Okanagan band pursues legal action over explosives

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star Vernon posted Oct 5, 2016 at 9:00 AM

The Okanagan Indian Band is taking Ottawa to court over military explosives. The band has filed a civil claim in the Supreme Court of B.C. against the attorney general of Canada, the official representative of the Department of National Defence, for what it says is 26 years of refusing remove unexploded ordnances from reserve lands. “DND and Canada have neglected their duty to remove UXOs. Our band members aren’t able to safely use, or develop these areas,” said Chief Byron Louis. “The affected lands are prime areas of value for commercial, residential and agricultural uses. We have been patient and made every effort to work with Canada on the timely removal of UXOs, but after nearly three decades of limited clean-up efforts, we are tired of waiting.” DND used reserve lands for military training, including the firing of live munitions, at various times between 1939 and 1990. Louis says the lease agreements required DND to clean up and remove military munitions scrap and unexploded ordnances once military use of the area ceased. Between 1944 and 1973, nine civilians have been killed and three injured from UXOs on the Goose Lake range, Glenemma range and other former ranges in the Vernon area. This August, an explosive was found during a wildfire near Predator Ridge. "The contamination caused by decades of UXO and munitions scrap in the ground is another key concern; removal of these materials must be accompanied by remediation of the lands," said Louis. "Chief and council will continue to take progressive steps to resolve the issue of abandoned UXO on reserve lands in an effort to increase the safety and well-being of everyone living in the Okanagan."
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Also see http://infotel.ca/newsitem/okanagan-indian-band-sues-government-for-neglecting-to-remove-unexploded-military-bombs-from-reserve-land/it35240

OKIB sees airport plan

By Kate Bouey - Jan 16, 2016 / 5:00 am CASTANET

Four options for growth at Vernon regional airport have been presented to members of the Okanagan Indian Band at a meeting at City Hall, Friday. “There's a lot to digest,” said Lyle Brewer, OKIB councillor, referring to a thick report tucked under his arm. “We will respond after we've sat down with impacted land owners (on the reserve) and council,” Brewer said, following his meeting with city staff and councillor Catherine Lord to review the report. The draft airport master plan sets out differing scenarios for the future of the airport, varying from maintaining existing airport assets with safety improvements all the way to acquiring property for a runway extension, new hangars and a helipad. “Based on the economic impact analysis for various development scenarios, the runway extension offers only a marginal increase in economic activity and would have a detrimental impact on surrounding neighbourhoods, particularly with regard to noise and development potential,” stated the report. “The current runway length also meets the needs of approximately 97 per cent of aircraft movements at the airport, and would fulfil most of the airport's needs for the next 20 years.” Figures show 130 aircraft were based at the airport in 2014, most single engine, general aviation used by private owners. The airport is also used by Kal Aviation, Okanagan Skydive, Coldstream Helicopters and Advantage Helicopters.
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https://www.vernon.ca/roads-transportation/airport/airport-master-plan/documents-information

Swan Lake Sewer Plan Explored

Posted on 10/15/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
It could be the first step in the Swan Lake area north of Vernon getting its own sewer system. The Regional District's electoral areas B and C along with Spallumcheen and the Okanagan Indian Band will work together to develop a waste water recovery plan. BX-Swan Lake director Bob Fleming says it will look at options for service in the Swan Lake corridor, along with the band land by the lake, and the South Spallumcheen Industrial area. "part of this came from me looking at the Swan Lake corridor and saying, there won't be significant development there unless we have a sewer service. And it's the wrong kind of development that's happening..It's not really what that high profile, high exposure area really deserves," Fleming tells Kiss FM. Fleming says the partnership will also preserve Swan Lake and its surrounding wetlands. "If you are going to develop, you don't want septage or waste going into the lake. Right now, there are few options for people that generate any significant amount of waste. They actually have to go to holding tanks which are just not economically viable." Fleming says the homes and businesses in that area are now all on holding tanks or septic systems. Chief Byron Louis of the Okanagan Indian Band added that the band is in the preliminary stages of designating land for lease and welcomes building relationships with surrounding governments. “It’s great to be working with our neighbours,” says Louis. “More funding opportunities arise when small governments stop competing for provincial and federal grant dollars and start collaborating.” One of the underlying principles of the Partnership is “there is no ‘waste’ water - water is a resource,” and the Plan will focus on water recovery.“Every drop of water that can be recovered will help with drought mitigation,” says Township of Spallumcheen Mayor Janice Brown, “and with our region recently experiencing severe drought conditions, the timing of this project is perfect.” The partnership has hired an engineering consultant to prepare a project work plan.

