VIDEO: South Okanagan First Nation trumpets economic success

OSOYOOS – As part of National Indigenous History Month, the Osoyoos Indian Band has released a video tribute to Chief Clarence Louie and the adaptability of the band as it cultivates new business ventures.

In the clip, Louie says creating employment has meant opportunities for the band’s youth to learn leadership skills, broaden their horizons and find work they are passionate about.

The First Nation invites all Canadians "to get to know the Indigenous cultures in the area," in the post accompanying the video on Facebook.

"The simple first step of making an introduction, giving a warm welcome, or extending an invitation to sit down and talk, can do great things," the post says. "We know this in the South Okanagan, and we want to thank our neighbour communities and businesses for their support and willingness to work together."

Louie has been Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band for 30 years and was awarded the Order of Canada in 2016 for his progressive economic success with the band.


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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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