Okanagan Nation
Located in south central British Columbia, Canada, the Okanagan Valley is home to Westbank First Nation, one of seven native communities that belong to the Okanagan Nation. The Okanagan (syilx) traditional territories extend from the south central interior of B.C. to north central Washington State. The syilx are a division of the Interior Salish and speak the nsyilxcn language. They have inhabited the valley for thousands of years.
Traditionally, Okanagans (syilx) occupied an area which extended over approximately 69 000 square kilometres. The northern area of this territory was close to the area of Mica Creek, just north of modern day Revelstoke, BC, and the eastern boundary was Kootenay Lake. The southern boundary extended to the vicinity of Wilbur, Washington and the western border extended into the Nicola Valley.
Westbank First Nation
Westbank First Nation (WFN) is comprised of five reserves totalling 5,306 acres. Tsinstikeptum Reserves 9 and 10 border Okanagan Lake and are in close proximity to the City of Kelowna, one of the fastest growing cities in British Columbia. Approximately 20% of WFN lands are developed and are fully serviced with cable, water, sewer and other utilities. Westbank First Nation's band membership totals 647 with approximately 59% residing on reserve along with 8,000 non-members.
Westbank First Nation is proud to be on the leading edge of aboriginal people. On April 1, 2005, and after two decades of community consultation and negotiation, the WFN Self-Government Act came into effect. Westbank First Nation has implemented one of the most comprehensive sets of community laws in Canada that cover the development and regulation of reserve lands. All persons residing or conducting business on reserve are subject to Westbank First Nation Laws.
The Okanagan Valley is world renowned as a major travel destination. Mild climates combined with stunning scenery and world-class ski/golf/wine attractions create an abundance of activities for visitors. The Westbank First Nation administration recognizes the importance of tourism as being a significant part of the reserve economy and promotes tourism ventures on the reserves.
Located in south central British Columbia, Canada, the Okanagan Valley is home to Westbank First Nation, one of seven native communities that belong to the Okanagan Nation. The Okanagan (syilx) traditional territories extend from the south central interior of B.C. to north central Washington State. The syilx are a division of the Interior Salish and speak the nsyilxcn language. They have inhabited the valley for thousands of years.Traditionally, Okanagans (syilx) occupied an area which extended over approximately 69 000 square kilometres. The northern area of this territory was close to the area of Mica Creek, just north of modern day Revelstoke, BC, and the eastern boundary was Kootenay Lake. The southern boundary extended to the vicinity of Wilbur, Washington and the western border extended into the Nicola Valley.
Westbank First Nation
Westbank First Nation (WFN) is comprised of five reserves totalling 5,306 acres. Tsinstikeptum Reserves 9 and 10 border Okanagan Lake and are in close proximity to the City of Kelowna, one of the fastest growing cities in British Columbia. Approximately 20% of WFN lands are developed and are fully serviced with cable, water, sewer and other utilities. Westbank First Nation's band membership totals 647 with approximately 59% residing on reserve along with 8,000 non-members.
Westbank First Nation is proud to be on the leading edge of aboriginal people. On April 1, 2005, and after two decades of community consultation and negotiation, the WFN Self-Government Act came into effect. Westbank First Nation has implemented one of the most comprehensive sets of community laws in Canada that cover the development and regulation of reserve lands. All persons residing or conducting business on reserve are subject to Westbank First Nation Laws.
The Okanagan Valley is world renowned as a major travel destination. Mild climates combined with stunning scenery and world-class ski/golf/wine attractions create an abundance of activities for visitors. The Westbank First Nation administration recognizes the importance of tourism as being a significant part of the reserve economy and promotes tourism ventures on the reserves.
