News

Verdict Provides Initial Steps Forward for Family and Community

April 7th, 2017

Okanagan Nation Territory/Westbank BC: The Louie and Hall family have endured years of arduous judicial processes and litigation in regards to the murder trial of Roxanne Louie, yet in the face of these challenges they have found the strength and resiliency to persevere. Justice here is found in both the verdict, as well as in the capacity of family and community to come together and support one another through the process of healing from such trauma.

The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) Chiefs Executive Council (CEC) extend their deepest sympathy and support to the families who continue to go through the process of healing from such great loss. We stand with the Louie and Hall family.

“Our hearts go out to our families and communities who have been so deeply affected by this tragedy, yet we recognize that a true sense of justice will never be served by a court. Though a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women was launched by the federal government these gestures must be met with meaningful action. The Province of BC and the Federal Governments must take steps to end the systemic discrimination and racism that is at the root of epidemic of violence perpetrated on Indigenous women and girls in staggering numbers,” stated Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.

It is important to recognize that this verdict is not a final step in the healing process for families. As stated by Dan Wilson, Roxanne’s uncle “Though this verdict is a part of moving towards justice for Roxanne, it is important to highlight the systemic discrimination, racism and oppression that continues to be placed on indigenous peoples and communities through such legal cases as these. Overall, we want to thank the jury for the sacrifice and hard work in dealing with these difficult issues.”

When speaking to the indigenous experience in Canada, Roger Hall, Roxanne’s father stated that, “We cannot look for justice here, we will have justice when we walk on our own path, our own road”.

There are still many Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women who remain silenced. It is our hope that these women are found, preferably safe, and that such cases as these may set a precedent to deter future perpetrators of such violent acts.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
ONA Chair
Cell: 250-490-5314

Dan Wilson
Family Spokesperson
Cell: 250-309-3647

B.C. Court Confirms Rights in Arrow Lakes

March 27th, 2017

Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Westbank BC:  The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) is welcoming the provincial court’s March 27, 2017 Desautel decision. The decision arose as a result of hunting charges laid by the Province against Rick Desautel in 2010. The court acquitted Desautel and held that the descendants of the Sinixt continue to exist and […]

A Letter of Gratitude on Terra Madre Day

February 3rd, 2017

As Terra Madre Day 2016 nears the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) would like to take the opportunity to thank Slow Food Thompson Okanagan, Slow Food Canada, Slow Food Turtle Island and Slow Food International’s continued support in sharing the story of the return our sc’win and advocating for indigenous food sovereignty in general.

At the core of our connection with Slow Food is a set of shared values around the deeper significance of food and food systems, not only for sustenance, but for the well-being and resilience of people, cultures and ecologies. The key tenants of Slow Food “good clean and fair” food resonates with our indigenous perspective and experience, particularly regarding social justice, conviviality and the sacred nature of food that connects all of us. On Terre Madre Day the Syilx Nation acknowledge the importance and significance of this day set aside for reflecting upon our actions. We stand with our sisters and brothers around the world in our hard work advancing food security efforts for our beautiful peoples, beautiful lands, resources, and sacred waters. We look forward to collectively furthering these practices in the year to come.

Okanagan Nation welcomes Grand Chief Ed John’s report on Aboriginal Child Welfare

February 3rd, 2017

November 23, 2016  Stq’aˀtxʷ niw’t, Okanagan Nation Territory: The Okanagan Nation Chiefs Executive Council welcomes the much anticipated report from Grand Chief Ed John, Special Advisor on Aboriginal Child Welfare titled Indigenous Resilience, Connectedness and Reunification – from Root Causes to Root Solutions presented to Premier Clark, Minister Cadieux and Indigenous Leadership on November 21, […]

Renowned German Professor, Hartman Lutz at En’owkin Centre on Penticton Reserve

February 3rd, 2017

Hartman Lutz chaired the North American Studies Program at the University of Greifswald until March 2011. He gained his PhD in Philosphy from the University of Tubingen in 1975. Professor Lutz will reflect on his experiences working in Indigenous Studies and speak about and screen his film Trapped in a Human Zoo, a 2016 documentary about […]