On June 15, the City of Vernon hosted the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) to discuss areas of mutual interest and collaborate on how best to provide services to residents in both communities. Chief Byron Louis, Mayor Akbal Mund, members of Council from both the City and OKIB, and senior staff members from both organizations were in attendance.
Topics for discussion focused on service provision to Sandy Beach lands, review of the dual application for funding through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for the Community Economic Development Initiatives, Emergency Planning and Emergency Support Services, Public Transportation and a Recognition Ceremony of OKIB Territorial Lands.
“This was a great opportunity for our newly elected councillors to meet with the City of Vernon and learn about some of the initiatives our two governments are working on together,” said Chief Louis. “We expect to continue collaborating on initiatives that benefit both communities.”
“Our Council and administration value our relationship with OKIB and with the members of OKIB who live in our community,” said Mayor Mund. “I believe we all came away from this meeting with a mutual commitment to deepening that relationship and working together as friends and partners.”
Photo: Mayor Akbal Mund (L) and OKIB Chief Byron Louis (R) discuss collaboration on areas of mutual interest.