSITE: http://www.okib.ca/
- PHONE NUMBER: (250) 542-4328
- FAX NUMBER: (250) 542-4990
- ADDRESS: 12420 WESTSIDE RD, VERNON, BC
- EMAILS:
- Chief BYRON LOUIS:
- Councillor VIOLA BROWN:
- Councillor VALERIE CHIBA:
- Councillor DONNA GOOD WATER:
- Councillor TIM ISAAC:
- Councillor MARY PATRICIA JACK:
- Councillor ALLAN LOUIS:
- Councillor RACHEL MARCHAND:
- Councillor RAYMOND MARCHAND:
- Councillor FLOYD OPPENHEIMER:
- Councillor ROCHELLE SADDLEMAN:
- General Band Office:
- Media Contact:
- Referrals Contact:
Band Financial Statements
Band Council Remuneration
Lands and Traditional Territory
Reserves
-
ISC Code: 7393
PRIEST'S VALLEY 6
33.6 Hectares
OSOYOOS DIST IN SECS 29&30, TP.9, ON VERNOR CK AT ITS MOUTH E. SIDE OF OKANAGANLAKE, \\MILES SOUTHWEST OF VERNON
[50.2467522, -119.3389072] -
ISC Code: 122
SWAN LAKE 4
32.2 Hectares
OSOYOOS DISTRICT IN SECS 26 & 35 TWP 8, ON NORTH SHORE OF SWAN LAKE
[49.032304, -119.468163] -
ISC Code: 7392
HARRIS 3
64.8 Hectares
OSOYOOS DISTRICT, IN SECTION 13, TP.7, 2 MILES SOUTHEAST OF OTTER LAKE
[49.032304, -119.468163] -
ISC Code: 7390
OKANAGAN 1
10302.0 Hectares
OSOYOOS DIST IN THE OKANAGAN VALLEY BTW OKANAGAN LAKE ANDSALMON RIVER, N. PORTION OF I.R. IS IN TWP 17 RGE 10 W6M
[49.032304, -119.468163] -
ISC Code: 7391
OTTER LAKE 2
25.0 Hectares
OSOYOOS DISTRICT IN SECTION 23, TP.7, AT SOSUTH END OF OTTER LAKE 9 MILES NORTH OF VERNON
[49.032304, -119.468163] -
ISC Code: 7394
DUCK LAKE 7
179.2 Hectares
OSOYOOS DISTRICT, IN TPS. 20&23, ON NORTH SHORE OF ELLISON LAKE AND BANKS OF VERNON CREEK
[50.0078971, -119.3968259]
Traditional Territory
- Katzie Official Traditional Territory Map [pdf]
- Interactive Map
- The Okanagan First Nation’s traditional territory encompasses significant portions of the Lower Fraser River, Pitt River, and Pitt Lake. The territory extends through modern-day Langley, Mission, Surrey, New Westminster, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Richmond, among others.
- The Okanagan people have historically used the land for fishing, hunting, and gathering. Significant fishing sites include the Pitt River and Fraser River for salmon harvesting.
- Interactive Map of Katzie Traditional Territory: Click here to view a detailed interactive map showing the boundaries and key cultural sites.
- Historical Land Use: The Katzie people have lived in this region for thousands of years, practicing sustainable resource management and protecting sacred areas such as Pitt Lake and its surrounding wetlands. For more information on Katzie’s historical land use, visit Katzie Traditional Land Use Reports.
- In addition to key fishing sites, the Katzie historically used the upland forests of Blue Mountain for hunting and gathering. This area remains central to Katzie’s cultural practices today.
Land Claims
- Specific Claims None
- BC Treaty Process Participation: The Katzie First Nation is a participant in the British Columbia Treaty Process, which aims to resolve land claims and establish new agreements regarding land, resources, and self-governance.
- Treaty Negotiation Status: Katzie First Nation is currently in **Stage 4** of the BC Treaty Process, where they are negotiating an Agreement-in-Principle with the governments of British Columbia and Canada. This stage focuses on addressing key issues such as land ownership, resource rights, and governance over traditional territories. You can read more about their progress in the process at the BC Treaty Commission.
- Negotiation Issues: The Katzie First Nation is negotiating on several issues, including:
- Self-governance over their lands and resources
- Fishing rights and management of the **Fraser River** and **Pitt River** ecosystems
- Forest resource management and protection of sacred sites like **Pitt Lake**
- Economic development opportunities and rights to traditional lands
- Katzie Treaty Process Summary: For a full overview of Katzie’s involvement in the BC Treaty Process, visit the Katzie First Nation profile on the BC Treaty Commission website.
- Timeline of Negotiations: Katzie First Nation has been in negotiations since **Stage 1** of the treaty process in the early 1990s. They have achieved significant milestones, including interim agreements on fisheries and land use, while continuing negotiations toward a final treaty agreement.
Lands Administration
- Land Code: ✔
- Land Code Document: PDF
- Land Use Plan: PDF
- Land Code Contact: N/A
- Part of Guardians Program: ✔
- Guardians Program Notes: N/A
- Related Documents: Environmental Management Plan [Part 1] [PDF]
Consultations and Referrals
Band Business Interests
Court Records
Media Reports
Academic Research
Expert Analysis Add