The national award is presented to Chief Louie who is also Chief Executive Officer for the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation. Chief Louie has served his community for 20 years and has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense community leader and CEO.

Under his leadership the OIBDC has transformed the community through several successful ventures. "Chief Louie is results-driven," explains Brian Titus, Chief Financial Officer "and he views accounting systems and financial management as the back bone of a strong and sustainable organization. The AFOA Excellence in Leadership Award was created in 2004, designed to recognize and celebrate Aboriginal achievement in financial management.

The AFOA news release explained, "Winners have supported a vision for excellence and innovation in finance and management, and demonstrated advanced expertise, outstanding professionalism and leadership. Their contributions have led to the betterment of Canadian Aboriginal communities and people."

Since 1985 when first elected as Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band, part of the Okanagan Nation in south central British Columbia, Clarence Joseph Louie has consistently emphasized economic development as a means to improve his people's standard of living. Under his direction, the Band has become a multi-faceted corporation that owns and manages nine businesses and employs hundreds of people.

In 1988 the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation was formed to manage and provide strategic direction to the existing businesses and as well as seek out new economic opportunities.

Other achievements under Chief Louie's tenure include the negotiated settlement of two Specific Land Claims, the successful negotiation of over 1,000 acres of lease developments, the acquisition of hundreds of acres of land to add to the reserve, the purchase of a viable off-reserve business, the financing of a major golf course development, the initiation of the Osoyoos Indian Taxation By-law, the financing and building of a new pre-school/daycare and grade school/gymnasium, and finally, the construction of a new Health Center/Social Services building.

The Osoyoos Indian Band has modeled not only sustainable business development, but also socio-economic development, whereby the community's social needs are improved. Chief Louie's constant message is, "Socio-economic development is the foundation for First Nation self-reliance, our communities need to become business minded and begin to create their own jobs and revenue sources, not just administer government programs that are often under funded. Each of our First Nations must take back their inherent and rightful place in the economy of their territory."

As confirmation of the Osoyoos Indian Band's commitment to business, the Band owns and operates nine businesses on the reserve, including: vineyards, retail stores, a construction company, a Readi-Mix company, a championship golf course, eco-tourism businesses and activities in the Forest Division. Most recently the Band opened the first Aboriginal winery in North America-Nk'Mip Cellars. The winery is a joint venture with Vincor International, North America's fourth largest winery.

Although economic development is the means to achieving self-sufficiency, Chief and Council continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining the Okanagan language and culture in all aspects of the band's activities including business. The establishment of the Nk'Mip Desert and Heritage Center is a testament to this commitment of balancing business while celebrating culture. This eco-cultural center provides visitors an opportunity to experience the Okanagan culture and explore the desert lands that are a part of their traditional territory. The Nk'Mip Desert and Heritage Center is also an example of the continues growth of the band's businesses, and is now entering it’s second expansion phase.

Chief Louie believes that job creation and increasing business revenue in a responsible manner will bring back what he describes as, "our working culture - the self supporting lifestyle of our ancestors." And further, 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. For example, 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 most recently was appointed Vice Chair of this 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.

A lifelong student of issues affecting First Nations across North America, Clarence shares his experiences and lessons learned to Native people and government agencies across the country 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 Community social needs."

Chief Louie believes that "Aboriginal people and government must make self sustaining job creation and business growth and everyday priority."

The Osoyoos Indian Band's corporate motto is "In Business To Preserve Our Past By Strengthening Our Future."