Okanagan band members defuse explosives

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Jul 17, 2015 at 10:00 AM

Okanagan Indian Band members will be tackling an explosive situation. The first three of nine band members have been selected to attend training in Texas to assist in disposing of unexploded explosive ordnance from OKIB lands. “While Canadians prepare to celebrate the end of the Second World War, relics of that era still litter our lands,” said Chief Byron Louis. “During a clean-up last year, technicians found live mortars which were over 70 years old.” Beginning with the Boer War in 1906, the Department of National Defense used OKIB range land at Madeline Lake and Goose Lake to train soldiers in firing live mortars, grenades and other munitions, including white phosphorous. “They would fire the mortars from one range to the other,” said Louis. “That’s over 12 kilometres and poor aim by soldiers in training saw much of our land surrounding the ranges also polluted.” The recent agreement between the band and DND will see a total of 10 band members trained to become UXO technicians over the next three years. DND is providing the funding for training. “The clean-up effort will take time and an ongoing commitment by our partners in Ottawa,” said Louis. “I’m proud of the members who came forward to be trained in this vital role. Their efforts will provide an opportunity for our future generations to enjoy our land safely.”

Hearing into rail corridor status concludes

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted May 27, 2015 at 1:00 PM
Local communities and the Okanagan Indian Band are waiting for a judge's decision.The Supreme Court of B.C. civil hearing for the Okanagan Indian Band bid for an injunction into the sale of the rail corridor from Coldstream to Kelowna concluded Wednesday afternoon. "The ruling and reasons will be given by the judge on the morning of June 1," states a release from the group of jurisdictions who want to purchase the corridor, including the Regional District of North Okanagan, Lake Country and Kelowna. "Local governments will respect the ruling of the court and will issue a response once the result of the hearing is known." The OKIB asserts that 22 kilometres of the rail line that runs through the Commonage reverted to reserve land when it ceased to be used for railway purposes and cannot be lawfully sold. The Commonage Indian reserve was created in 1877 by the Joint Indian Reserve Commission, but the band says federal and provincial officials eliminated the reserve a decade later.

Dates set for Commonage rail court case

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted May 5, 2015 at 10:00 AM
Legal action over the rail corridor along Kalamalka Lake is moving ahead. The chief and council of the Okanagan Indian Band, along with members of the OKIB, will attend B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver May 25 to 27 for the injunction hearing to stop the sale of the Commonage rail corridor. “Our legal team has confirmed these are the dates our application will be heard,” said Chief Byron Louis. “We have received the municipalities’ and CN Rail’s response and are waiting to receive the responses of Canada and B.C. to our statement of claim filed in March.” The OKIB filed a statement of claim in BC Supreme Court March 24 naming CN Rail, Canada, B.C., the District of Lake Country, the City of Kelowna and the Regional District of the North Okanagan as defendants, and asserting that 22 kilometres of the 50-kilometre rail corridor is not CN’s to sell. “The OKIB never legally surrendered the lands in question,” said Louis, adding that the public should get involved in the case. “Call your mayors, MPs and MLAs. When you learn about our case, the truth is hard, if not impossible to ignore.”

