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Stoneys return from B.C. trip

March 31, 2010
By: Sarah Junkin
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A group of 16 Stoney residents, including a youth delegation, have  returned from an educational trip on how the First Nations in Osoyoos, British Columbia, run their community.

The group was inspired by a recent visit from Chief Clarence Louie, the chief and CEO of the Osoyoos Band in south Okanagan, to the Stoney Nation.

He’s been chief for more than 20 years after he took on the then bankrupt band and turned it around.

The Osoyoos band now owns a vineyard, a winery, a golf course and a tourist resort. It contributes approximately $40 million a year to the local economy.

“The purpose was to pick up useful tools for my community,” said Claude Lefthand, one of three Morley residents who went on the trip. “We have to learn to stand on our own feet. I think this government has spoiled us with income support and so on.”

But Lefthand is optimistic about the future of the Stoney community.

“My goal is for one day for the whole community to have a job,” he said. “It might take a while, but it’ll be worth it.”

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