Land
This structure was originally built on another site and
subsequently moved to its current location at Head of the Lake in the
early 1900's.
The original structure, which was much smaller, after falling
into disrepair, was subsequently re-built on the current site in 1967.
Okanagan Indian Band Elder, Josephine Edwards (Granddaughter
of Chief N'wala) was one of the main contributors to the restriction of
the new Council Chambers along one of the main contributors to the reconstruction
of the new Council Chambers along with numerous other OKIB Elders. The
Council chambers had been built next to the home of Johnny Isaac, and
was routinely used as the community meeting place after Sunday Mass.
Originally built to house Chief and Council meetings it
was used in the 70's for stick games and other recreation during the Annual
Head of the Lake Rodeo, which came to an end in the 80's. This structure
the previous were known and used as the central meeting place for all
neighboring tribes both Okanagan and Shuswap.
The structure was built as a memorial to historically show
where our people met and to keep our rich Okanagan Culture and Heritage
alive.
COMMONAGE CLAIM 1877-2001
The Joint Reserve Commission established the
North Okanagan Commonage Reserve in 1877. In its Minutes of Decision,
the Joint Reserve Commission specified that, “so far as the Commissioners
have authority in the matter”, the area was given to the Indians
for pasturage in common with white settlers in the vicinity. The Minutes
of Decision also stated, however, that “if the arrangement is not
within the powers of the Commissioners or cannot be carried out, the said
tract of land to be Indian Reserve."
The Commonage Reserve was subsequently surveyed
and approved by Superintendent Powell. While the Commonage Reserve was
used by both Indian and non-Indian ranchers for a number of years, the
Federal Government increasingly came under pressure from local politicians
and settlers to terminate Indian land interests in the area. The Federal
Government capitulated to this pressure in 1889 when, in the absence of
consultation with or surrender from the Okanagan Indian Band, it relinquished
the Indian interest in the Commonage Reserve. The Okanagan Indian Band
was never offered and never received any compensation for the loss of
its interest. |
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