So what does OKGN mean?
OKGN: Four Letters, One Incredible Place.
From sparkling lakes and endless vineyards to the people who know how to work hard and live even harder, this place isn’t just where we work—it’s where we thrive. We’ve built our business here because the Okanagan isn’t just a region; it’s an endless source of inspiration, energy, and community.
Simply put, the Okanagan isn’t just where we are—it’s who we are.
Living here means living the Okanagan Lifestyle
Falling in Love with the OKGN Way of Life
Beth Taylor, the founder of OKGN Co., grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, in the 90s. A city where life was very fast-paced and focused on go-go-going. Winters were long, harsh, and mostly spent indoors. Summers felt like a brief escape packed with back-to-back events. But every summer, her family packed her and her sister’s bags and shipped them to the Okanagan to visit her grandparents, and that’s where everything changed.
It’s clear the Okanagan offered something Edmonton couldn’t: balance. Life here is about enjoying the outdoors, connecting with others, and making the most out of all four seasons. People work hard but also prioritize the things that make life meaningful. Those summers planted a seed, and it wasn’t long before Beth knew she wanted to build her life—and her business—here.
Summers in the Okanagan opened Beth’s eyes to something entirely different. Local eats and drinks, burst with flavour, and they are everywhere—from juicy peaches to vibey breweries.
That focus on local values stuck with Beth and became a guiding principle for how she and her team approach business. Supporting local isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything OKGN Co. stands for.
Big Agencies don't understand the importance of local
The Place We Call Home
The Okanagan is more than just a beautiful place—it’s a lifestyle. With four distinct seasons and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, it’s a region that inspires a sense of balance and community. From skiing in the winter to paddleboarding in the summer, every day offers something new.
For team OKGN Co., this is more than our name. It’s a tribute to the place that shaped us, and it reflects our mission to help local businesses thrive while celebrating the unique spirit of the Okanagan.
The Okanagan People
The Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation is a transboundary Nation. They are connected across the 49th parallel by shared land, language, culture, and customs.
The Nation includes seven member communities in the Southern Interior of British Columbia—Okanagan Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Penticton Indian Band, Upper Nicola Band, Upper and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands, and Westbank First Nation—as well as the Colville Confederated Tribes in Northern Washington State. Together, they form a distinct and sovereign Nation that continues to uphold its cultural and territorial jurisdiction.
At OKGN Co., we recognize that we are guests on the unceded traditional territory of the Syilx People. We strive to honour their contributions by amplifying local voices. We support their stewardship of this land, and foster the connections that reflect the history and diversity of this incredible place.
Committed to doing better, always
All members of team OKGN Co. put great personal pride and duty in ensuring we are continually seeking opportunities to learn from the Indigenous leaders and groups that allow us to stand beside them. From certificates, indigenous-lead training, and culturally sensitive business practices to actively participating and learning from the communities we’re welcomed into.
As we work, live and play across BC, we would like to further knowledge that OKGN Co. is a guest within the traditional and unceded lands of the Syilx/Okanagan people in Kelowna and Vernon, the Secwépemc Nation in Salmon Arm, Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc in Kamloops, the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc Peoples in Radium and Cranbrook, the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc Shuswap, and Sinixt Peoples in Golden, the Sinixt, Syilx, and Ktunaxa Peoples in Nelson and Rossland, the T’Sou-ke Peoples in Sooke, the Ts’msyen, Gitxsan, Nisga’a, Haida, and Heiltsuk Peoples in Prince Rupert, the Gidimt’en Clan and Wet’suwet’en Peoples in Smithers, the Lhtako Dene Peoples of Quesnel, and the Lheidli T’enneh Peoples in Prince George.
We are committed to deepening our understanding, fostering respect, and appreciating the rich cultures and contributions of these communities.