OKIB to ‘slow down’ CN corridor purchase deal

by Kathy Michaels - Kelowna Capital News posted Apr 21, 2015 at 9:00 AM— updated Apr 21, 2015 at 10:15 AM
Whether Lake Country votes yes or no this week is a moot point to members of the Okanagan Indian Band. Dreams of a rail trail from Kelowna to Coldstream are far in the offing, considering a significant chunk of the land isn’t legitimately up for grabs, said Band Chief Byron Louis. Last month the band filed a legal injunction to slow the sale of the corridor until the matter of land title is cleared away. The injunction is expected to be dealt with in court before the sale goes through. “It’s to, more or less say, ‘wait a minute, let’s put the brakes on this’…There are more issues to be resolved,” Louis said Friday. “Move ahead on the sale of the other portion, but for the 20 kilometres of the historic commonage, we’d like to put that on pause.” The heart of the issue lies in B.C.’s history with First Nations commonage reserves. In flyers it has circulated, the band says the Commonage Rail Corridor is a portion of the land allotted to them by the Joint Indian Reserve Commission in 1877. Between 1886 and 1893 Canada and B.C. purportedly relinquished the band’s interest to the lands, but didn’t abide by the rules of the Indian Act when doing so. Therefore, the band claims the rights acquired by CN were limited to the use of the corridor for railway purposes only. “When KPR went bankrupt and CN decided to abandon the entire rail corridor, the Commonage Rail Corridor, like the Duck Lake portion, should have reverted to reserve land,” they say. If the courts support that claim, it means CN wouldn’t have the right to sell the stretch of land. Also, Louis said the land is of special significance to the band. “We had people who were still using it in the 1950s to 1960s, driving cattle to the south end of Vernon,” he said. “It’s not like we suddenly stopped using that area, or didn’t have an interest. We had aunts, uncles and family who put medicines through there, and there are fishing stations where the rail trail would be. There are a lot of connections to it.” Louis wants to make it clear that the band isn’t at odds with the community—just this plan. “We are doing a lot of great things together, just not this,” he said. A court date has yet to be set.

Louis Re-Elected As Chief

Posted on 4/3/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

There’s no change at the top of the Okanagan Indian Band. Byron Louis has won a third, two year term to lead the Vernon area band. Louis received 275 votes, beating two former chiefs. Dan Wilson was the runner up with 153, and Fabian Alexis had 130 votes. The band council had nine of the ten members re-elected. The only change was Dan Wilson defeating incumbent Diane Louis. Leland Wilson topped the councillor polls with 267 votes, followed by Tim Isaac with 260 and Allan Brent Louis with 258 and Raymond Marchand with 250. Voter turnout has not been released, but about 1,500 band members were eligible to vote, both on and off reserve.

