Press Releases

The Okanagan Nation Alliance release a Press Release - "Canada fails to Protect Imperiled Okanagan Chinook Salmon". The Okanagan Nation is dismayed to learn that the Canadian Government chose not to list the Okanagan Chinook under Species at Risk Act (SARA) because of potential negative social and economic impacts to the commercial and Recreational Fishery Sectors. The Listing decision was made on February 23rd, 2010 and yet the Okanagan Nation did not recieve formal notice of this form the Federal Government. It was brought to our Attention through a Publication in the Canadian Gazette on March 17th, 2010. This raises serious concern among the Okanagan Nation Chiefs Executive Council about the lack of meaningful consultation regarding SARA Listing decisions.

OKANAGAN TERRITORY (VERNON, BC) – The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) is
currently undertaking the necessary steps to prevent clear-cut logging of the Brown’s Creek
Watershed. The Province’s claim to title and jurisdiction to the Brown’s Creek Watershed is
challenged by the Wilson case by the Okanagan Nation in the watersheds in a dispute that has
been before the Courts for over a decade.

The Okanagan Nation congratulates Chief Roger William, the Xeni Gwet’in and all the Tsilhqot’in people on their hard fought victory. Their determination and commitment is an inspiration to all Aboriginal people. The court decision in their case is a major step forward in the long struggle we have inherited from our ancestors to defend our land and way of life.