WFN News

WFN crews will be performing planned maintenance work on the IR#9 pumphouse during the afternoon of Tuesday, June 24th which will require temporary shutdown of the main water line. We do not anticipate any interruption to water service; however, we kindly ask that residents of IR#9 restrict water usage to essential-only. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation. Should you have any concerns, please contact WFN Project Manager, Brad Steele at...

Important Update: Temporary Hold on all New Water Connections on IR#9 Westbank First Nation has placed a temporary hold on all new water connections on IR#9 due to growing strain on our water systems. While our water remains clean and abundant, the infrastructure that delivers it - including the pumps – has reached its capacity . In response, Council has reluctantly decided that no new water draws will be approved at this time , even if the request seems simple or minor. This...

WFN crews will be performing unexpected maintenance work on the IR#9 pumphouse Monday, June 16 th which will require temporary shutdown of the main water line. We do not anticipate any interruption to water service; however, we kindly ask that residents of IR#9 restrict water usage to essential-only. Divers are inspecting Pump House Wet Well. This may cause some cloudiness in the water due to disturbed particulates. We are advised that the water is still safe for consumption, if residents...

Consultation Notice Please be advised that the Westbank First Nation (WFN) Planning & Development office has received the following application for an amendment to the subject property’s Zoning. We are notifying all Affected Interest Holders, WFN Members and the Advisory Council. Location of Application: Lot 70-2-2, CLSR 91511 (2013 Porcupine Court.) Tsinstikeptum Indian Reserve No. 9 Map: Application Summary: WFN Chief and Council have given initial consideration...

Starting on June 10, Pheasant Lane will be closed in both directions, including sidewalks to complete some utility work. Road will be closed during the following hours: Tuesday June 10, 7:00AM-4:00PM Wednesday June 11, 7:00AM-12:00PM During this time, we ask that you please adhere to the detour in place via the bottom Quail Lane entry.

WFN crews will be performing maintenance work on the IR#9 pumphouse during the morning of Thursday, June 5th (tomorrow) which will require temporary shutdown of the main water line . We do not anticipate any interruption to water service; however, we kindly ask that residents of IR#9 restrict water usage to essential-only. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation. Should you have any concerns, please contact WFN Project Manager Brad Steele at...

Westbank First Nation’s 2025–2026 annual budget was approved by Council on March 31, 2025, following review and recommendation by the Advisory Council, which represents the 11,000+ residents living on WFN lands. WFN’s property tax rates are set annually based on the approved budget and a maximum increase tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The tax rates and expenditure bylaw are reviewed by the Advisory Council, then approved by WFN Council, and subsequently sent to the...

On behalf of WFN, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Nicole Werstuik and the WFN Youth Council for the amazing ‘You Are Enough’ Youth Empowerment Initiative event last night! Your hard work and dedication in organizing such an incredible event did not go unnoticed and it is truly appreciated ❤️ It was a joy to celebrate this milestone with you and our WFN Community. Congratulations WFN Youth Council on your 10 Year Celebration!  🌟   limləmt...

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...

Please note that starting Wednesday, May 14th , the upper Quail Lane entry will be closed in both directions, including sidewalks, while our Public Works crew excavate overgrown garden beds. During this time, we ask that you please adhere to the detour in place via the bottom Quail Lane entry . The work is anticipated to be completed by end of the day; however, it may be extended to end of week.  We really appreciate your understanding!

limləmt (thank-you) to the Okanagan Nation Alliance for coordinating the ceremonial release of sc̓win (sockeye salmon) fry in kiʔláwnaʔ (Kelowna) on May 7 th , 2025. We are grateful to have gathered with Elders, knowledge keepers, community, and youth in support and acknowledgement of the importance of sc̓win. While overfishing and industrial developments threatened our salmon populations, our communities worked hard to bring the salmon home. The release of sc̓win fry is an...

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...

Red Dress Day: Acknowledging the Crisis, Honouring the Lives Lost May 5 is Red Dress Day — a National Day of Awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people (MMIWG2S+). At Westbank First Nation, we take this time to honour the lives lost and recognize the ongoing impact this national crisis has on families, communities, and Nations. Red dresses will hang throughout WFN offices and in communities across the country. They are a powerful, silent symbol...

On April 29, BC Hydro will be holding an Open House at Shannon Lake Golf Course to share details about planned distribution upgrades that will improve the reliability of the power system serving homes and businesses on the Westside. The project includes: Installing approximately 3 km of new underground power lines from Shannon Lake Road to Daimler Drive along Old Okanagan Highway Upgrading approximately 4 km of existing overhead power lines along Daimler...

The Federal election day is Monday April 28, 2025 Advanced polling stations will be set up in the WFN Gymnasium from 9am- 9pm from Friday April 18, 2025 until Monday April 21, 2025 Election Day polling stations will be set up in the WFN Gymnasium from 7am-7pm Monday April 28, 2025 WFN Gymnasium: 1920 Quail Lane, Westbank BC, V4T 2H3    To check your registration info & register to vote: ...

Westbank First Nation is proud to share tmixʷ: A Holistic Commitment to Our Forests , a short documentary produced by the Indigenous Resource Network in collaboration with Ntityix Resources LP . Filmed on Syilx Okanagan lands, this video explores the relationship between land and people, highlighting the leadership of Ntityix in applying Indigenous knowledge and values to forest stewardship. Guided by a Seven Generations Plan, the Ntityix team is working to restore damaged ecosystems,...

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...