History of the Okanagan Commonage Reserve

March 26, 2015 - 1:11 PM INFO-TEL Multimedia Charlotte Helston

VERNON - With the impending sale of the discontinued rail corridor between Vernon and Kelowna, the Okanagan Indian band has revived a historic land claim on a large tract of land known as the Commonage Reserve. Formed in 1877 by the Joint Indian Reserve Commission (established by the governments of Canada and B.C. to create reserves for the benefit of First Nations) the Commonage stretched all the way from what is now Oyama to the Vernon Army Base. The three-man commission was made up of Alexander Caufield Anderson, Archibald McKinlay (former Hudson’s Bay Company officials) and a businessman named Gilbert Malcolm Sproat. The commissioners created the 28,000 acre Okanagan Commonage Reserve on Oct. 15, 1877 to be used as pasturage for both First Nations and non-native settlers in the area. The commission seemed unsure of its own authority to create a joint-use commonage area, stating if “the arrangement cannot be made, then the land is to be an Indian reserve.” According to the Okanagan Indian Band, it wasn’t long before “secret meetings” between Premier William Smithe and Prime Minister Sir John A. MacDonald resulted in the relinquishing of the band’s rights to the land. In a short documentary titled Voices of the Land, band members recall how their ancestors were not consulted about the decision, or even aware the negotiations were taking place until the government began auctioning off land in 1893. Meanwhile, the Indian Reserve Commissioners established a new reserve on the north west side of Okanagan Lake. In the early 1900s, the Canadian Northern Pacific Railway Company built a railroad from Kelowna to Vernon that passed through a large portion of the Commonage lands. The railroad eventually changed hands and was operated by the Kelowna Pacific Railway until its bankruptcy in August 2013. CN Rail took over the network, but discontinued service on the section between Kelowna and Vernon. Municipalities are now attempting to purchase the land from CN with plans to make it into a multi-use trail. Under the leadership of Chief Murray Alexis, the Okanagan Indian Band first brought its claim for the Commonage Reserve forward in 1989 under Canada’s specific claims policy. It wasn’t until 2000 that the government accepted the claim for negotiation. According to Aboriginal Affairs, the government turned down the claim and concluded it in 2008 with “no lawful obligation found.” The Okanagan Indian Band’s recent notice of claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court represents the latest move in the band’s fight to have the land returned to them. The band asserts that the Commonage Reserve included travel routes, as well as important sacred, fishing, hunting and gathering grounds. It argues that when rail operations ceased to occur, the property legally reverted back to reserve land. Today, the area, which is flanked on one side by Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake on the other, contains a number of housing developments, as well as the Predator Ridge Golf Resort.

Reaction: Communities say they believe CN has right to sell corridor land

by Richard Rolke - Kelowna Capital News posted Mar 25, 2015 at 1:00 PM
The Okanagan Indian Band insists it’s not ordering communities to abandon buying a rail corridor. The band will file documents in B.C. Supreme Court over its long-standing claim to the Commonage lands, which includes the Canadian National line along Kalamalka Lake. “It’s unfortunate it’s come to this but we make no apologies when it comes to protecting the legal interests of our membership,” said Chief Byron Louis. However, Louis says the band’s actions should not be interpreted as placing demands on the Regional District of North Okanagan, Lake Country and Kelowna which are trying to buy the corridor. “Their decisions are their decisions just like they are for us. If they believe what they are doing is right, that is their decision,” he said. “We have never said we are opposed to any activity there but we are opposed to the sale of the rail corridor. We have not wavered since 1888.” A Commonage reserve was formed in 1877 but a decade later, the reserve was scrapped by government officials without the involvement of the band. Louis says that if the corridor is not being used for rail transport, it should revert to reserve. “Put simply, CN cannot sell what they do not own, and the municipalities cannot purchase lands that are not CN’s to sell.” However, the communities say they are committed to purchasing the corridor. “We are proceeding on what has always been our understanding, that CN owns the land outright and therefore has the legal right to sell the land,” said Doug Gilchrist, Kelowna’s divisional director of community planning and real estate. “We are proceeding on the understanding that the Commonage claim is a matter between the federal government and First Nations and it should have no bearing on the acquisition of land between a private company and a local government.” Gilchrist added that if the corridor is acquired, the regional partners will abide by any interim or final legal decisions issued by the court. The band’s court action could impact the April 25 referendum in Lake Country to borrow $2.6 million to purchase the corridor. “There’s some uncertainty that we can actually purchase the land,” said Mayor James Baker, who is still urging residents to support borrowing funds. “What we’re asking for is the opportunity to borrow $2.6 million and if there’s a yes vote, we then have the ability to borrow. If it (band) goes before the courts, it could be a long time before we get to exercise voter assent. A yes vote give us the opportunity to participate in acquisition with the other partners.” Greater Vernon officials are reluctant to comment on the Okanagan Indian Band’s legal actions or the potential consequences for the land deal. “We are allowing the process to go ahead,” said Juliette Cunningham, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairperson. Louis insists the federal government hasn’t been responsible over land claims and it’s creating a rift between First Nations and local jurisdictions. “They like to leave it up to the courts to resolve because they lack the political will to move ahead,” he said.

