Territorial Stewardship

The Territorial Stewardship Division (TSD) is responsible for protecting the lands, waters, and cultural heritage of the Okanagan Indian Band. Guided by Syilx laws and ancestral responsibilities, we work to ensure that the land continues to sustain our people now and for future generations.  

We lead environmental monitoring, cultural heritage protection, watershed restoration, and post-wildfire recovery across OKIB territory. Our team reviews land-use proposals, supports cultural site care, responds to referrals, and works with community, industry, and government partners to make sure OKIB Title and Rights are recognized and upheld.  

From caring for sensitive ecosystems to supporting cultural monitors in the field, TSD is dedicated to safeguarding the tmixʷ—the living world—so that our lands remain healthy, resilient, and thriving.  

• Protection of Syilx cultural sites and ancestral places  

• Healthy watersheds, wildlife, and forest ecosystems  

• Responsible land-use planning and environmental decision-making.  

• Community safety, wildfire recovery, and climate resilience  

• Strong representation of OKIB’s Title, Rights, and interests  

• TSD is the steward of OKIB’s land responsibilities and a key part of ensuring the long-term wellbeing of the Nation and its territory