Chief Clarence Louie

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.

He 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.

He 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, he 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, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of British Columbia.

Chief 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. He 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.

He 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. He also successfully negotiated over 1,000 acres of lease developments.

He 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. He 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. He 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.