Rail corridor in doubt as Okanagan Indian Band takes land claim to court

March 25, 2015 - 8:39 AM Charlotte Helston INFO-TEL Multimedia:
VERNON - The Okanagan Indian Band is filing a notice of claim in B.C. Supreme Court, asserting aboriginal title to a portion of the discontinued CN rail corridor between Lake Country and Vernon. It’s part of the same rail corridor local municipalities are working towards purchasing for conversion into a trail, but Okanagan Indian Band Chief Byron Louis says they have no right to purchase lands that aren’t CN Rail’s to sell. “It’s unfortunate it’s come to this,” Louis said in a press release. “But we make no apologies when it comes to protecting the legal interests of our membership.” The Commonage Indian Reserve—which stretches roughly from Oyama to the Vernon Army base—was created in 1877 but subsequently removed by the government, the band says. Louis says the band was not consulted, and never lawfully surrendered its title to the land. In the notice of claim, filed by the band’s legal counsel Matthew Kirchner of Ratcliff & Company LLP, the band argues the property legally reverted to reserve land when it ceased to be used for rail purposes and can therefore not be lawfully sold. “As I’ve said consistently, buyers beware,” Louis said. The purchase agreement between local municipalities and CN Rail stipulates that 2.5 km of the corridor be returned to the Duck Lake Reserve, but Louis said the Commonage Reserve title was ignored completely in the deal. The claim states none of the defendants (among them CN Rail, the City of Kelowna, the District of Lake Country, and the Regional District of North Okanagan) have acknowledged the band’s interests in the Commonage Reserve lands, which traditionally included travel routes as well as fishing, hunting, and gathering grounds. “We have sent letters to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and to Transport Canada and they haven’t even had the common decency to respond,” Louis said. “To think that 65 years ago, First Nations weren’t even allowed to seek justice via the courts when it came to land issues and now it’s the only way our voice can be heard.” More information about the Commonage Reserve can be found on the Okanagan Indian Band’s website.
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Also See: http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/297529131.html
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http://apps.kelowna.ca/iNews/nws002.cfm?News_ID=3995&Category=GENERAL
Okanagan Rail Corridor acquisition update
Mar. 25, 2015
Partners committed to acquisition
The Okanagan Indian Band has informed the inter-jurisdictional acquisition team it plans legal action to try and block the sale of the discontinued CN rail corridor between Kelowna and Coldstream.

The letter of intent from the law firm of Ratcliff & Company was sent to CN, the federal and provincial governments, City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country and the Regional District of the North Okanagan. The inter-jurisdictional team has not received a copy of the legal claim and has no knowledge of one being filed with the courts.

“The partners remain unanimous in our commitment to complete this once-in-lifetime acquisition,” said Doug Gilchrist, Divisional Director Community Planning & Real Estate for the City of Kelowna on behalf of the regional partners. “We are proceeding on what has always been our understanding – that CN owns the land outright and therefore has the legal right to sell the land.”

The federal government’s status report on First Nation land claims states the Commonage Claim was reviewed and closed with no lawful obligation found. The property covered by the historical claim is approximately 28,000 acres and encompasses Highway 97 and hundreds of public and private properties spanning from Wood Lake to the north end of Kalamalka Lake and westward to Okanagan Lake.

“We are proceeding on the understanding that the Commonage claim is a matter between the Federal Government and First Nations and it should have no bearing on the acquisition of land between a private company and a local government,” said Gilchrist. “Land reserve challenges are ongoing across Canada and the City respects any final decisions.”

Local governments respect and support the Okanagan Indian Band in its claim of reversionary rights on land that falls within IR No. 7 and, as such, those parcels have been excluded from the pending agreement with CN.

