Chief Clarence Louie
Keynote Speaker | Kelowna, British Columbia
Indigenous Inclusion
First Nation Leadership | & Economic Development Expert
Chief Clarence Louie Expertise Business & Corporate, Business Growth, Business Management, Business Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Business Technology, Communication and Employee Management.
About Chief Clarence Louie
Chief Clarence Louie is a sought-after speaker and a successful entrepreneur who has been Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band for over 36 years. Chief Louie is one of six First Nations leaders to emphasize economic development in American Indian communities as a means to improve people’s standard of living. Chief Clarence Louie is one of the longest running chiefs in Canada, elected in 1984, leading his community for four decades. Chief Clarence Louie is known for focusing on economic and business independence to strengthen his community.
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CHIEF CLARENCE LOUIE BIOGRAPHY
In December 1984 Chief Clarence Louie was elected as the Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band, part of the Okanagan Nation in south-central British Columbia. Chief Clarence Louie has consistently emphasized economic development as a means to improve his people’s standard of living. Under his direction (30+ years) the Band has become a multi-faceted corporation that owns and manages nine businesses and employs hundreds of people. The Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation’s initiatives are to manage and provide strategic direction to the existing businesses.
Chief Clarence Louie is the author of “Rez Rules: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples” which is a direct and passionate take on a wide-ranging subject: life on the Rez, including Rez language and humour; per capita payments; the role of elected chiefs; the devastating impact of residential schools; the need to look to culture and ceremony for governance and guidance; the use of Indigenous names and logos by professional sports teams; his love for motorcycle honour rides; and what makes a good leader.
Chief Clarence Louie takes aim at Canada’s and America’s systemic racism and examines the relationship between First Nations and colonialists/settlers. Maclean Magazine named him one of the “Top 50 Canadians to Watch.” In 2003, Louie was chosen by the U.S. Department of State as one of six First Nations leaders to review economic development in American Indian communities. In 2008, Chief Clarence Louie received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He is a member of the Order of British Columbia, and the Order of Canada, and in 2019, he was the first First Nations person ever inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. In 2021, Chief Clarence Louie received an honorary doctorate from the University of British Columbia.
Chief Clarence Louie writes about his youth in Osoyoos, from early mornings working in the vineyards to playing and coaching sports, and attending a largely white school in Oliver, B.C. Chief Clarence Louie remembers enrolling in the “Native American Studies” program at the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College in 1979 and falling in love with First Nations history. Learning about the historic significance of treaties was life-changing. He recalls his first involvement in activism: participating in a treaty bundle run across the country before embarking on a path of leadership.
Chief Clarence Louie and his band have worked hard to achieve economic growth and record levels of employment. Inspired by his ancestors’ working culture, and by the young people on the reserve, Chief Louie continues to work for First Nations’ self-sufficiency and independence. Other achievements under Chief Clarence Louie’s tenure include the negotiated settlement of three specific land claims. Chief Clarence Louie also successfully negotiated over 1,000 acres of lease developments.
Chief Clarence Louie also acquired hundreds of acres of land to add to the reserve. The Osoyoos Band also purchased viable off-reserve businesses. Under his leadership, the Osoyoos Band also provided financing for a major golf course development. Chief Clarence Louie also facilitated the initiation of the Osoyoos Indian Taxation By-law. Most noteworthy, Chief Louie used profits from his business to finance and build a new preschool/daycare and grade school. Chief Clarence Louie also helped to finance and construct a new Health Center and Social Services building and a first-class Youth Centre.
The Osoyoos Indian Band has modelled not only sustainable business development but also socio-economic development. Their mission and strategy are to improve the community’s social needs. Chief Clarence Louie’s constant message is that socio-economic development is the foundation for First Nation self-reliance. First Nation communities need to become business-minded and begin to create their own jobs and revenue sources, not just administer underfunded government programs. Each of our First Nations must take back their inherent and rightful place in the economy of their territory.
