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. In 2002, Chief Louie played a key role in the successful negotiations to return a sacred cultural site, “Spotted Lake,” to the Okanagan Nation.
Chief Louie’s efforts have been widely recognized in Canada and the United states.
- In 1999, he received the Aboriginal Business Leader Award from All Nations Trust and Development Corporation.
- In 2000, the Advancement of Native Development officers (CANDO) named Chief Louie the “Economic Developer of the Year”
- In the same year Clarence was chosen to join the Governor General of Canada in the 2000 leadership tour.
- In 2001 Chief Louie was appointed to the Aboriginal Business Canada Board and in 2007 was appointed as Chair of the Board.
- In 2002- Aboriginal Tourism B.C. awarded Chief Louie the “Inspirational Leadership Award.”
- Maclean’s Magazine listed Chief Clarence Louie as one of the “Top 50 Canadians to Watch” in their January 2003 issue.
- More recognition came in 2003 as the U.S. Department of State selected Clarence as 1 of 6 First Nation representatives to participate in a 2-week tour of successful American Indian Tribes.
- In April 2004 the Aboriginal Achievement Foundation presented Clarence with the award for “Business and Community Development.” The National Achievement Awards represent the highest honor the Aboriginal Community bestows upon its own achievers.
- Past committee member B.C. Region Indian Affairs (Forestry and Economic Development)
- First Nation Boards – Denendeh Investments (Yellowknife – 2007), Stsailes Dev. Corp. (Chilliwack – 2009)
- 2006 – Order of British Columbia
- 2008 – Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2011 – Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business – Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame
- 2015 – Destination B.C. Board of Directors
- 2015 – B.C. Provincial Health Services Authority Board of Directors
- 2016 – Order of Canada
- 2018 – Canadian Business Hall of Fame
- 2019 – B.C. Business Hall of Fame
- 2019 – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (Federal Board)
- 2020 – Okanagan Nation Alliance Tribal Chair
- 2021 – B.C. Hydro Board
- 2021 – Honorary Doctorate Degree, University of B.C.
- 2021 – Book Author “Rez Rules”
- 2022 – Honorary Doctorate Degree, Queens University (Kingston Ontario)
- 2023 – Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, 39 Signal Regiment Canadian Armed Forces
A lifelong student of “Native American Studies”, Clarence shares his experiences (Key Note Speaking) and best lessons learned to Native people, Government and Corporate agencies across the U.S and Canada as well as overseas – Australia, New Zealand, Germany and France, in a simple direct business smarts approach, “Every First Nation comes from a working culture. Our ancestors worked hard for a living. Today life is as complicated or messed up as you make it. To improve your quality of life, you either go to school or get a job. Words without action, excuses and blame, leads towards more welfare dependency and poverty. It’s hard work and making money that improves one’s standard of living and provides for First Nation social needs.” Chief Louie 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!” The Osoyoos Indian Band’s corporate motto is “In Business To Preserve Our Past By Strengthening Our Future.”