The inter-jurisdictional team will continue its due diligence, including securing the financing required for the acquisition. The District of Lake Country referendum on April 25 will continue as planned.

Pending a favourable resolution of any potential legal action, the partnership hopes the purchase and sale agreement can be completed in a timely manner. The regional partners will abide by any interim or final legal decisions issued by the court.

The inter-jurisdictional team invited the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) to be part of the acquisition team at the beginning of the process, however the band respectfully declined the invitation. Meanwhile, municipal staff and elected officials have met with OKIB council members on numerous occasions to discuss this and other projects that could be mutually beneficial to all citizens.

The municipalities of Kelowna, Lake Country, Coldstream and Vernon, as well as the regional districts of Central Okanagan and North Okanagan, have jointly identified the value the rail line could have as a continuous multi-modal transportation corridor connecting all the communities.

Refer to kelowna.ca/OKRailCorridor for the most up-to-date information.

Full ballot for Okanagan Indian Band election

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 20, 2015 at 8:00 AM
The Okanagan Indian Band is preparing for an election. A number of nominations were received Thursday for the April 2 election of chief and council. The unofficial nominees for chief are incumbent Byron Louis and former chiefs Fabian Alexis and Daniel Wilson. The unofficial list of nominees for council are June Cole, Tim Isaac, Leland Wilson, Diane Louis, Mollie Bono, Raymond Marchand, Pat Wilson, Jonathan Alexis, Linda Bonneau, Leona Bonneau, Coola Louis, Allen Louis, Homer Alexis, Sheldon Louis, Cecila Louis, Dustin Goodwater, William Robert Wilson, Lyle Brewer, Maureen Ziprick, Russell Williams, Guy Robins, Daniel Wilson, Valerie Chiba, Phyllis Bonneau, Reynolds Bonneau and Garrett Lawrence.There are 10 councillor seats available. Candidates have until Wednesday at 9 a.m. to withdraw their name from the ballot.

WATCH: Detonations help clear mortars from Okanagan Indian Band land

By Global News Sept 4   (Video)
NORTH OKANAGAN – Two detonations Thursday were another step in a long process to clear an area northwest of Vernon of unexploded explosive ordinances (UXO’s).“In the last couple of weeks we’ve pulled out probably a ton and a half of either munitions or scrap from munitions,” says Don Louis, the Okanagan Indian Band liaison to the Department of National Defence. “The area is still littered.”The Madeline Lake Range site is Okanagan Indian Band land that was used by the military for activities like troop maneuvers, shooting ranges and live fire exercise starting in the early 1900s. “Because records weren’t kept that far back, it is a long process to find all of these items and to clear them,” says Department of National Defence project manager, Lisa Hampson. Thursday four mortars were detonated. Two were sand filled and the other two high explosive mortars. “Anything that is suspected to be potentially live munition[s] is blown in place with the sand bags around it,” says Hampson. The denotations went smoothly but there is still a lot more work to be done before the area is cleared. “We’ve done a good two years of work here and we’ve [only] done a small portion of it,” says Louis. “It is going to be a ten to 15 year probably, several hundred million dollar process to clear the site and even then you never get everything,” says Hampson. “You’ll never get every scrap of metal out of the ground.” As work continues the message to the public is: if you didn’t drop it, don’t pick it up. Anyone who spots a UXO is asked to call authorities.

