Bradley Creek blaze wipes out homes, forests and priceless Indigenous artifacts

The Bradley Creek fire that ignited on Aug. 1 devastated Okanagan Indian Band territory, destroying hundreds of residences and historic buildings and turning long-foraged lands to ash. Ninety-one-year-old elder Frederick Louis lost his home, photographs and a collection of artifacts, including century-old berry-picking baskets gifted to his late wife, and he voiced concern for the watershed his grandchildren will inherit.

His sister, Dora Louis Alexis, escaped loss of her home but remains under evacuation orders, while her garden now shelters animals fleeing the burned habitat. Community members, including Sharmelle Paul and family, returned briefly to their property before joining a prayer ceremony at Kin Beach for rain and water. Chief Dan Wilson described the scene as “totally unrecognizable,” yet noted that the band’s new school and powwow grounds survived, and he expressed gratitude for aid from other Canadian bands and communities as rebuilding plans unfold.