Okanagan Nation Alliance

Our Story

“The conservation, protection, restoration, and enhancement of indigenous fisheries (anadromous and resident) and aquatic resources within Okanagan Nation Territory.”

The Okanagan Nation Alliance established a fisheries program in established in 1995 under the direction of the Chiefs Executive Council and member communities to take a role in the management of fisheries and aquatic resources. Under the long standing leadership of the Chiefs and Councils of our member communities and the Colville Confederated Tribe Business Council(CCTBC), formally undertook their responsibilities and obligations to their lands, waters and peoples to restore the Okanagan Sockeye Salmon back to the Columbia River systems.

On a watershed level, the Okanagan Nation Territory includes the Okanagan Basin, the Similkameen Basin, and the Kettle Basin, as well as portions of the Columbia Basin (Columbia River and Arrow Lakes) and Thompson Basin (Shuswap River and Salmon River). The ONAFD works to provide technical fisheries assistance for the Nation and its seven member Bands and acts as a liaison with federal and provincial fisheries agencies, NGOs, and corporations.

The ONA has built its capacity through the employment of highly qualified personnel, continuous professional development of existing staff, and relationship building with qualified professionals and sub-contractors. This has ensured that projects are completed to meet and exceed scientific and administrative quality standards. The ONA has accrued a great deal of experience in managing projects and now supports programs and projects ranging in budget from thousands to 3 million dollars. These projects are the result of solid working relationships, which have been formed with various partners including: provincial/state and federal government agencies in BC, Canada, and Washington State; local Bands; industry and non-government organizations.