Time ticking on Rail Trail dream

July 06, 2014 - 1:27 PM  Info-Tel Multimedia -Howard Alexander 
VERNON – The window of opportunity has closed for the federal government to buy the CN short line rail road between Vernon and Kelowna. The Okanagan Rail Trail group has been lobbying to get rail bed converted into a multi-use pathway turning it into a major tourist attraction. With no action from the feds, the provincial government now has a month to decide whether or not to buy the rail line. The estimated price tag on the 50 kilometres of land is around $15 million, but converting the rail bed to a multi-use pathway would spin $3 million into the economy in the first year alone, according to a study by Okanagan Rail Trail. If the B.C. government doesn’t come up with the cash, the local municipalities in the area will have 30 days to make an offer. Meanwhile, the Okanagan Indian Band has asked the federal government to buy the rail line. “A significant portion of the rail line falls within the OKIB’s Commonage Reserve set up by the Joint Reserve Commission of 1877,” chief Byron Louis said in a media release, “The Commonage Reserve was never lawfully surrendered or otherwise lawfully taken.” Chief Louis says a letter has been sent to the federal minister of transportation Lisa Raitt. The Okanagan People have waited for well over 100 years to have their concerns addressed by the federal government, Louis says. “We have a strong case.” The Rail Trail group supports the First Nations push to return the railway to reserve land. “It’s another way of preserving the corridor and the natural beauty that surrounds it and the first step is preventing the corridor from being sold off in fragments,” the group said in a tweet.

Okanagan Indian Band wants rail line added to reserve land

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jun 30, 2014 at 11:00 AM
A First Nations’ land claim could create uncertainty for a proposed Okanagan rail trail. The Okanagan Indian Band is asking the federal government to purchase the Kalamalka Lake portion of the abandoned rail line for inclusion to its reserve. “That rail bed is part of the Commonage claim,” said Chief Byron Louis. “The whole area is up for negotiation.” Canadian National is currently going through an abandonment process for the rail line and the Okanagan Rail Trail Society is urging all levels of government to purchase the land for a recreational corridor. If the Kalamalka Lake portion was added to the Okanagan Indian Reserve, Louis isn’t sure if a trail would fit into the band’s long-term goals. “We would look at what we could do with it. The band would sit down and make a decision,” he said. The Okanagan Rail Trail Society became aware of the band’s request to Ottawa Monday. “It wasn’t expected but it’s not surprising they would claim it,” said Duane Thomson, a society director and retired history professor. “If something couldn’t be negotiated with the band, this would present a difficulty. But it’s not to say it (reserve land) would be insurmountable. It wouldn’t shut off off entirely because there’s the old highway along the Kalamalka Lake section.” Under CN’s abandonment process, the federal government has until today to decide if it will purchase the rail line. If it does not, the provincial government has 30 days to make an acquisition, followed by local government having a 30-day period to buy the land. “We will see where it goes,” said Thomson of the band’s actions. The Commonage reserve was established for the Okanagan Indian Band in 1877, but soon after, the land was removed and sold to non-native settlers. “The government illegally took the reserve away,” said Louis. “Our entitlement to the Commonage land remains and the federal government cannot simply ignore our unresolved claim to our ancestral lands.” Louis says while a process for negotiations was created, the federal government walked away from the table. “It’s been like trying to pull teeth to get this resolved. It falls in the court of the federal government,” he said. When asked if the band prefers to own the land or to accept funds in lieu of the property, Louis said, “Money is nice but it’s easily spent. Land is always there.”

Band Claims Rail Property

Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 30 June 2014 09:57
The Okanagan Indian Band has stepped into the question of saving the rail line from Vernon to Kelowna. They're asking the Harper government to buy the line. Band Chief Byron Lewis says the line runs through a significant part of the band's Commonage Reserve, set up in 1877 and never lawfully surrendered of lawfully taken. The Chief says there had been talks years ago on that claim, started by the federal government, then ended by them. Lewis says their entitlement to the lands remains and the government cannot ignore the unresolved issues.

