Okanagan Indian Band's new new sand, gravel and rock quarry (OKIB photo)

By Pete McIntyre

new venutre

Okanagan Indian Band celebrates opening of new business

Jul 10, 2024 | 5:00 AM

The Okanagan Indian Band is inviting the community to visit its newest business venture.

The band’s Group of Companies (OKIBGC) and Kode Contracting Ltd. are holding a grand opening event of scʕásxən, the band’s new sand, gravel and rock quarry on Thursday, July 11.

OKIB Chief and Council, OKIBGC CEO and board members, and Kode Contracting Ltd. at the agreement signing. (OKIB photo)

The site is at 9535 Highway 97, beside the former Sun Valley Speedway.

Officials with the OKIBGC say they went through an extensive process in finding the perfect partner for the new venture with expressions of interest being sent out to prospective gravel pit operators from across B.C.

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OKIBGC received numerous responses and potential operators were weighted based on financial ability, experience, compliance with WorksafeBC, their safety program, environmental and cultural protection, community involvement, experience with other First Nations, employment opportunities and the proposed revenue model.

Kode Contracting Ltd., a third generation contracting company founded in Prince George, was chosen as the most experienced and had the highest score in each of the categories.

“Our goal for this partnership is to create careers for OKIB members and develop a profitable sand and gravel operation that overtime will be operated by OKIB and have long term benefits to the community over the life of the pit,” a news release from the company stated.

OKIBGC is excited to re-open its gravel pit including a new rock quarry that has been closed for many years.

Tetku Marchand, OKIBGC Operations Manager, said the new business hits close to her heart as she started working for the band at the original gravel pit 24 years ago.

“Back then we had many big contracts in the Okanagan. Among them, the City of Vernon, the Ministry of Transportation, the School District and all the gravel for Walmart while it was being built. I’m hoping to revisit these same opportunities and more.”

Marchand said the gravel pit will provide numerous career and training opportunities for OKIB members; and she believes the right operator was chosen with Kode Contracting.

“They are taking our restoration plan seriously to allow for these lands to one day be turned back into land available to members for housing. As sqilx’w (Indigenous) people, we are always looking seven generations ahead, and we want to ensure we are providing sustainable homelands for ‘the People to Be,’ our generations to come.”

OKIBGC wanted to ensure they incorporated an nsyilxcn (syilx/Okanagan language) name. scʕásxən means rock slide or shale rocks.

The band welcomes everyone to its grand opening on July 11, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at 9535 Highway 97, beside the former Sun Valley Speedway, for a barbecue, tour, and welcome ceremony.