Native people must therefore change their mindset from; “spending money to making money”. As confirmation of the Osoyoos Indian Band’s commitment to the business, the Band owns and operates nine businesses on the reserve. The Band owns and operates multiple vineyards, many retail stores, and a construction company. In addition, they also own and operate a ready-mix company, a championship golf course, eco-tourism businesses, and activities in the Forest Division. In 2002, the Band opened the first Aboriginal winery in North America – Nk’Mip Cellars. The winery is a joint venture with Vincor International. He is also the owner of Indigenoustech.ai which is a tech startup that encourages Indigenous populations to engage through technology and is sponsored by large corporations such as Microsoft, Blackberry & TransUnion.
Although economic development is the means to achieving self-sufficiency, the Chief and Council continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining the Okanagan language and culture in all aspects of the band’s activities including business. The establishment of the Nk’Mip Desert & Cultural Center is a testament to this commitment to balancing business while investing time and money in culture. This eco-cultural center provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the Okanagan culture. It also helps educate visitors to help them explore the desert lands that are a part of the traditional territory. The Nk’Mip Desert & Cultural Center is also an example of the continued growth of the band’s businesses.
Chief Clarence Louie believes that job creation and increasing business revenue in a responsible manner will bring back what he describes as, “our working culture, the self-supporting lifestyle of our ancestors”. First Nation leaders have a responsibility to incorporate First Nation’s language and culture in all socio-economic initiatives. This strategy is a means to improve and protect your First Nation’s heritage in Canada. Chief Clarence Louie played a key role in the successful negotiations to return “Spotted Lake” to the Okanagan Nation. As a result, his people and visitors can now experience and take pride in the lake and restore a part of First Nations culture.
A lifelong student of “Native American Studies”, Chief Clarence Louie shares his experiences with audiences through his keynote presentations. He conveys and teaches the best lessons learned throughout his experiences to Native peoples, government, and corporate agencies across the world. His speaking style is a direct business smart approach.
Chief Clarence Louie believes that Aboriginal people and government must make economic development a priority. He conveys that self-sustaining job creation and business growth are an everyday priority. A real decent-paying job that provides real opportunity is the very best social program on any Rez! The Osoyoos Indian Band’s corporate motto is “In Business To Preserve Our Past By Strengthening Our Future”. Chief Clarence Louie has spoken at Native government and industry conferences around the world. He is in high demand across Canada as a leader, consultant, educator, advocate, and businessman.
Chief Clarence Louie Topic Presentations
Chief Clarence Louie Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.
First Nation Engagement
First Nation Economic Development
First Nation History in North America
Organizational Structure on First Nation Reserves
First Nation Youth Development
Leadership on First Nations
First Nation Communities in Canada
First Nation and Government Relations
Chief Clarence Louie Books & Articles
Chief Clarence Louie Speaking Testimonials
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chief Clarence Louie known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?
Chief Clarence Louie is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More
What topics does Chief Clarence Louie speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?
Chief Clarence Louie delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More
How do I know if Chief Clarence Louie is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?
Chief Clarence Louie is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More
Where is Chief Clarence Louie from and where do they speak across Canada?
Chief Clarence Louie is from Kelowna, British Columbia and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More
Is Chief Clarence Louie available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?
Chief Clarence Louie is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More
Does Chief Clarence Louie deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?
Chief Clarence Louie may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More
How do I contact Chief Clarence Louie to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?
Chief Clarence Louie is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More
How do I book Chief Clarence Louie for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?
Chief Clarence Louie is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More
How much does it cost to book Chief Clarence Louie as a keynote speaker in Canada?
Chief Clarence Louie keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More
Are there additional costs to hire Chief Clarence Louie for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?
Additional costs to hire Chief Clarence Louie may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More
How far in advance should I book Chief Clarence Louie for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?
Chief Clarence Louie should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More
Is Chief Clarence Louie represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?
Chief Clarence Louie is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More