Fire department improves service

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 18, 2013 1:00 AM
A major step towards improved fire protection is in place for Okanagan Indian Reserve residents with 911, and efforts are continuing to enhance service. The Okanagan Indian Band recently gained access to Vernon’s 911 fire dispatch, a major improvement from a previously antiquated system. “Now that we’re officially 911, we want everyone to know that,” said Mike Doherty, OKIB Fire Department captain. The department has been working towards 911 dispatch for 13 years, and up until now, residents had to call a separate emergency number to report fires. Such fires on band land were handled by an answering service established by the fire department. Now the fire department is working towards becoming fully certified. “It’s one big step to get us certified,” said Doherty. “But once we are certified, insurance goes way down.” Gaining 911 dispatch was the first, and biggest, step towards getting a department certified.The second step is gaining a water tender, and a proposal has already been submitted. Thirdly, mutual aid agreements need to be in place with the Armstrong-Spallumcheen and BX-Swan Lake departments. With the help of the OKIB, Doherty says plans are rolling along nicely. The department is also looking at getting a satellite hall at the Head of the Lake by the medical centre.

OKIB receives 911 dispatch

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 06, 2013 1:00 AM
Calling 911 to report a fire is something most of us take for granted, but it’s a process Okanagan Indian Band residents are just being introduced to.  While a firm date has not been determined yet, some time this fall, anyone on the reserve along Westside Road will be able to call 911 about a fire through a contract with the City of Vernon’s dispatch centre. “Public safety is a huge concern,” said Byron Louis, band chief, after signing an agreement with Vernon Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe Tuesday. Presently, fires on band land are handled by an answering service established by the Okanagan Indian Band Fire Department. “The past system was so antiquated with 1980s equipment,” said Mike Doherty, with the department. “Answering personnel are not trained to be or act as an emergency service centre. With no assistance during or afterwards, we lost five to 15 minutes from the actual caller.” The band’s department has been seeking access to 911 for 13 years. “It will result in a faster response time and more detailed information for our members,” said Doherty. Jack Blair, a Vernon Fire Department deputy chief, is confident the city’s dispatch centre can benefit the band’s department. “They can get advice and prompt answers when needed,” he said. “We have the expertise of our dispatcher and on-duty local firefighters.” The agreement is for five years and the band will pay $8,000 for the first year. “It generates some funds for the city,” said Blair. Louis hopes the 911 service is the first step towards all jurisdictions working on a regional emergency plan. “There needs to be more co-ordinated effort,” he said.

Okanagan Indian Band to access 911 for fire emergencies

By Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 26, 2013 12:00 PM 
A new arrangement should improve safety for residents of the Okanagan Indian Reserve. The City of Vernon will begin providing fire dispatch services to the Okanagan Indian Band. Once technical upgrades are completed in the fall, this will mean  anyone on reserve land will be able to report fires through 911. “We at the Okanagan Indian Band are very pleased with this new agreement with the City of Vernon and Vernon Fire Rescue Services and the enhanced safety and protection that will come from it for our band members and community residents,” said Byron Louis, band chief. The fire department’s  dispatch centre uses computer assisted dispatching software, radio communications and voice recording software. When the 911 calls are transferred, dispatchers process and initiate the response and provide ongoing dispatch support for the duration of the emergency. “Our fire dispatch centre was designed to provide modern service within the city and to clients in the area. This agreement reflects the city’s interest to support common regional communications during emergencies,” said Mary-Jo O’Keefe, a Vernon councillor. A signing ceremony will be held between the band and the city Sept. 3.
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Vernon Fire Rescue Services and Okanagan Indian Band Sign Fire Dispatch Agreement September 3, 2013

Louis wins second term as Okanagan Indian Band chief

Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM  Wednesday, 03 April 2013 10:19
Voter turnout was just over 42% in Tuesday's election for the Okanagan Indian Band.  Chief Byron Louis was returned for a second two year term along with a ten member council. Louis drew 256 votes, his closest challenger, former chief  Fabian Alexis received 132, another former chief Dan Wilson had 129, and Bernadine Marchand had 58.

The ten councillors elected were Alan Louis (311 votes), Leland Wilson (293), Timothy Isaac (260), Diana Louis (251), Homer Alexis (249), Coola Louis (247), Raymond Marchand (242), Lyle Brewer (228), Russell Williams (220), and Barbara Cole (215).
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2013 Election Results View