Chief made vice-chair

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Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band has added new responsibilities to his already substantial roster of board appointments and economic development initiatives.

On Nov. 20, Louie, who has served on the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board since 2001, received notification that he had been appointed to the position of vice-chair on the board. The appointment begins on Jan. 1, 2004.

On the same date, federal Industry Minister Allan Rock appointed a Saskatchewan-born Metis, Martin L. Klyne, as chair.

Louie was surprised to hear he had been appointed vice-chair, "considering I've only been on the board a couple of years. The minister's office has a lot of say on those type of things," he added.

At the last board meeting held in Montreal this fall, former board chair Roy Whitney from the Tsuu T'ina Nation in Alberta vacated the seat after nine years' service.

"That took everybody by surprise, and of course he's been on there a long time and done wonderful work and everybody was taken aback by his announcement.

"And so there was a lot of discussion about the board being involved in the selection, and the board should be involved and not just the minister and the minister's office ... First Nations people around the table felt they should be involved in the selection of the new chair, and so all the discussion was about the chair."

Louie found out about his own appointment through the media.

"It's cool. I'm busy, but busy people ... you know if you want to get something done, give it to a busy person. I've got no doubts I can handle the duties and responsibilities and be a good advocate like I am already for First Nation economic development and Aboriginal economic development and business and growth."

The board meets "a handful" of times annually, and likely will meet next in February, Louie said. They keep in touch between meetings through conference calls.

As many as 20 private-sector people sit on the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board at any time. At least half are of Metis, Inuit or First Nations heritage. Nominations are made through an Order-in-Council.

Members have two main duties: They work with Industry Canada and other organizations to promote and encourage Aboriginal business efforts, including tourism operations and youth entrepreneurs; and they advise the federal government on Aboriginal economic development issues.

Louie has been chief of his First Nation since 1985 and has worked ceaselessly on economic development issues. He founded the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation in 1998, which today consists of eight businesses and employs 140 people. Louie takes pride in their community's Mk'Mip Desert and Heritage Centre and Nk'Mip Cellars Winery, which have drawn a lot of attention as models of astute business planning and success the past few years.

The chief has received numerous awards and commendations over the years for his vision and his achievements, including an Economic Developer of the Year award in 2000 from the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers.

Louie also serves on Canada's National Child Benefit Committee.