Westbank First Nation (WFN) was honoured to participate in the Lieutenant Governor’s Okanagan Business Showcase last week, which brought representatives from 23 countries to the region.
Hosted by Her Honour Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and the Consular Corps of B.C., the three-day tour (April 30th–May 2nd) highlighted innovation, entrepreneurship, and community leadership across the Okanagan Valley.
On the second day of the showcase, Chief Robert Louie and members of WFN Council welcomed their Honours and members of the Consular Corps to a private dinner hosted at CedarCreek Winery. The evening provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue about economic development, Indigenous leadership, and partnership opportunities between WFN, the Okanagan Nation Alliance, and international representatives.
“It was an honour to welcome representatives from 23 countries to the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation,” said Chief Louie. “In this time of global economic uncertainty, the value of strengthening business and trade relationships—both locally and internationally—cannot be overstated. First Nation businesses and those across the Okanagan Valley are resilient, innovative and ready to collaborate. We look forward to expanding partnerships and trade opportunities with the countries represented in the lieutenant governor’s Okanagan Business Showcase tour. There has never been a better time to come together in the spirit of economic co-operation and mutual prosperity.”
The showcase also featured visits to local businesses such as Jealous Fruits, KF Aerospace, and Vitalis, as well as stops at BikeWays, Paynter’s Fruit Market, Northside Industries, and Mission Hill Family Estate Winery.
“It was my great pleasure to welcome members of the Consular Corps of British Columbia to beautiful Kelowna, the vibrant heart of the Okanagan,” said Lieutenant Governor Cocchia. “We all left this business showcase feeling incredibly inspired and thank all we met in Kelowna for their warm hospitality.”
“It is pivotal for international representatives in British Columbia to understand the soil they walk on and the social fabric of their surroundings, including the role of the industries, arts and particularly works and stories related to the First Nations in B.C. and the rest of the country,” said Ricardo Arredondo, dean of the Consular Corps of British Columbia and Consulate General of the Argentine Republic. “This showcase reminds us of the strength that comes from the partnership — between business and government, and between Canada and global community represented here today.”
WFN was proud to be included in this important regional initiative and looks forward to furthering relationships that foster economic growth, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange.
