About Okanagan Indian Band

The Okanagan Indian Band is part of the Okanagan Nation, which comprises seven Indian Bands, including Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Penticton Indian Band, Westbank First Nation, Upper Nicola Indian Band and the Okanagan Indian Band.

The Okanagan Indian Band is located at the head of Okanagan Lake in Vernon, BC. Our seven reserves total 11,282 hectares. There are currently about 2,030 Okanagan Indian Band members. Approximately half of our members reside on reserve while the other half reside off reserve. The majority of members living on reserve reside at IR#1 at Vernon.

The Okanagan Indian Band offers a variety of services and facilities including health care, social services, and early childhood education to name a few.

Our Vision

Ensuring the future through cultural, social and economic development.

Our Mission Statement

To ensure the Okanagan Indian OKIB membership will endure and prosper, we will develop strong individual, family and community self-sufficiency by balancing economic activities with cultural values and progressive social and community enhancement.

Our Values

We, the OKIB, are guided by the following values. All our decisions and actions will demonstrate these values. We believe that putting our values into practice will create long-term benefits for OKIB and all our members that we serve.

  1. Tmixw – Culture and Title and Rights
  2. Respect – Valuing all opinions and input, being courteous and polite.
  3. Trust – Maintaining and building harmony in respectful relationships.
  4. Transparency – Complete, straightforward, and open communications.
  5. Accountability – Acknowledgment and assumption of personal and collective responsibility for, and commitment to actions and decisions related to governance, bylaws, policies and programs.
  6. Integrity – good faith and honesty, consistency with value and principles.
  7. Ethical – Fair and just.
  8. Engagement – Ensure opportunities for membership involvement.
  9. Consensus – Once a decision is made, unity in voice and action.
  10.  Results – Effective and efficient decision making and implementation.
  11. Courage – The wisdom to see an opportunity and the courage to follow through

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