Okanagan Indian Band

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/

09/09/2026

Canadian Red Cross Bradley Creek Wildfire Recovery Support

The Canadian Red Cross is offering recovery support to those impacted by the Bradley Creek Wildfire.

They will be offering in person support at:
Prestige Hotel (Okanagan Salon) 4411 32nd street, Vernon BC.

Monday - Friday
9:30am to 4:30pm

09/08/2026

New OKIB Job Postings

Child and Family Services Manager
Closing date: September 25th, 2026
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/child-family-services-manager/

CIS/Preschool Bus Driver
Open until filled
https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/cultural-immersion-school-preschool-bus-driver-2/

09/08/2026

Community Update: Bradley Creek Wildfire

Update as of 9:00 am, September 8th, 2026

OKIB has received a preliminary post-wildfire geohazard assessment from Stantec for areas affected by the Bradley Creek Wildfire.

The assessment identified an increased potential for flooding, erosion, debris flows, rockfall and slope instability in some burned areas, particularly during heavy rainfall, rain-on-snow events and spring freshet.

Bradley Creek and several individual properties require further assessment. Increased runoff and debris could also affect drainage and the Westside Road crossing during significant rainfall.

Residents are asked to:
Follow all OKIB access and re-entry directions.
Avoid steep burned slopes and drainage areas during heavy rainfall.
Watch for unusual water flow, erosion, falling rocks or debris.
Monitor OKIB emergency updates and be prepared to leave if conditions change.
This does not mean the entire wildfire-affected area is unsafe. OKIB will continue working with qualified professionals to assess priority areas and identify any required mitigation.

Community safety remains our priority. Further updates will be provided as assessments continue.

09/04/2026

Community Update: Bradley Creek Wildfire Evacuation Order Partial Rescind

Effective 1700 Hours, September 4th, 2026, the Evacuation Order for an area of the K41351 Bradley Creek Wildland Fire has been RESCINDED.

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

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


· Goat Trail Road except #5 and #175 shown in red
· Sqareilks Road except properties shown in red
· Louies Lane except #1 #7 and #43 shown in red
· Bunny Path Lane except #11 shown in red
· Laverman Drive except #17 shown in red
· Jennys Lane Drive
· 180 Irish Creek Road
· 740 St Annes Road
· All remaining properties on Abel Cove Road
· 12190 Westside Road

Please see the attached maps

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-5/

09/02/2026

RFP: Story of Our Ways Contractor

Date Issued: September 1, 2026
RFP Number: RFP #09012026
Response Deadline: 09/25/2026, 4:00PM PDT

Purpose of the RFP

The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) is seeking proposals from a qualified contractor to coordinate and support the completion and publication of Stories of Our Sqilxw Ways II. This initiative builds on the original publication and aims to expand the resource to include the Four Food Chief sections, captikʷɬ (syilx stories), and supporting educational content, while ensuring the project remains grounded in syilx knowledge, values, and protocols.
The selected contractor will work closely with the OKIB Education Director, Language & Culture team, contributors, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and contracted editors, designers, and publishers to coordinate outstanding content, project timelines, publication processes, and deliverables. The contractor will also coordinate with the separate captikʷɬ Documentation Contractor to support the appropriate integration of documented stories into the final publication.

View the full RFP on our website: https://www.okib.ca/opportunity/story-of-our-ways-ii-contractor/

Submission Instructions
1.Applicants must provide a detailed budget, including an hourly wage, anticipated expenses, and an estimated total cost for project completion.
2.Provide their approach to a Syilx methodology framework to deliver community engagements.
3.Provide, upon request, three professional references.
4.Completed bids should be submitted electronically as a single PDF to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject line: SOW II Contractor Proposal — [Bidder Name]
5.Proposals received after the deadline may not be considered. OKIB reserves the right to request clarifications, negotiate terms, or decline to award the contract.

For any questions regarding this RFP, please contact:
Name: Danielle Saddleman
Title: Director of Education, Language & Culture
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: 250-241-4306
Company Address: Okanagan Indian Band
12420 Westside Road,
Vernon, BC V1H 2A4

Date Issued: September 1, 2026RFP Number: RFP Deadline: 09/25/2026, 4:00PM PDT Purpose of the RFP The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) is seeking proposals from a qualified contractor to coordinate […]

09/02/2026

Category 1 fire ban ending for Kamloops Fire Centre area - September 3rd, at 12:00pm noon

Effective at 12:00 noon Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) on September 3, 2026 Category 1 campfires will be permitted throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Category 2 and category 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre. As the campfire prohibition is being lifted, we ask the public to remain vigilant and follow all regulations when enjoying campfires.

A campfire is defined as:
Any fire no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide (a fire larger than this is considered a Category 2 fire).
Used by any person for recreational purposes or by a First Nation for a ceremonial purpose.

More information is available on the BC Wildfire Service website
here:

https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/category-1-campfires-permitted-throughout-the-kamloops-fire-centre-2/

08/31/2026

Telus Services Restoration Update

Update as of 9:30am August 31, 2026

The following update below has been shared by TELUS about their work restoring services in our community:

TELUS is now in the final stages of restoring services following the recent fire.

The mainline cable connection has now been completed, and TELUS crews will be working over the coming days to ensure connections to individual properties and residences are restored.

As services are brought back online, TELUS may need to attend individual properties to confirm connections, test equipment, and address equipment that may have been affected by the fire. Some members may experience temporary service interruptions or equipment issues during this process.

TELUS wants to make sure community members have a direct point of contact if their services have not been restored properly or if they have questions or concerns.

If you believe there is an issue with your TELUS service, or something does not appear to be working as expected, please contact:

Phil Hickling
TELUS – Service Technician
778-212-5476

Thank you for your patience and understanding as crews work to complete the remaining restoration work and get services fully back online.

**TELUS crews are currently on site in the community. If any members are interested in setting up new TELUS services, this is also a good opportunity to connect with the team while they are in the area and actively working on service restoration**