Chief Robert Louie

Bachelor of Law, LLB, University of Victoria – 1982 Graduate
Business Commerce Courses – 2 years
Business Administration Diploma, Okanagan University College – 1975 Graduate

Chief Louie is an Okanagan business owner/operator with several successful enterprises over the past 20 years. With his wife Bernice he shares a family of three children. Louie was Chief for the Westbank First Nation Council from 1986 through 1996 returning to office in 2002 and re-elected in 2004.

After passing the bar in 1984, Louie entered the private practice of law until becoming involved in aboriginal governance. He was subsequently appointed as the Chairman of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board and was elected as a Task Group member of the First Nations Summit. His experience led to an invitation to become involved in B.C. treaty negotiations representing the Chiefs of British Columbia.

APPOINTMENTS

Throughout his service on behalf of the First Nation, Chief Louie has been appointed to numerous boards and committees including:

Chairman, Peace Hills Trust, 2006-
Board member, Peace Hills Trust, 1996-
Chairman of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board, 1989-
Board of Governor member for UBC & UBCO, 2006-2007
Board member of BC Small Business Roundtable
National Aboriginal Economic Development Board, Director, 1996-1999
First Nations Finance Authority Inc., President & Director, 1995-1997
Member of B.C. Premier’s Advisory Council of Aboriginal Affairs, 1989-1991
All Nations Trust Company, Director, 1988-1991
Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Director, 1986-1987
United Native Friendship Society, Director, 1985-1986

AWARDS

Order of Canada (OOC), 2006
Okanagan College Distinguished Alumni Award
Recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation
President's Award, Westbank & Dist. Chamber of Commerce
B.C. Academic Scholarship Award

Throughout his past terms in office as Chief of Westbank First Nation, Mr. Louie has achieved significant accomplishments including:

Approved the self-government agreement with Canada
Passed and implemented the WFN Land Code
Build and Operated Grizzly Wood Products
Completed the expansion of IR#10 water system
Installed IR#10 sewage system
Initiated the WFN Economic Development Commission
Revamped the WFN Administration
Re-introduced Okanagan Language Program in School District #23
Structured a long term community forest license with B.C.
Entered into continuing negotiations with the province on the Okanagan Lake Bridge and Westside Road interchanges

FUTURE GOALS

Chief Louie believes the future of the WFN offers exciting opportunities for growth and development of the band community. These objectives are based upon enhancing the lives of every member while raising the local and national profile of the WFN. A summary of these plans include:

Create a formal WFN Employment Centre
Finalize fiscal transfer agreement with Canada to support the self-government agreement
Pursue land claim settlement
Focus on retail commercial, residential, recreational, industrial, and construction land development including the Gallagher
Canyon Lands
Re-structure the Social Development Department
Enhance the WFN approach to education resources
Institute Departments for WFN Communications, Forestry & Natural Resources
Re-initiate the Council Portfolio system to ensure fairness, accountability, honour and respect by Council and
Administration to the membership

Chief Robert Louie

201-515 Highway 97 South
Kelowna, BC V1Z 3J2

T 250 769 4999

F 250 769 4377

cclough@wfn.ca

2010 Westbank First Nation Council

Chief Robert Louie

Councillor Loretta Swite-Ghostkeeper

Councillor Lorrie Hogaboam

Councillor Mic Werstuik

Councillor Mike (Miguel) De Guevara