WFN News

Artwork by WFN Member Artist Coralee Miller To listen to our story, please click here . Westbank First Nation is proud to stand on the foundation of a matriarchal community, deeply rooted in a rich culture and history. This vibrant heritage has shaped and strengthened us into the community we are today. What you see before you is not just a Governance structure; it is a reflection of the values that guide us, centered around the Four Food Chiefs and their core principles. Reclaiming...

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.

Meet Dewy! Our little drop of water with a big message.   Dewy Needs Our Help! Dewy's on a water conservation mission and knows that every drop counts . All summer long, Dewy will be sharing small actions that can have a big impact in our community. Follow us on Instagram  and Facebook   to never miss a lesson from Dewy! Learn more about  WFN Water Conservation   Helpful Resources: Okanagan Basin Water Board...

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 652 – 108085 CLSR                                               ...

Notice of Schedule Change: WFN crews will now be completing a continued critical upgrade connecting to the first of two new backup Generators at the IR9 Water Station tomorrow (Thursday, July 3, 2025.) This requires another 8-hour shutdown of the main water system, scheduled between approximately 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The community will continue to have access to water throughout the day. However, during this time, the system will rely solely on stored reservoir water. We ask all...

‼️NOTICE‼️   It has come to our attention that some residents have received utility notices that are mislabeled as "past due". Please look for the "due by" date for clarification on payment date!   We apologize for any confusion this has caused and really appreciate your understanding.

Did you know? You can submit certain service requests and concerns through our website. The "request/report" button can be found on our homepage:  www.wfn.ca We have a number of feedback forms that cover a variety of items, take the below two for example: Report a WFN Law Offence: WFN is aware of concerns regarding helicopters flying low over residential areas, especially on IR 9. We are requesting that Members submit noise or nuisance complaints (including photos if available)...

WFN crews will be completing a planned critical upgrade connecting to our new backup generator at the IR#9 Pumphouse on Thursday, June 26th &  Thursday, July 2nd  which requires an 8-hour shutdown of the main water system . While residents will still have access to water, we ask all residents on IR#9 to limit water use to essential needs only during this time. Please avoid high water-use activities such as doing laundry, washing vehicles, watering lawns or gardens,...

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...