Clarence Louie elected Tribal Chair of Okanagan Nation Alliance

Photo: ONA

Clarence Louie

Longtime Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band Clarence Louie has been elected Tribal Chair and spokesperson of the Okanagan Nation Alliance. 

Louie, who has served for 34 years as Chief of the OIB, was elected by the ONA chiefs executive council.

“Chief Louie is the longest standing Chief within the Nation and will no doubt provide strong leadership based on his years of experience, knowledge and past service to the Nation,” says a press release from the Okanagan Nation Alliance. 

Louie will be taking over from Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, who has spent 16 years as tribal chairman. Phillip remains the president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. In June, he reached out to the public to seek a kidney transplant.

“The ONA would like to acknowledge his lifetime commitment to the defense of Indigenous Peoples' Title and Rights, his service to the Syilx Okanagan People and our advancement as a Nation," the ONA said.

The Okanagan Nation Alliance and its Chiefs’ executive council represent Syilx Okanagan Nation members and are mandated to protect, advance and defend Syilx Okanagan Nation collective title and rights. 

The eight member communities include; Okanagan Indian Band, Upper Nicola Band, Westbank First Nation, Penticton Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band and Lower and Upper Similkameen Indian Bands and the Colville Confederated Tribes.