Bernice and Robert Louie
Robert Louie and wife/partner Bernice at their winery in West Kelowna.
Winery founder and former Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
The annual award recognizes a First Nations, Inuit, or Métis person whose business leadership has made a substantive contribution to the economic and social well-being of Indigenous people.
A former lawyer, Louie spent 24 years as Chief of Westbank First Nation, while helping guide the band through independence and self-governance.
Over the years, he also served as chairman, director or board member of more than 30 corporate entities, six of which he continues to sit on today.
Louie is currently the owner of the widely acclaimed Indigenous World Winery and Distillery, the Kelowna West Manufacturing Home Park, and other business ventures.
“Robert Louie exemplifies the entrepreneurial and leadership characteristics at the heart of this award,” said CCAB president and CEO, Tabatha Bull.
“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 a deserving lifetime achievement recipient.”
One of his greatest accomplishments came when he helped finalize WFN self-governance in 2005. Since then, economic growth within the reserve has grown from 110 businesses to more than 500, with close to $700 million in revenue.
“I am honoured, grateful and appreciative to receive the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Louie. “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.”
