By Tom Mark

First Nations Leader Named To ALR Panel

Jan 4, 2018 | 1:50 PM

Okanagan Indian Band Chief Byron Louis has been named to a nine member panel to lead the revitalization of the Agricultural Land Reserve and the Agricultural Land Commission.

Agriculture Minister Lana Popham announced the independent advisory committee today to provide what she called strategic advice, policy guidance, and recommendations.

The panel will host regional meetings and online sessions this year to get feedback on what changes are needed.

The committee will use the input it receives during the consultation process to develop recommendations for the provincial government’s consideration.

“The recommendations may include changes to the current legislative, regulatory, and administrative framework to revitalize the ALR and the ALC. Any legislative changes that support the revitalization of the commission and the reserve are targeted for late 2018 or early 2019,” says Popham.

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The committee will be chaired by Jennifer Dyson, who served as chair of the ALR’s Island Panel from 2008 to 2017.

Pictured: Byron Louis, Okanagan Indian Band Chief

In a bio provided by the province, Louis has over 25 years of knowledge and experience, at various levels of the political spectrum. First, elected to Council in 1991, then designated as chair of the Okanagan Nation Fisheries Commission in 1995 and as a title and rights advisor at the Tribal Council and regional level, and political liaison designate with U.S.-based tribal, public and private utilities (hydro-electric generation) and state and federal authorities. Over the course of his career, he has served in various facets of political office involving natural resource management, economic development, public works, community planning, liaison and strategic development and negotiation with various levels of senior government and the private sector. Louis continues to work extensively on First Nations social and economic issues and interests and is currently serving his fourth term as Chief of the Okanagan Indian Band. In 2015, he took on the role of director with the New Relationship Trust, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening First Nations in B.C. through capacity building.

by Tom Mark