Clarence Louie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clarence Louie
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| Born | 1959/1960 (age 64–66) Oliver, British Columbia, Canada
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| Nationality | Canadian First Nations |
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| Occupation | First Nations leader and businessman |
Clarence Louie CM OBC is a respected Canadian First Nations leader and businessman. He is known for helping his community become very successful. Louie has been the chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band in British Columbia since 1985. This is an Indigenous community in the Okanagan region. He has served as chief for many terms. He has received many awards for his work. These include the Order of British Columbia in 2004 and the Order of Canada in 2016.
Growing Up: Clarence Louie's Early Life
Clarence Louie grew up on the Osoyoos reserve. This is near the town of Oliver in British Columbia. His mother raised him. Life was tough for many people there. Many adults had to travel to find work. They often picked fruit in nearby Washington state. Young Clarence learned to be independent from an early age.
When he was 19, Louie left British Columbia. He went to the First Nations University of Canada in Regina, Saskatchewan. Later, he studied Indigenous history and culture. He attended the University of Lethbridge in Alberta. After finishing his studies, he returned to the Okanagan.
Leading the Osoyoos Indian Band
Clarence Louie was elected chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band when he was 24. The band has about 460 members. They manage a large area of land, about 32,000 acres (13,000 hectares).
In 1988, Louie started the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation (OIBDC). This company helped the community grow. Before this, the band faced many challenges. Through the OIBDC, the band started or bought nine businesses. These businesses include tourism, construction, and fun activities.
Today, the band's businesses employ 700 people. Many of these employees are not First Nations. One famous business started by the OIBDC is Nk'Mip Cellars. This was the first winery in North America owned by an Indigenous group.
Awards and Recognition
Clarence Louie has been chief for 10 terms as of 2012. He has won almost every election since 1985. His work has been recognized widely. In 2008, he advised the Canadian finance minister on economic growth. He has also led the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board for two terms.
In 2003, the U.S. Department of State chose Louie. He was one of six Canadian Indigenous leaders. They reviewed how American Indian communities were growing their economies. In 2004, he received the Order of British Columbia. This is a high honor in his home province. He also helped settle land claims with the government. In 2017, he received the Freedom of the Town of Oliver.
