Lifetime honour for Louie
Okanagan Edge Staff - Jan 17, 2022 - People in Business

Photo: Contributed

Former Westbank First Nation chief Robert Louie has received a prestigious award from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

Louie, a former practising lawyer, is this year’s recipient of the CCAB’s Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Robert Louie exemplifies the entrepreneurial and leadership characteristics at the heart of this award,” CCAB president and CEO Tabatha Bull said. “His entrepreneurial spirit, work leading the Westbank First Nation as Chief, and advocacy for legislative change to effect economic growth through Indigenous land, have earned him a reputation as a role model, mentor and deserving lifetime achievement recipient.”

Louie served as WFN chief for a total of 24 years, leading it to independence through self-governance, and served as a chairman, director, or board member on more than 30 corporate entities during his career. Since 2005, when WFN finalized self-governance, economic growth of Westbank reserve lands increased from 110 businesses on reserve to more than 500 today and nearly $700 million in revenue.

He currently owns Indigenous World Winery and Distillery, Kelowna West Manufacturing Home Park and other ventures.

“I am honoured, grateful and appreciative to receive the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award,” Louie said. “To serve, work with and support Indigenous people in economic and business ventures makes me so proud to be Indigenous. I salute all Indigenous peoples in business.”


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