Our Community

For Immediate Release, October 4, 2021 – WESTBANK: The Carrington Road roundabout closure will begin on Monday, October 18, 2021 for repairs. The closure schedule is as fo

Louie Drive and Old Okanagan Hwy will re-open on Friday, October 15, 2021. The new 4-way stop located at Old Okanagan and Louie Drive will be active with the re-opening.

On September 30, 2021, The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Westbank First Nation (WFN) is launching an online language tutorial series in effort to revitalize nsyilxcən language learning within the community. WFN received $100,000 from the First People’s Cultural Council through their Pathways to Language Vitality Program that helped to support developing materials, immersion programming, planning and community collaboration.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is September 30, 2021. WFN encourages everyone to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools whether it be a day of quiet reflection or participation in a community event.

Late this afternoon, a large watermain break caused a sinkhole on the roadway of Carrington and Butt Roads and Sonoma Pines Drive, which has closed the roundabout in all directions.

In consideration of the new public holiday, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Westbank First Nation offices will be closed on September 30, 2021 for a day of honoring, healing and reconciliation.

September 3, 2021 There is currently an exceptionally high level of bear activity occurring in Westbank First Nation and the surrounding area.

WFN is encouraging everyone to get fully vaccinated to significantly reduce their chances of contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus. Residents should ensure they get their second dose as early as 28 days after their first dose. WFN will not be hosting any further vaccination clinics at this time.

This weekend, the Health Team will be available for COVID testing on both Saturday and Sunday, August 14-15, from 10am – 4pm at the Community Services Building.

Sənsisyustən House of Learning is a Group 2 Independent Elementary School with the BC Ministry of Education. We teach current BC curriculum with an integration of Okanagan Syilx perspectives. The syilx/Okanagan translation of Sənsisyustən is “the place where you become anything you choose to be.” The school, designed after a traditional native pit-house, lends itself to interactive learning in a warm and nurturing environment.

Wednesday, July 21, 2021 - In the event that you are evacuated from your home due to wildfire, it is imperative that you register with the Emergency Support Services (ESS) in your area to ensure all evacuees are accounted for and First Responders do not go back in looking for individuals who have already evacuated. ESS is also responsible for setting evacuees up with vouchers for hotel rooms in your area, meals, etc. It is advised that you register with ESS online, but in person options are avai

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has been activated in response to the Brenda Creek wildfire which was discovered yesterday (Wednesday July 14, 2021), northwest of Peachland and south of the Okanagan Connector Hwy 97-C. It is estimated at 400 hectares and is regarded as "out of control". BC Wildfire has deployed multiple air and ground crews.

CANCELLED - The West Kelowna First Nation Policing Unit in partnership with Penticton Indian Band and Okanagan Indian Band are conducting an Okanagan RCMP Recruiting Youth Canoe Journey on Okanagan Lake August 23 - 27, 2021 with a goal to help build better community relationships with the RCMP and indigenous communities.

The most recent issue of the WFN Ec Dev X-press Economic Development newsletter is now available online.

With a fraction of the normal precipitation and scorching temperatures raising fire concerns across the Southern Interior, the Central Okanagan emergency program urges residents to be prepared.

June is National Indigenous History Month. We take the time to honor the history and recognize the strength of Indigenous people in Canada today.

The 2022 Indigenous Student Handbook is currently being developed and will be finalized for the upcoming recruitment cycle. The production team is seeking two artists: an Indigenous artist or illustrator from Musqueam, and an Indigenous artist or illustrator from the Okanagan Nation. Each artist will provide original artwork to be included in the project’s design.

This month, as we celebrate diversity and the progress LGBTQ2s+ people have achieved, we encourage everyone to recognize, accept and celebrate all people. no matter who they are or who they love.

Following the healing circle hosted by WFN for residential school survivors on June 3rd, WFN stands in support of the many vigils and memorials held across Canada.

Since the news broke about the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children at the Kamloops Residential School, I have been bombarded by texts and phone calls. Friends, colleagues, and political leaders have been asking, “How are you, and your community doing?” “How can we support you?” How am I? I’m angry, indignant, and perplexed as to why a country like ours; a modern day free, liberal, and democratic society tolerates the ongoing atrocious treatment of Indigenous peoples. I’m also su

Westbank First Nation is requesting letters of interest for the Public Art Committee (“PAC”) in order to fill a number of seats which have become vacant. Applicants must have an interest or expertise in art, architecture, planning, building construction, or community culture.

The City of West Kelowna (CWK) is wanting to collaborate with WFN on the construction of their new City Hall which will be built next to the Johnson-Bentley swimming pool, adjacent to WFN’s ‘cut-off’ lands. Construction of the 45,000 sq-ft building will begin June 2021 and complete December 2022. It will include two floors for CWK’s City Hall, and one floor for an Okanagan Regional Library.

On May 17, 2021, intersection safety improvements for Louie Drive and Old Okanagan Highway will begin. This will include 730 metres of works on Old Okanagan Highway, and 620 metres of works on Louie Drive.

Do you have a child or know someone who is going to be five years old by Dec 31st, 2021? Thinking about options for Kindergarten in September? Join us for an interactive Zoom session with our Kindergarten classroom.

Today at approximately 8:15 am Sensisyusten school staff noticed a gas-like odour when they arrived at the school. Staff and students were evacuated to the ballfields at Pine Stadium.