Experience Events in the Ktunaxa Homelands
To travel through the Ktunaxa Homelands is to seek ways to experience the culture past and present. Events and celebrations are among some of the best ways to do this. Throughout the year and across communities there are events that invite people outside of the community to participate. Here are a few of the events you can look forward to throughout the year.
Bringing the Salmon Home
The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative is an Indigenous-led collaboration of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Ktunaxa Nation, Secwépemc Nation, Canada and British Columbia. Salmon have been blocked from returning to the Canadian portion of the upper Columbia River for more than 80 years. The long-term vision is to return salmon stocks for Indigenous food, social and ceremonial needs, and to benefit the region’s residents and ecosystems as a whole. Bringing the Salmon Home – Columbia Valley May 24-25, 2024
https://columbiariversalmon.ca/;
Pow Wows
In Creston, the community hosts the annual Yaqan Nukiy Traditional Pow Wow on the May long weekend in conjunction with the Creston Blossom Festival. Learn more about the Yaqan Nukiy.
Creston Pow Wow May Long Weekend
https://lowerkootenay.com/our-community/ʔaq̓am Pow Wow September 30
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
Indigenous Peoples Day festivities vary from community to community but may include music, dancing, food and cultural teachings.
Tobacco Plains/ Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it Border Walk:
The Border walk is part of reconciliation and awareness that the border divided the Ktunaxa People - whose land stretches across Southeastern BC and Northern Montana and Idaho, and as far as Alberta and Washington - and showcases that the border doesn't define the Ktunaxa. Members of the Ktunaxa bands, along with Sister tribes from the States, will attend and walk together across the Roosville Border Crossing. Visitors are welcome to join the walk.
https://tourismfernie.com/events/Border-Walk-indigenous-peoples-dayCreston/Yaqan:
https://lowerkootenay.com/news/indigenous-peoples-day/Truth and Reconciliation Day
September 30 honours survivors of Canada's residential school system, their families, and communities, and those who did not make it home. It helps ensure public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools in our country and is an important step in the process toward reconciliation.
Truth and Reconciliation Walk - ʔaq̓am
Join members of the ʔaq̓am community on this walk that departs and returns to the former residential school at St Eugene Resort.
https://cranbrooktourism.com/events/truth-and-reconciliation-walkExplore our Stories
Here are a few of the events you can look forward to throughout the year.
Nestled in the heart of the Kootenays, the homelands of the Ktunaxa people offer a unique and enriching camping experience through Indigenous-owned campgrounds.
