Okanagan Indian Band

09/28/2026

Be part of the work ahead.

OKIB is building a dedicated recovery team to support Members and families through the next stages of recovery from the Bradley Creek Wildfire.

Expressions of Interest are now being accepted from qualified individuals and contractors for lead roles in:

➡️ Recovery operations
➡️ Planning
➡️ Housing
➡️ Wellness
➡️ Infrastructure
➡️ Environmental Recovery
➡️ Emergency Support
➡️ Finance
➡️ Communications and
➡️ Information Management

Interested?

Submit an Expression of Interest outlining the position(s) you are interested in, your relevant experience and qualifications, availability, and whether you are applying as an individual or contractor.

Email: [email protected]
Open until positions are filled.

For more information, visit: https://www.okib.ca/news/community-update-expression-of-interest-recovery-lead-positions/

09/24/2026

Walk with us for Truth and Reconciliation

On behalf of the OKIB Language & Culture Program, Members and the community are invited to gather at Komasket Park on September 30 for a Walk for Truth and Reconciliation.

Wear orange, bring your drum and bring your voice as we come together to honour residential school Survivors, remember the children who never returned home and reflect on our shared responsibility for reconciliation.

➡️ Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
➡️ Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
➡️ Location: Komasket Park

The day will begin with opening remarks at 10:00 a.m., followed by the walk at 10:30 a.m., a drum circle at 11:30 a.m. and an open mic at noon. Closing remarks will take place at 1:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

09/23/2026

Join the OKIB team!

Looking for an exciting new career opportunity? The Okanagan Indian Band is hiring!

Be part of a team dedicated to supporting and strengthening our community and making a difference.

Check out opportunities like:

➡️Interim Director of Public Works and Housing
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/interim-director-of-public-works-housing-1-year-term/

➡️Community Engagement Coordinator
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/community-engagement-coordinator/

➡️Digital Communications Coordinator
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/digital-communications-coordinator/

➡️ Explore our current employment opportunities and apply today: https://www.okib.ca/employment-internal/

09/22/2026

Community Update: Phase 2 of Bradley Creek Wildfire Danger Tree Removal

OKIB is moving into Phase 2 of the Bradley Creek Wildfire Danger Tree Removal Program. Work is scheduled to begin on September 24, 2026, and continue through the fall.

During phase 1, crews removed trees that posed the most immediate danger to people, homes, roads and access routes.

What happens in Phase 2?

Crews will assess and remove remaining fire-damaged trees that could become dangerous during debris removal, road repairs, utility work and rebuilding.

What Community needs to know...
➡️Stay outside marked work zones and follow all signs, gates and crew directions.
➡️Do not walk or drive around barriers.
➡️Keep children and pets away from active work areas.
➡️Expect noise, heavy equipment and possible temporary traffic delays.

Please note: Some trees may appear healthy but have damaged roots, trunks or branches. They can become unstable during strong winds, ground disturbance or heavy equipment work.

Completing this work will help protect residents and workers and allow other recovery activities to move forward more safely.

For more information visit: https://www.okib.ca/news/community-update/

09/18/2026

Community Update: Bradley Creek Wildfire Evacuation Order Partial Rescind

Effective 1700 Hours, September 18th, 2026, the Evacuation Order for an area of the K41351 Bradley Creek Wildland Fire has been RESCINDED.

The Evacuation Order area has been rescinded for areas shown in green. you may now return home.
The Evacuation Order Rescind is in effect for properties in green on the map in the OKIB IR 1 reserve:

· 21, 25, 27, 31, 47, 59 GoodWater Drive

Please see the attached maps below

Residents returning home are reminded that you may be returning to an area that has been affected by a significant wildfire. Conditions may look very different from when you left, and hazards may remain on individual properties and throughout the surrounding area. Please use caution, follow any posted directions and do not enter damaged properties or areas that have been restricted.

Returning home after a wildfire

Residents returning to wildfire-affected areas should use caution. Even if your home was not directly damaged, smoke, soot, ash and other hazards may remain.

Check your property before entering. Watch for structural damage, damaged trees, fallen power lines, sharp debris and other hazards. Do not enter a structure that appears unstable.

Protect yourself during cleanup. Wear appropriate footwear, gloves and protective clothing. An N95 mask can help reduce exposure to ash, soot and fine particles.

Replace your furnace and/or air conditioner filter. If outdoor air quality allows, open windows and use a fan to help circulate fresh air. Professional cleaning of ducts and air-conditioning systems may also be appropriate.

Check food before using it. Refrigerated or frozen food may no longer be safe following an extended power outage. When in doubt, throw it out.

Be careful with ash and soot. Wet wiping or mopping is preferred over dry dusting, and only vacuums equipped with a HEPA filter should be used for ash.

For information about safely returning to your home after a wildfire, please visit OKIB.ca to review the First Nations Health Authority Returning Home After a Wildfire information package.

https://fnha.ca/wp-content/uploads/migrated/Documents/FNHA-Returning-to-Your-Home-After-Wildfires.pdf

We also ask everyone returning to be mindful of their neighbours. Some homes and properties have been significantly damaged or lost, and families may be returning to very difficult circumstances.
Please respect private property, avoid entering or photographing damaged properties that are not your own, and give affected families the privacy and space they need.

Further updates will continue to be shared through OKIB’s official communication channels.

https://www.okib.ca/news/community-update-bradley-creek-wildfire-evacuation-order-partial-rescind-7/

09/17/2026

An important recognition for work that began with a shared understanding that protecting water, the land and our communities requires working together.

OKIB thanks the District of Lake Country, Regional District of North Okanagan and everyone who has contributed to the North Aberdeen Plateau initiative.

There is more work ahead, and partnerships like this are an important part of moving that work forward.

