House fire on OKIB reserve on Feb. 2 (Submitted photo/GoFundMe)

By Pete McIntyre

House fire

Band rallies around family that lost everything in fire

Feb 25, 2022 | 12:50 PM

The community is being asked to help out an Okanagan Indian Band family that has been devastated by a house fire.

“OKIB elders Wilma and James (Jimmy) Paul, and their nephew are focusing on rebuilding after their house and possessions, including important family artifacts and history, were completely destroyed by the blaze [on Feb. 22], a band news release stated. “Unfortunately, the family did not have insurance.”

The band said Wilma and Jimmy worked hard to build their home, starting in 1986. Since then, they spent countless hours digging boulders and removing tree stumps to create green space around their home, and had eventually added a garden.

“Jimmy tinkered around the yard daily, and Wilma would spend her time cooking in the kitchen to feed the friends and family that would visit them. Anyone that visited their home, knew it was a welcoming home, but also knew how amazing her bannock was,” the band said.

OKIB chief Byron Louis said the Paul’s are a generous and kind couple who are well-respected elders of the community.

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

A few moments ago

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

“After all that our members, and indeed, everyone has gone through over the past few years, this is a major tragedy for the community,” said Louis. “Wildfire, the pandemic, possible flooding, and now a family is beset by this tragic event. In true Syilx spirit, I know that many members, the extended community, and the business community at large will want to help out.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Paul family which can be accessed here. The goal is to raise $75,000.

In addition, donations of gift cards for food, clothing and gas are being accepted. Physical items are NOT being requested due to storage limitations.

Band Liaison Grant Louis will take donations to the family, and anyone wanting to reach out to the family, can contact Cheryl Louis.

Band Liaison Grant Louis 250-306-7179 addworker@okanagan.org

Family Liaison Cheryl Louis 250-938-5221 Oppenheimer.ca@gmail.com