Community Update: Wildfire Recovery Manager to Begin September 28

The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) has hired Rochelle Saddleman as Wildfire Recovery Manager, and preparations are underway to establish the team that will support Members and families through the next stages of recovery from the Bradley Creek Wildfire.

Rochelle is an OKIB Band Member and former Council Member. She will begin her role on September 28, 2026, helping coordinate recovery efforts, including support for affected families, property cleanup, infrastructure repairs and rebuilding.

“Our Members have been through a great deal, and we know many families are still waiting for answers about what comes next,” said Chief Dan Wilson. “Rochelle knows our community and our people, and that matters in this work. On behalf of Council, I welcome her into this role. Her focus will be on working directly with affected Members and families, helping them navigate the recovery process and making sure they have support as we move forward, step by step.”

“Every family has been affected differently, and I want Members to know that their individual needs will be an important part of how we approach recovery,” said Rochelle. “My focus is on listening to families, helping them understand the steps ahead and working with the recovery team to move that work forward.”

What Members can expect next

As Rochelle begins her role, the recovery team will be established and the necessary information and files will be transferred. This work is already underway, but it will take some time to complete.

Please Note: Existing supports and services for affected Members and families will continue throughout the transition.

Once the team is in place, an immediate priority will be connecting directly with Members and families who have lost their homes or have been significantly affected by the wildfire. These conversations will help the team understand each household’s circumstances, identify outstanding needs and coordinate the next steps.

Recovery work will include:

• Supporting families with housing and other recovery needs
• Continuing property safety assessments and danger tree removal
• Planning for wildfire debris removal and cleanup
• Coordinating infrastructure repairs and the steps needed for rebuilding
• Working with government agencies and recovery partners to clarify funding and available supports

Some work is already underway. Other activities will depend on safety assessments, funding decisions and earlier work being completed. Each household’s circumstances will be different.

Affected Members will receive information specific to their household or property as it becomes available. OKIB will also provide community updates as recovery plans and timelines are confirmed.

Community dinner and recovery update

We recognize the community’s interest in gathering for a dinner and recovery update. The recovery team will work toward organizing this gathering once the initial transition is complete and there is meaningful information to share.

A date and further details will be announced as soon as possible.

Contact the Wildfire Recovery Manager

Members affected by the Bradley Creek Wildfire can contact Rochelle with questions about their recovery needs or to provide updated information about their circumstances.

Rochelle Saddleman Wildfire Recovery Manager

Email: recoverymanager@okanagan.org

We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as this work continues.

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