Quickly changing the face of the South Okanagan with successful tourism development is the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB). By employing its own band members, it is one of the largest employers in the Okanagan, with nine businesses for a population of only 400, including North America’s first aboriginal-owned and -operated winery.
The winery, a joint venture between the Osoyoos Indian Band and Vincor International, is only one phase of a multimillion-dollar project including an all-season RV Park, a new state-of-the-art desert heritage center, an executive nine-hole golf course, and a full resort with condo-style accommodations including a spa, pools, a waterslide and restaurants, all on 1200 acres of the band’s land.
The band is led by Chief Clarence Louie, who was elected chief in 1985 and has since been dedicated to creating self-reliance for his community. He has accomplished this by establishing strong and diversified economic development, forming the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation in 1992 (OIBDC), which he currently leads.
Providing support and mentorship
Under the leadership of Chief Clarence Louie, as CEO, and Chris Scott, as COO, the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation is a board of directors consisting of the Osoyoos Indian Band Council and non-native business advisors who are either retired or operating successful businesses. The board provides support and mentorship to the management and staff of the band-owned businesses that employ Osoyoos Indian Band members, members of other First Nations and non-natives from the South Okanagan.
Everything with regard to development goes back to the board, which provides a vital system of checks and balances that enhances the success of their businesses. The OIBDC has also recently hired a human resources manager to provide training, policy development and HR support to all of the band's business managers and staff. “With a growing economy and rising employment opportunities, the Osoyoos Indian Band is projecting another 100 to 150 jobs within the South Okanagan in the next five years,” says Brenda Baptiste, General Manager of the Nk’Mip Desert & Heritage Centre.
Weekly employment planning sessions
The OIB has also recently implemented a weekly employment planning session for band members, which combines career planning, skill development and employer-expectation tutorial. The sessions focus on education, work opportunities and mutual support for job searches. “The key to success is to constantly simplify by using simple language and having clear direction and sound reasoning, so that everyone involved has a good clear understanding of where they are going,” says Tanya Swaryn, the new human resources manager.
Distributing a monthly newsletter
Also helping band members find employment on the reserve is a monthly newsletter that is sent to every band member. For example, Barb Tanner, bookkeeper for the Nk’Mip Campground and the Nk’Mip Desert Heritage Center, responded to an ad in the newsletter that indicated that the OIB would like to see more band members in office positions in the administration department. After responding to the ad, she was offered additional training and is now happily employed by the band and also able to be close to her family.
With a strong focus on a community-based approach to mentoring staff, the OIBDC adheres to professional standards and ethics, encourages formal training and job experience, and supports individuals in their search for areas of interest and education. As a strong advocate in partnership development and higher education, Chief Clarence Louie and his development corporation will continue to develop one of the greatest First Nations establishments in North America.
