Our annual Presidents' Luncheon is taking place on Thursday, December 8th, 2022. This is an opportunity to meet and reconnect with some of the industry's most prominent leaders and professionals. The luncheon will feature speaker Chief Clarence Louie, CM, OBC, Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band. Chief Clarence Louie will be speaking to us about business, as he believes business growth should be an everyday priority for Aboriginal people and government.

Where: Fairmont Pacific Rim
1038 Canada Pl
Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9

When: Thursday, December 8, 2022
Registration opens – 11:15 a.m.
Luncheon – 12:00 Noon

Registration closes December 6th, 2022

Attendees List  More information

Chief Clarence Louie, CM, OBC – Osoyoos Indian Band

Chief Louie was first elected Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band whose corporate motto is “In Business to Preserve Our Past By Strengthening Our Future”, in 1984 and remains as Chief today; over 36 years.  Chief Louie has consistently emphasized economic development as a means to improve his people’s standard of living.  Under his leadership, the Band has become a multi-faceted Corporation that owns and manages 11 businesses, 7 joint ventures and employs 1000 people.  In 1998 Chief Louie became the CEO of the newly formed Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation.

There is a long list of achievements that have taken place while Chief Louie has been leading.  To name a few they have negotiated settlement of three specific land claims, the acquisition of hundreds of acres of land to add to the reserve, the financing and building of a new preschool/daycare and grade school/gymnasium, the construction of a new health centre/social services building and the building of a youth centre. 

Chief Louie’s constant message is, “Socio-economic development is the foundation for First Nation self-reliance, our communities need to become business minded and begin to create their own jobs and revenue sources, not just administer underfunded government programs.  Each of our Frist Nations must take back their inherent and rightful place in the economy of their territory.  Native people must change their mindset from:  Spending Money to Making Money.”

Chief Louie believes that job creation and increasing business revenue in a responsible manner will bring back what he describes as, “our First Nation working culture, the self-supporting lifestyle of our ancestors.” And further, First Nation leaders have a responsibility to incorporate First Nation’s language and culture in all socio-economic initiatives as the means to improve and protect your First Nation’s heritage.  With language and culture in mind the establishment of the Nk’Mip Desert & Cultural Centre is a testament to the commitment of balancing business while investing time and money in culture. 

Chief Louie has numerous achievements and awards including the Order of British Columbia, Order of Canada and the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. 

Chief Louie speaks throughout the world and he believes that “Aboriginal people and government must make Economic Development – self-sustaining job creation and business growth an everyday priority.  A real decent paying job that provides real opportunity is the very best social program on any Rez!”

Full Bio