Okanagan Indian Band

Tax Clinic with Gord Adam
2025-03-13 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | social development department, 76 Head of the Lake Road
Tax Clinic with Gord Adam

Thursdays March 13 to April 24 from 1pm – 2pm at the Social Development Boardroom
Way’ Members, Gord Adam will be hosting a tax clinic at the Social Development building to help Members file their taxes for 2024. These events will be open to all OKIB Members.
For Social Development clients: Please fill out this form and bring it with you to the clinic: Tax form
For Social Development clients who may want more information before the clinic or help filling out the form please contact: sdassist1@okanagan.org or contact Dierdre by phone: (250) 241-4730

Duck Lake Medication review and return day
2025-04-03 12:00 - 15:00
Duck Lake Medication review and return day

When: April 3rd 12:00pm – 3:00pm

Where: Contact Rosalie Saddleman at 250-306-1756 for an appointment

Come and review medications guardian Pharmacist Jason.

Bring any expired medications or medications you no longer use to have them safely disposed of.

*POSTPONED* 2025-2027 Council Swearing in ceremony
2025-04-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Head of the Lake Hall, 118 Head of the Lake Road
Tomorrow’s Chief and Council swearing in ceremony postponed
Way’ Members,
Please be advised that the Chief and Council Swearing in Ceremony for April 2ndis postponed until further notice.
The Swearing in Ceremony will be rescheduled for the near future.
For more information please contact:
Councilsecretary@okanagan.org
Communications@okanagan.org

Business-to-Business Forum with Fortis BC
2025-04-02 16:30 - 18:30
Business-to-Business Forum with Fortis BC

DATE: April 2, 2025

TIME: 5:00 pm

LOCATION: WFN Multi Purpose Room, Westbank

CONTACT: Raf De Guevara, Community and Business Liaison at rdeguevara@syilx.org or 250.681.2357

The Okanagan Nation Alliance, in collaboration with FortisBC, is organizing a business engagement event specifically for Syilx-led entrepreneurs and business owners. This event aims to provide insights into FortisBC’s procurement and contracting processes while fostering direct networking opportunities between local Syilx contractors and FortisBC staff.

Who should attend?

Syilx Nation Member-owned businesses, Syilx entrepreneurs, and/or Syilx members interested in career opportunities.

Please RVSP no later than March 26th via Registration Form or Email (Sami): indigenous.initiatives@fortisbc.com or (Raf): rdeguevara@syilx.org

REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/ffuHopUC59HTmumg6

April Community Shuttle
2025-04-02 10:00 - 14:30
April Community Shuttle

April 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

Pick up begins at 10am from the Bluebird building, Fire hall, Whiteman’s Creek and Round Lake.

Shuttle will at these locations:

11:30 AM – Walmart

12:30 PM – Village Green Mall

1:30 PM – Superstore

Returns home at 2:30 PM

Riders must register, seating is limited. Riders bound to a wheelchair must have an escort. Riders under the age of 13 must have a guardian/parent.

To register or for more information please call Rayne at 250-241-0234 or email tworker@okanagan.org

OKIB Elders Program - Swim for Health
2024-11-19 11:00 - 12:30 | Vernon Rec Center
OKIB Elders Program – Swim for Health
11:00am – 12:30pm Tuesdays, October to December 17th, 2024 (Excluding Holidays) at the Vernon Recreation Centre

*You Must show your OKIB Status card*

Come out and enjoy a swim / sauna / steam room or hot tub
For more information please contact:
Sharmaine Gregoire: 250-241-4934

FitNation - OKIB Elders Program
2025-02-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Bluebird building
FitNation – OKIB Elders Program
Mondays 11:00am to 12:00pm @Bluebird building
February to April 2025
Physical activity program with modifications for all endurance levels.
Regular light exercise can reduce pain, relieve stress, improve sleep, improve flexibility and balance.

