Osoyoos Indian Band facts for kids
The Osoyoos Indian Band, also known as Okanagan: Swiw̓s, is a self-governing First Nations community. They live in British Columbia, Canada. Their land is near the towns of Oliver and Osoyoos in the beautiful Okanagan valley. This area is about four kilometres north of the Canada–United States border.
The Band is part of the ×Okanagan Nation Alliance. This alliance brings together different Okanagan communities. The Osoyoos Indian Band manages about 32,000 acres of land. This land is around Oliver and Osoyoos. More than 600 band members live and work on their reserve.
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Who are the Osoyoos Indian Band?
The Osoyoos Indian Band is a self-governing community. This means they make their own decisions about their land and people. They are an important part of the Okanagan valley. Their traditional territory is rich in history and culture.
Living on the Reserve
Many members of the Osoyoos Indian Band live on their reserve land. A reserve is a special area of land set aside for First Nations people. Living on the reserve helps them keep their culture and traditions strong. It also allows them to work together as a community.
Exploring the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The Band has a special place called the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre. You say its name "in-Ka-meep." It is on the east side of Osoyoos. This centre teaches visitors about the local land and its unique plants and animals.
The area is a shrub-steppe, which is like a dry, desert-like region. The centre offers tours to show how special this environment is. You can learn about the plants that grow there. You can also discover the animals that call this dry land home.
Chief Clarence Louie's Vision
The current chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band is Clarence Louie. Chief Louie has worked hard to make the community strong and self-reliant. Self-reliance means being able to support themselves. He believes in creating jobs and businesses for his people.
Under his leadership, the Band has made many investments. These include a vineyard and winery. They also have a four-star resort and a 9-hole golf course. These businesses help the Band create its own income. This supports the community and its members.
Images for kids
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Inuksuk on shore of sw̓iw̓s Provincial Park operated by Osoyoos Indian Band, Osoyoos Lake, Osoyoos, British Columbia
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