Environmental Initiatives

“We take care of the land, the land takes care of us” 

–OKIB Vision Statement 

“To manage, protect and enhance the Natural Environment and Cultural Heritage” 

– OKIB Environmental Mission Statement 

The Okanagan People have long recognized the importance of sustainable relationships with the land. This understanding is expressed through oral history, particularly the chaptikwl, which recounts the teachings of the Four Food Chiefs: Skmxist (Black Bear), Siya (Saskatoon Berry), Spitlem (Bitter Root), and Ntyxtix (King Salmon). These teachings emphasize the interdependence between the Okanagan People, the Plant and Animal People, and the land itself. 

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In September 2016, OKIB initiated the development of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for its Reserve lands. The EMP establishes environmental management standards and protocols designed to protect the health of OKIB members and the environmental quality of the land, water, air, and natural resources. It is an expression of OKIB’s commitment to environmental governance and sustainability. 

Environmental Standards/Protocols are practical guidelines and technical rules adopted by OKIB to safeguard human health, flora, fauna, and ecosystems.  

They are essential to: 

• Conserving and protecting sensitive habitats and at-risk species. 

• Ensuring safe drinking water and responsible waste management. 

• Managing industrial and commercial land use impacts on OKIB territory. 

• Preventing contamination through remediation and land restoration initiatives. 

How Will OKIB’s Environmental Standards Be Determined? 

• Community Notice Board, OKIB newsletter, and website postings for member input. 

• Open houses with OKIB members. 

• Chief and Council review and approval. 

Phase 1: Environmental Management Framework (EMF) (Completed 2018) 

The first phase established a foundation for environmental governance through: 

• Community Engagement: Conducting five open houses and a membership survey. 

• Environmental Scan: Reviewing Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) & OKIB environmental files and conducting a reconnaissance of all OKIB Reserve lands. 

• Identification of Key Environmental Issues: 

• Drinking Water Protection         

• Fill/Soil Management 

• Fuel Handling 

• Derelict Vehicle Storage and Disposal 

• Demolition, Landscape and Construction Waste Dumping 

• Toxic and Hazardous Waste Management 

• Liquid Waste i.e., Sewage 

• Invasive Species 

• Habitat Protection 

• Forest Resource Management 

• Archaeological/Cultural Resource Protection 

• Drafting Environmental Standards & Goals based on best practices, codes of conduct, and regulations. 

Phase 2: Development of Environmental Protocols (Ongoing Since 2020) 

With the Chief and Council’s directive, OKIB has begun developing community-based Environmental Protocols to guide land, water, and air conservation efforts. OKIB membership input is critical in shaping these protocols to: 

• Define environmental issues requiring regulatory attention. 

• Establish education, incentive, and compliance measures to ensure adherence. 

• Create a structured approach to environmental management, monitoring, and reporting. 

OKIB will commence membership engagement on the development of Environmental Standards through meetings, mail-outs, and social media outreach. All members are encouraged to participate in shaping a sustainable environmental future for the OKIB community. 

OKIB lands encompass 11,282 hectares, spanning various ecosystems from watersheds to dry valley bottoms. These lands provide essential habitats for many sensitive grassland and wetland species, some of which are found nowhere else in Canada. However, growing development pressures, contamination concerns, and the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in areas like Glenemma and Goose Lake have necessitated site assessments and remediation efforts. 

Several environmental assessments have been conducted on: 

• OKIB IR #1 

• OKIB Duck Lake IR #7 

• OKIB Swan Lake IR #4 

Remediation projects to address contamination include: 

• Okanagan IR #1 – Gravel Pit 

• Duck Lake IR #7 – Lot 14 (Old Paragon Site) 

For more information, please contact the OKIB Lands Department at 250-542-3444. 

For more information on environmental best practices on specific topics please visit the below documents 

• Drinking Water Protection (PDF/Separate Link) 

• Soil Management (PDF/Separate Link) 

• Fill Soil (PDF/Separate Link) 

• Fuel Tank Storage Systems Less Than 230 Litres & Handling (PDF/Separate Link) 

• Fuel Tank Storage Systems Greater Than 230 Litres & Handling (PDF/Separate Link) 

• End-of-Life Vehicles Dismantling and Recycling (PDF/Separate Link) 

• Derelict Vehicles Storage and Disposal (PDF/Separate Link) 

• Hazardous Substances & Wastes (PDF/Separate Link) 

• Construction and Demolition Waste (PDF/Separate Link) 

• Black Water (Sewage) Treatment (PDF/Separate Link) 

• Season Grey Water Treatment (PDF/Separate Link) 

• Habitat Protection (PDF/Separate Link)