OKIB Election Day
2025-03-31 09:00 - 20:00 | Head of the Lake Hall, 118 Head of the Lake Road
Election day and polling station will take place on Monday, March 31st at Head of the Lake Hall from 9AM to 8PM.
Contact information for OKIB’s Electoral Officer, Ernest Jack is provided below:
778-821-0299

Lets Bowl - OKIB Elders Program
2025-02-28 13:00 - 14:00
Lets Bowl – OKIB Elders Program
Last Friday of the Month – January 2025 – June 2025
1:00pm – 2:00pm at Lincoln Lanes (3510 25 Ave, Vernon)
Please register with Sharmaine Gregoire: 250-241-4934
No charge!
Light snack included.

Youth Spring Break Day Camps
2025-03-17 09:00 - 16:00 | Bluebird building
Youth Spring Break Day Camps

March 17th-28th 9:00 am to 4:00pm

Pick up and drop off at the Bluebird building

Dear OKIB Families,

We apologize for the short notice, but we have been working diligently on our Spring Break Day Camp Programming and are excited to announce that we WILL have activities every day during Spring Break!

To register, please follow this link: https://forms.office.com/r/xj2ci0VhSz

Due to our current staffing situation, we are limited in the number of participants we can accommodate, so please register as soon as possible. More details will follow, but we are thrilled to announce that Monday, March 17th will feature guest facilitator Russ Wagg and his Youth Magic Camp!

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We look forward to a fun and engaging Spring Break!

Best regards,OKIB Youth Activities Team

Columbia River Treaty Negotiations Pause Information Session
2025-03-25 18:00 - 19:00
Columbia River Treaty Negotiations Pause Information Session
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, and Minister responsible for the Columbia River Treaty, will host a virtual information session to provide an update about the status of the Columbia River Treaty modernization process and answer questions in light of new developments from the U.S.
The U.S. has paused negotiations with Canada on an amended Columbia River Treaty. The U.S. administration said it is conducting a broad review of its international engagement.
Dix will be joined by Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central, and Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay Monashee. B.C.’s lead on the Canadian Columbia River Treaty negotiation delegation will also be on hand to answer questions.
The session will take place from 6-7 p.m. (Pacific time) on Zoom and a recording will be available afterward. Questions can be sent in advance by Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to columbiarivertreaty@gov.bc.ca.
To register for the March 25 Zoom session, visit: https://ca01web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7sv70tIIRJWK1LCD51Mrig
Materials, recordings, survey and guidelines for written feedback about the AIP can be found on the B.C. Columbia River Treaty website: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty/agreement-in-principle/
To keep up with the latest Columbia River Treaty news, subscribe to the newsletter at https://engage.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty/sign-up/ or follow the Columbia River Treaty on Facebook (@ColumbiaRiverTreaty).

Elder's Salve making workshop
2025-03-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Bluebird building
Elder’s Salve making workshop
March 25th 1:00pm to 3pm at the Bluebird building

Join us for a class on how to make medicinal creams with Sharnelle Paul. 15 Spots available, please register by calling with Candace or Sharmaine to confirm your spot.

Please register with either:
Candace Wilkinson 250 309-0137
or
Sharmaine Gregoire 250 938-1308

OKIB Career Fair
2025-03-24 09:00 - 14:00
OKIB Career Fair

April 24th 9:00am to 2:00pm at Head of the Lake Hall

Door prizes!

Bring your resume, explore your opportunities, training and education possibilities and talk to potential future employers.

Questions? Contact:

Glenda Louis

250-542-4328 extension 3004

or glenda.louis@okanagan.org

Band Council Meeting
2025-03-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Head of the Lake Hall, 118 Head of the Lake Road
Band Council Meeting
Way’ Members, Please be advised the Band Council Meeting will be hosted at the Head of the Lake Hall.

