LANDs & RESOURCES

The Traditional Territory of the Ktunaxa Nation covers approximately 70,000 square kilometres (27,000 square miles) in south-eastern British Columbia and historically included parts of Alberta, Montana, Washington and Idaho.

All lands and resources in the Traditional Territory are to be managed according to the natural law given to the Ktunaxa Nation by the Creator:


Human beings have the ability to destroy the land and many livings things. Therefore, the Creator gave the Ktunaxa Nation a set of laws on how to live with the land and not against it.

The Ktunaxa Nation is developing both operational and governance structures to take on this responsibility as outlined by the Creator and to realize the Lands Sector Vision.

Lands Sector Vision Statement
We the Ktunaxa and Kinbasket people envision ourselves working together as one Nation to responsibly care for the lands and resources within our Territory. Our stewardship of the lands and resources will be based on our sacred covenant with the Creator and our traditional values of:

	Ensuring land, air and water will be clean and healthy.
	Ensuring access to, and protection of, traditional foods and medicines.
	Balancing the economic use of land with cultural and spiritual values.
	Ensuring that long-term sustainability and ecological integrity take precedence.
	Following natural law; taking only what you need.

We envision a healthy environment in which all Ktunaxa and Kinbasket people can move freely throughout the Territory. We will exercise our rights to derive benefits from the lands and resources without compromising the future for our grandchildren and their grandchildren. Not only will our past heritage be preserved but we will be developing new connections with the land and each other.

We envision ourselves playing a central role in all decisions pertaining to lands and resources in our Territory. We will manage the lands and resources through healthy working relationships with ourselves and others based on understanding, respect and equality.

The Four Pillars > Lands & Resources