From Struggle to Success: The Osoyoos Indian Band’s Journey into Agritourism and Economic Prosperity

Abstract

Summary In the province of British Columbia, Canada, the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) employs agritourism, specifically wine tourism, to serve their community economically and socially. Once on the verge of bankruptcy, they are now one of the wealthiest First Nations in the country, and their participation in the wine industry has played a critical role in this transformation. The OIB has been involved in the wine industry for over three decades. Beginning in 1968 with only 200 acres of vineyard, they currently own and operate one of the largest vineyards in the Okanagan Valley, and an award-winning winery Nk’Mip Cellars – the first Indigenous-owned and operated winery in the world. The winery was part of a broader development plan called the Nk’Mip Project. The project encompassed various planned developments, including the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre which acts as a value-added attraction for those tourists visiting the winery and its vineyards. Economic self-sufficiency through economic development projects is the core belief of the OIB. Chief Louie says that their band has always had a business culture and they have continued to evolve. These developments have allowed the OIB to diversify its revenue streams, protect its lands, and promote its culture and history. Information © The Authors 2023