WFN News

The below statement is pulled directly from the Okanagan Nation Alliance's website and can be found  here . tkwəɬniwt (Westbank, BC), Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory:  The Syilx Okanagan Nation (Nation) is calling on Premier David Eby and the Province of British Columbia to correct the record on what it has heard from First Nations regarding its proposed unilateral suspension of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and section 8.1(3) of the Interpretation...

The below statement is pulled directly from the Okanagan Nation Alliance's website and can be found  here . tkwəɬniwt (Westbank, BC), Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory:  The Syilx Okanagan Chiefs Executive Council stands with Joan Phillip, MLA, in her principled decision not to support the suspension of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Her position reflects the strength of leadership our people expect and a commitment to uphold the Province’s...

By Chief Robert Louie Westbank First Nation is a national leader in welcoming and developing business in our territory. We depend on it. For over twenty years we have proven that when done right, it enriches the lives of our people and everyone in BC. So, when Premier Eby misrepresents what BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous...

Westbank First Nation is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge. When something like this happens, its impact reaches far beyond one community. Like many of you, we feel sadness, anger, worry, and heaviness. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of supporting the wellbeing and safety of our young people and ensuring they feel cared for, connected, and supported. We must continue to foster respectful connections with our school districts,...

Westbank First Nation (WFN) held its Chief and Council election last night, with strong community participation. Of 741 eligible voters, 401 cast their ballots. WFN is pleased to announce that y ̓ lmix ʷ m Chief Robert Louie has been re-elected, joined by returning Councillors Jordan Coble, Sara Tronson, and Andrea Alexander. The Council also welcomes back Mike DeGuevara, who returns with 14 years of Council experience across five previous terms. Together, the Chief and Council bring...

On June 21, 2025, the District of Lake Country issued a clear and heartfelt letter standing in friendship with Westbank First Nation. In their statement, the District of Lake Country leadership reaffirmed respect for our shared histories, acknowledged the truths of Indigenous peoples, and committed publicly to advancing reconciliation. Their allyship and friendship in the face of recent political attacks underscores the strength of regional partnership and the power of speaking truth to power.

The below statement and accompanying links are pulled directly from the Okanagan Nation Alliance's website and can be found  here . "snpnk’tn, syilx Okanagan Territory/Penticton, BC  – The syilx Okanagan Nation Chiefs Executive Council expresses unwavering support for the Penticton Indian Band (PIB) and its leadership in the wake of recent statements made by MLAs Tara Armstrong, Jordan Kealy, and Dallas Brodie. These statements dangerously mischaracterize First Nations...

To the University of British Columbia Okanagan community, faculty, students, and the broader public: We, Westbank First Nation (WFN), are deeply aware of the strong and ongoing relationship we share with the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO). This relationship is rooted in a history of mutual respect, cooperation, and the recognition of the pivotal role that syilx knowledge keepers have played in shaping the academic landscape of UBCO. We are proud of the meaningful engagement...

Westbank First Nation Chief and Council fully support the Okanagan Nation Alliance’s statement condemning racist rhetoric and the harmful denialism of residential school truths. We reject any attempt to dismiss or downplay the lived experiences of residential school survivors and their families. Truth and accountability are non-negotiable. Elected officials have a duty to serve and represent all people in their constituency—not just those who voted for them. Leadership demands...