WFN leader addresses board of trade on future for many generations

On Feb. 11, Westbank First Nation councillor c̓ris Jordan Coble delivered a State of the Nation talk to the Greater Westside Board of Trade, urging that local investments prioritize youth wellbeing, healthy land and water, and careful waste management as WFN develops its businesses and projects.

Westbank First Nation councillor c̓ris Jordan Coble spoke to the Greater Westside Board of Trade on Feb. 11, filling in for Chief simo Robert Louie and delivering a State of the Nation presentation in syilx territory. He updated attendees on WFN business ventures and future projects and asked local leaders and businesses to keep youth wellbeing and stewardship of land and water central to development. Coble highlighted responsibilities including managing waste and protecting community water sources as the nation grows. He also framed economic activity as part of a longer responsibility to future generations. Key details: - The Greater Westside Board of Trade represents about 400 businesses operating on WFN homelands and attendees included WFN councillors and city officials from Kelowna and West Kelowna. - According to the presentation, 828 businesses operate on WFN reserve lands, with 124 owned by First Nation members; there are about 12,000 non-nation residents on those lands and 914 band members. - A graphic shown at the talk reported the assessed value of WFN lands at roughly $4 billion in the current year, compared with just under $1.5 billion in 2016. - Coble noted Ntityix Development Corporation’s partnership with Brenda Renewables on regional organic composting and described organic waste conversion into soil as an economic opportunity. - He outlined a proposed wind power project with Innergex Renewable Energy that, if advanced, would place 25 to 30 turbines within WFN’s Area of Responsibility and could supply power for up to 40,000 homes. - The wind proposal is subject to a WFN membership referendum and traditional land use studies; if it proceeds, turbines could be in operation by 2031. Summary: Coble presented recent economic growth while stressing that development should reflect syilx values and support the next generations. The community is advancing projects and partnerships, and the wind power proposal will proceed through membership referendum and land use studies before any final decision.