Chief Executive Council

The ONA mandate is to work collectively to advance and assert Syilx Okanagan Nation Title and Rights over the Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, as affirmed in the 1987 Okanagan Nation Declaration. This is the vision and future of the Syilx Okanagan people. The fundamental strategic direction for today, and the following are the CEC strategic priorities:

  • Protection, preservation and enhancement of the peoples, lands and resources of the member bands of the Syilx Okanagan Nation;
  • Promotion, enhancement and preservation of the Syilx Okanagan Nation history, language and culture;
  • Promotion and creation of a public awareness of the concerns, position and accomplishments of the Syilx Okanagan Nation in the areas of political, social, economic and cultural development;
  • Protection, enhancement and preservation of the environment, fish and wildlife resources located within the traditional territories of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

The Syilx Okanagan Nation is governed by the Chiefs Executive Council (CEC), a leadership body of the Syilx Okanagan Nation established under Syilx law, and comprised of the y̓il̓mixʷm of the affiliated communities, and the xaʔtus, the elected leader of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. The mandate of the CEC is to advance, assert, support and preserve Syilx Okanagan Nation sovereignty. The y̓il̓mixʷm of the affiliated communities also serve as directors of the Okanagan Nation Alliance, a society that serves the Syilx Okanagan Nation and its people, carrying out work directed by the CEC.

The Chiefs Executive Council holds regular meetings monthly, as well as an Annual General Assembly held in July of every year. Special meetings are called throughout the year to deal with specific areas of concern.

xaʔtus: ki law na y̓ilmixʷm Clarence Louie

Okanagan Indian Band:                  y̓il̓mixʷm Byron Louis
Upper Nicola Band:                          y̓il̓mixʷm Dan Manuel
Westbank First Nation:                    y̓il̓mixʷm Robert Louie
Penticton Indian Band:                    Sil-teekin y̓il̓mixʷm Greg Gabriel
Osoyoos Indian Band:                      ki law na  – y̓il̓mixʷm Clarence Louie
Lower Similkameen Indian Band:  kalʔlùpaɋʹn  – y̓il̓mixʷm Keith Crow