The North Aberdeen Plateau Wildfire and Watershed Resilience Initiative has received the UBCM Presidents Committee Choice Award!

This recognition celebrates the work of the Okanagan Indian Band, Regional District of North Okanagan and District of Lake Country to protect the North Aberdeen Plateau and the water, cultural and ecological values it supports.

By working together across jurisdictional boundaries, our organizations are taking a long-term approach to watershed health and wildfire resilience, helping protect this important landscape and the drinking water our communities rely on.

We’re proud to see this shared work recognized at the provincial level and grateful to everyone who has helped move it forward.

Learn more: lakecountry.bc.ca/government/news

09/16/2026

The permanent raising of the OKIB flag at District of Coldstream Cenotaph Park is an important moment for our community.

It recognizes the longstanding presence of our people on these lands and the relationship between our communities today.

We invite Members and others who would like to join us to come together for the ceremony on September 29.

🧡 JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL COMMUNITY CEREMONY 🧡
The Okanagan Indian Band and the District of Coldstream invite the public to come together for the raising of the Okanagan Indian Band flag at Coldstream’s Cenotaph Park.

This meaningful ceremony is an opportunity to come together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation, respect and relationship-building. 🤝

📅 Tuesday, September 29, 2026
🕐 4:00 pm
📍 Coldstream Cenotaph Park, 9907 Kalamalka Road

See the full News Release: coldstream.ca/news

09/14/2026

New OKIB Job Postings

Digital Communications Coordinator
Closing date: September 28
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/digital-communications-coordinator/

Community Engagement Coordinator
Closing date: September 28
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/community-engagement-coordinator

09/11/2026

PRESS RELEASE: Okanagan Indian Band Receives Generous Donations from Habitat for Humanity Okanagan, Community Foundation of the North Okanagan and Central Okanagan Foundation and kiʔláwnaʔ Stamiya Two Spirit Powwow

September 11th, 2026

At the Beginning of August 2026, the Wildfire known at the Bradley Creek Wildfire spread throughout Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) Indian Reserve #1 Lands at an alarming pace, with many households having very little time to prepare or pack before evacuating. As a result, the Bradley Creek wildfire has left lasting impacts on our community and land which will be felt for years to come.

While the wildfire has now been contained, and emergency response has wound down, the task of recovery at OKIB is now underway. In response to the Bradley Creek Wildfire which heavily impacted OKIB Lands, many local community organizations and individuals such as Habitat for Humanity Okanagan and the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan, and Central Okanagan Foundation have stepped up.

We would like to thank Residents of Predator Ridge for their generous donation of $1550. Residents and Volunteers were able to raise these funds through one of their monthly bottle drives. Habitat for Humanity was able match the $1550 donation from Predator Ridge residents for a total of $3100.

We would also like to thank the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan and the Central Okanagan Foundation who have come together for their generous donation of $10,000 from each organization. OKIB is grateful for the partnership of both of these organizations, and these funds will help support our community when it is needed most.

Lastly, we’d like to thank Dustyn Baulkham and the kiʔláwnaʔ Stamiya Two Spirit Powwow for their generous donation of $893.15. The Powwow was able to raise these funds from their event, Thank you for your support.

These donations will help go towards supporting households impacted by the Bradley Creek Wildfire as OKIB moves into recovery and rebuilding. “It is good to know we have such good neighbours” Chief Dan remarked when notified about the support OKIB received.

These organizations are not the only ones to offer their services and support in these difficult times, many individuals and organizations not mentioned here have also stepped up to lend a hand. To the Okanagan community in general, we would like to thank you for your support and generosity in this time of need.

Your generous donations and support can and do make a difference.

Limlemt / Thank You,
Okanagan Indian Band

09/09/2026

Community Update: Bradley Creek Wildfire Evacuation Order Partial Rescind

Effective 1700 Hours, September 9th, 2026, the Evacuation Order for an area of the Bradley Creek Wildland Fire area has been Rescinded. (Please see map below).

For non band member households, please contact your landlord or property manager prior to ensure the property is ready for your return.

The Evacuation Order Rescind is in effect for all addresses and properties in green on the map in the OKIB IR 1 reserve:

· Logans Landing
· Newport Beach
· Property with home Directly North West of 11819 Westside Road


Returning home after a wildfire

Residents returning to wildfire-affected areas should use caution. Even if your home was not directly damaged, smoke, soot, ash and other hazards may remain.

Check your property before entering. Watch for structural damage, damaged trees, fallen power lines, sharp debris and other hazards. Do not enter a structure that appears unstable.

Protect yourself during cleanup. Wear appropriate footwear, gloves and protective clothing. An N95 mask can help reduce exposure to ash, soot and fine particles.

Replace your furnace and/or air conditioner filter. If outdoor air quality allows, open windows and use a fan to help circulate fresh air. Professional cleaning of ducts and air-conditioning systems may also be appropriate.

Check food before using it. Refrigerated or frozen food may no longer be safe following an extended power outage. When in doubt, throw it out.

Be careful with ash and soot. Wet wiping or mopping is preferred over dry dusting, and only vacuums equipped with a HEPA filter should be used for ash.

For information about safely returning to your home after a wildfire, please visit OKIB.ca to review the First Nations Health Authority Returning Home After a Wildfire information package.

https://fnha.ca/wp-content/uploads/migrated/Documents/FNHA-Returning-to-Your-Home-After-Wildfires.pdf

We also ask everyone returning to be mindful of their neighbours.

Please respect private property, avoid entering or photographing damaged properties that are not your own, and give affected families the privacy and space they need.

Further updates will continue to be shared through OKIB’s official communication channels.

https://www.okib.ca/news/community-update-bradley-creek-wildfire-evacuation-order-partial-rescind-6/