Territory

The Okanagan Nation is comprised of 7 reserves that come out to be 11,282.50 hectares.

The Okanagan Traditional Territory encompasses a distinct and diverse geographical region in Southern B.C. The Aboriginal organizations within this territory face unique challenges within an environment that lacks the infrastructure and resources to deliver culturally appropriate services. It is the aim of the Okanagan Aboriginal Council to address these issues and re-affirm the need to "build capacity for Aboriginal organizations. "The Okanagan Aboriginal Council is a grassroots organization that is working on developing an inclusive model for Aboriginal Organizations in the Okanagan Territory"

"Working together to provide culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal children and families."

There are many theories as to the derivation of the name, but the majority agree that the compound word "Okanagan" contains the word for "head". One likely translation is "looking toward the upper end [head]"; another is "seeing the top or head", possibly referring to the summit of Mt. Chopaka. The anthropologist Teit wote, "Okanagan is said to be derived from the name of a place on Okanagan River, somewhere near the Falls, so named because it was the 'head' of the river, at least insofar as the ascent of salmon was concerned." Reserves allotted by Joint Reserve Commission on October 15, 1887.