Operations

ONA operations have grown from humble beginnings into a well-recognized organization through the effective service delivery of a wide-range of enhanced services for members Syilx Okanagan Nation, despite the prevailing deficient government funding formula.

ONA is one of 81 known Tribal Councils in Canada that currently operates within the parameters of the 1984 Cabinet approved policy that established the principles and the conditions for funding Tribal Councils. For the purpose of the policy, Tribal Councils are institutions established as “a grouping of bands with common interests who voluntarily join together to provide advisory and/or program services to member bands.” ONA predated the Tribal Council policy.

The ONA has an Executive Director, hired and overseen by the CEC, who is responsible for the management and administration of ONA operations which include:

• Administration Department
• Wellness Department
• Fisheries and Natural Resources Department

From these fundamental areas of work, we encompass a wide range of programs, services, projects, and governance initiatives designed to promote and sustain our people, land, water, and all living beings within our territory.

Vision

The Okanagan Nation Alliance has an inherent right and responsibility to enjoy, manage, and protect its peoples, lands, resources, and forms of government as stated in the Okanagan Nation Declaration. This is the vision and future of the Syilx Okanagan people.