All Candidates forum
2025-03-23 14:00 - 18:00 | Head of the Lake Hall, 118 Head of the Lake Road
All Candidates forum
March 23rd from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at Head of the Lake Hall
Doors open at 1:30pm

Schedule
1:45pm – All Candidates check in
2:00pm – Opening prayer
2:15pm – Council Candidates speak (3 minutes allotted to each candidate)
4:15pm – Break
4:30pm – Chief Candidates speak ( 5 minutes allotted to each candidate)
5:00pm – Informal time with all Candidates
6:00pm Closing

OKIB Family Ice Time
2024-10-05 18:30 - 20:30 | okanagan training rink, 5204 27th street
OKIB Family Ice Time – Saturdays 6:30pm-8:30pm @Okanagan Training Rink, 5204 27th ave, Vernon

October 5th to March 22nd, 2025

No registration needed!

OKIB Family Ice time will run from October 5th to March 22nd, 2025

Need skates or gear? contact Brendon Caron at: 250-241-6945

Income Assistance Lake Country visit
2025-03-21 11:00 - 15:00 | Beasley Hall, 3450 Woodsdale Road, Lake Country
Income Assistance Lake Country visit

March 21st, 11 am to 3:00pm at 3450 Beasley Community Centre

Way’ Duck Lake Members,

OKIB Income Assistance workers Deirdre and Breanna will be available to see clients at:

Beasley Community Centre in Lake Country

3450 Woodsdale Road

Friday March 21st, 2025 from 11am-3:00pm

Please use door at the back of the building

Syilx Water Forum
2025-03-21 10:00 - 13:30
Syilx Water Forum

DATE: Friday March 21, 2025

TIME: 10:00 am

LOCATION: nx̌ʷaqʷaʔstn, Mission Creek (details will be emailed once registered, seats are limited).

CONTACT: Hailey Wright, Communications Coordinator, haileyw@syilx.org

www.okanagannation.com

Syilx Okanagan Nation Water Ceremony

Every year in recognition of World Water Day the ONA hosts a forum that focuses on various water tributaries, watersheds or bodies of water to raise awareness around the state of Water within the territory. This year the forum is focused on nx̌ʷaqʷaʔstn, Mission Creek. The forum will include a blend of syilx teachings, habitat restoration, and water informed collaborative conversations.

REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/8txrtXni9Y5xAEUS9

Arrow Lakes Tribunal Hearing
2025-03-17 13:00 - 16:30 | Prestige Hotel, Vernon 4411 32nd street
Arrow Lakes Tribunal Hearing
The Arrow Lakes Tribunal is a private event for OKIB Members only.
March 17-21 at Prestige Vernon Hotel (4411 32 St, Vernon, BC)
March 17, 2025: 1:00pm-4:30pm
March 18, 2025: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Start time for March 18th has been moved to 1:30pm
March 19, 2025: 9:30am-4:30pm
March 20, 2025: 1:00pm-7:00pm
March 21, 2025: 9:30am-4:30pm
OKIB Members are invited to attend and listen to the witness
hearing.
Only community members invited to be witnesses and legal
counsel will be speaking
Background:
Specific Claims Tribunal to seek compensation for the Arrow Lake reserve. We have argued that Canada failed to honour its duties to OKIB by refusing to transfer the Arrow Lakes reserve to OKIB when Arrow Lakes and OKIB asked to be combined into one band in the 1950s.
THE ARROW LAKES RESERVE
In 1952, Annie Joseph was the last remaining member of the Arrow Lakes Indian Band. She had descendants and other relatives in the Okanagan Indian Band, so Annie and OKIB asked Canada to combine the two bands. This would have meant that the Arrow Lakes reserve would have become an OKIB reserve. But Canada refused. When Annie died, Canada declared the Arrow Lakes Indian Band extinct and gave the Arrow Lakes reserve to British Columbia.
The purpose of the community witness hearing is for community members to share their knowledge about the Arrow Lakes reserve and Annie Joseph’s request to combine the Arrow Lakes Band and OKIB.
