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Congratulations former Chief Robert Louie, 2022 Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
With great pleasure, Westbank First Nation Chief and Council would like to congratulate former WFN Chief, Robert Louie on being recognized by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) for the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award. WFN’s independence and self-governing status is largely attributed to Robert's guidance and WFN will be forever appreciative.
Robert's past and current involvement on various corporate boards is also recognized by WFN as a tremendous benefit to the community and Westbank economic development. The opportunities available for WFN Members and community continue to grow and we are very thankful for Robert's participation and leadership nurturing our prosperous nation.
The CCAB’s Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis person whose business leadership has made a substantive contribution to the economic and social well-being of Indigenous people.
Congratulations Robert, what an admirable achievement to receive!
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WLFN discovered 93 potential burials at the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School grounds
In light of Williams Lake First Nation’s announcement on January 25, 2022 of the discovery of 93 potential burials in their initial findings at the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School grounds, Chief and Council extend their deepest grief and condolences to these children and their families.
To our Members, community members, staff members, and all those whose pain has been triggered by these horrendous acts, please know that we stand with you. As Nations continue to work to uncover the truths at residential school sites across Canada, we can take solace in knowing these truths are being confirmed, and that our children today will not have to defend these truths and the intergenerational trauma that continues to affect our communities.
Most importantly, we can take solace knowing that these children can now be honoured through the ceremonies and language that these schools attempted to eradicate. We give thanks to those working tirelessly to assist with the work moving forward.
A 24-hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected 1-866-925-4419.
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WFN community forests recognized for leadership and innovation
Westbank First Nation (WFN) and West Boundary Community Forest have received community forest awards and a $10,000 grant each.
Established in 2016, the Robin Hood Memorial Award for Excellence in Community Forestry is given annually to community forests that align with the values of the late Robin Hood, a BC forest pioneer.
WFN was recognized for the planning that would develop a wildfire risk management plan, working with their community on wildfire hazard mitigation while providing a space for WFN members studying forest management to apply their skills. The community forest covers over 46,000 hectares in two parcels – one is just west of West Kelowna and the other is northwest of Big White. Read more.
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Westbank First Nation thanks Pine Acres Home staff and partners
WFN announced the planned closure of Pine Acres Home (PAH) in October 2021 due to the result of increased COVID-19 requirements for long-term care facilities, shortages of staff, and the changing landscape of long-term care models across the country. As of December 23, 2021, all residents were successfully transitioned to their new residences and the facility was closed.
“Pine Acres Home was targeted to close January 2022, however thanks to the efforts of our Pine Acres team and Interior Health, all residents were safely transitioned to their homes ahead of schedule and before Christmas”, says WFN Chief Christopher Derickson. “For almost 40 years, we have provided quality care to our Elders and seniors from other communities, and we look forward to working with our Members to identify how we can continue to do so in the future, in new and innovative ways.”
Westbank First Nation Council, Members and community extended their deepest appreciation to the PAH staff who dedicated themselves to providing exceptional care to the residents throughout the years. "Your hard work, commitment and care is what truly made the facility a Home. Limlemt to each and every person who worked at PAH over the past 40 years," continued Chief Derickson.
WFN further raised its hands to Interior Health for assisting in the smooth and comfortable transitions of all PAH residents to their new homes. The health and well-being of residents remained of utmost importance throughout the entire process. Limlemt!
More info on Pine Acres Closure.
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WFN Wildfire Mitigation Project
The WFN Wildfire Mitigation Project is nearing 50% completion with 7 out of the 9 area units completed or in progress.The intent of this fuel management prescription is to guide wildfire risk reduction treatments in the Wildland Urban Interface on WFN Community Lands in Tsinstikeptum IR 9 and 10.
The work primarily consists of treating potential wildfire fuels by thinning, pruning, pile and burning and/or chip and removal. WFN has contracted the fuel management prescription services work to Ntityix Development Corporation who will be working with subcontractor Tronson Logging to complete the mitigation work. Read more. |
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Westside wastewater treatment plant receives grant
A grant was recently received to assist in completing a detailed asset management plan for the Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The treatment plant receives wastewater from businesses and households (approximately 42,000 people total) in West Kelowna, Peachland and Westbank First Nation Reserves #9 and #10, accumulating an average of 11.7 million litres every day. lim ləmt to the Government of Canada and Federation of Canadian Municipalities for the grant. Info |
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Welcome OPA! to WFN Business Community
WFN is excited to welcome OPA! of Greece to WFN Lands. The Greek food restaurant chain opened its third Central Okanagan location on WFN Lands last Thursday, January 27.
Check out OPA! Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Snyatan Shopping Centre (located at the corner of Highway 97 and Butt Road)!
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Okanagan College supports Gitxaala Nation with vital trades training for economic and cultural growth
In one northern village, Indigenous cultural needs and massive construction projects combined to create demand for specialized Okanagan College Trades training to support community members. Read more.
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Local Central Program
lim ləmt to London Drugs for offering their centre aisle shelf space in select stores to local small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 with 100% of sales going back to the business or individual helping customers. Small businesses in Western Canada are welcome to submit products for consideration, including health and wellness companies. “Whether you sell coffee, local honey, or your restaurant’s graphic T-shirts, London Drugs is here to help,” says Clint Mahlman, President and COO. Info
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BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
The Tourism Industry Association of BC and the BC Hotel Association are excited to host the 2nd Annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference in Richmond, Mar 9-11, with the theme of ‘kickstarting the comeback’. Register
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BCEDA Professional Awards
Nominate or apply by February 28; Awards are presented April 3-5
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WFN Economic Development
WFN’s Economic Development supports and readies people or businesses looking to invest in WFN lands, and continues to support the 550 businesses who call WFN home. We’re proud of our strong and diverse business community!
To learn more, contact communications@wfn.ca or
250-769-4999.
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