Local Journalism Initiative
The Okanagan Nation Alliance released a statement saying they have met with provincial authorities in an attempt to resolve concerns over access to traditional fishing at Okanagan Falls.
Concerns over access were raised after a private landowner in Okanagan Falls claimed Osoyoos Indian Band fishers were trespassing when they jumped a fence to reach a traditional fishing spot near the falls. The dispute caught media attention, and has brought to light issues around rights and title for the local Indigenous community.
New Okanagan Nation Alliance tribal council chair, Chief Clarence Louie, met with the assistant deputy minister of the B.C. ministry of forest, lands, natural resource operations and rural development this week to discuss the issue.
“B.C. expressed its willingness to work with the nation to secure safe, unfettered access to the fishery for our members,” read the statement posted to the Okanagan Nation Alliance website. “B.C. committed to working with the ONA to identify and implement permanent solutions moving forward.”
Chief Louie and his negotiation team will provide updates as talks with the province continue.
