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Located in south central British Columbia, Canada, Westbank First Nation is one of eight Okanagan Nation communities. The syilx traditional territories extend from the south central interior of B.C. to north central Washington State. The syilx people are a division of the Interior Salish, speak the nsyilxcən language, and have inhabited the valley for thousands of years.
Westbank First Nation is comprised of five reserves totalling approximately 5,340 acres. Tsinstikeptum Reserves 9 and 10 border Okanagan Lake and are in close proximity to the City of Kelowna, one of the fastest growing cities in British Columbia. Kelowna has been rated among the most competitive places to do business in the Pacific Region of North America and is also one of the most livable cities in Canada according to Canada Pulse 2011.
Westbank First Nation has implemented one of the most comprehensive sets of community laws in Canada that cover the development and regulation of reserve lands. All persons residing or conducting business on reserve are subject to Westbank First Nation Laws.
Approximately 40% of WFN lands are developed and are fully serviced with cable, water, sewer and other utilities. The remaining reserves are very desirable for future economic growth as the area responds to increasing demands for development.
Through its administration, Westbank First Nation operates a number of community services including: Pine Acres Home, a residential care facility; daycare and pre-school services at Westbank Child Development Centre; a multi denominational church; and Sensisyusten House of Learning, a kindergarten to grade 6 elementary school.
There are approximately 855 Westbank First Nation Members, the majority of which reside on reserve along with 9,000 non-Member residents.
To support the needs of the expanding population base there are a number of malls that offer a wide range of retail and commercial services. Anchor tenants include: Winners, Walmart, Superstore, Xtreme Landmark 8 Cinema, Capitol Movie Theatre, Home Depot, Canadian Tire and several major fast-food outlets.
In response to the needs of business, the Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto Dominion Bank, Peace Hills Trust, and the First Nations Finance Authority provide a broad spectrum of financial conveniences for the WFN community.
The Okanagan Valley is world renowned as a major travel destination. Mild climates combined with stunning scenery and world-class ski, golf and wine attractions create an abundance of activities for visitors. The Westbank First Nation administration recognizes the importance of tourism as being a significant part of the reserve economy and promotes tourism ventures on the reserve.
On April 1, 2005, and after two decades of community consultation and negotiation, the WFN Self-Government Act came into effect. The objective of the Chief and Council is to continue to grow the WFN economy and provide a solid and predictable economic climate in which business can flourish and members can prosper.