dfafad

Ktunaxa Statement of Reconciliation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ktunaxa Nation Statement on Reconciliation

ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa / East Kootenay:  

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30 this year.

“This day can serve as a national day of remembrance for the victims of the Canadian Indian Residential School system,” said Smokii Sumac, Interim Senior Manager
Education And Employment with Ktunaxa Nation Council.

He added that there are a few key ways to honour this day, including some personal commitments:

  • Wear orange! You can learn more about why we wear orange by seeking out Phyllis Webstad’s story (Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation) of her orange shirt being taken at residential school.
  • Educate yourself, your family, and your community:
    Truth and Reconciliation is the responsibility of everyone living in Canada. A good place to start learning is nctr.ca (the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation) where you can read the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015).
  • Reflect on your own history, and relationship to Ktunaxa and/or Indigenous peoples wherever you live.
    Some reflective questions to ask yourself today and going forward:

    • “Who am I?”
      What is my family history? How did my family come to live where we live?
    • “What is my relationship to Indigenous peoples?”
      What have I learned about Indigenous peoples? Where have I learned it?
      How am I undoing any stereotypes or misconceptions I may have been taught?
    • “What is my responsibility in reconciliation?” We all have a responsibility in reconciliation. What are my unique strengths and gifts? How can I use them to contribute to strengthening relations with Indigenous peoples in the territory I live in?

“Please remember that we are still healing from the effects of over a century of the residential school system operating across Canada,” Sumac said.

“We appreciate respectful and open-hearted conversations and contributions, and we ask that you honour the experiences of residential school survivors, many still healing today, by keeping their experiences, stories, and hearts at the center of any action you take. Sometimes it is enough to simply listen and learn.”

The Ktunaxa Nation Council also released a Statement of Reconciliation that was created by a group of Elders, the Traditional Knowledge and Language Advisory Committee. It is as follows:

 

n̓ini ku qaɬwiynaɬa

[this is what is in our hearts].

qaqaʔni ma yaqaɬitknawaski

[what they did to us is true].

q̓apiɬpaɬnin

[say it all/tell the whole story].

mika yaqaɬitknawaski hu qayaqaɬqaȼaɬani

[despite what happened to us we made it through].

hu qaɬwinaɬani kuȼ sukiɬ ʔaqsɬmaknik̓ naɬa

[we want a good life for ourselves].

hawiȼkinin kȼmak̓ kyam ȼ ȼina·kinin

[hold the truth and go forward].

ȼinɬ qaqa [so be it]. maʔȼ kuktkinin!

[do not change this statement!]

 

As Sumac said: “There can be no reconciliation without truth. Take this day to learn and reflect on the true history of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples, and go forward committed to doing better for all. Every child matters.”

 

2021 Online AGA – UPDATED

The 2021 Ktunaxa Nation AGA is taking place virtually through Zoom on September 29, 2021.

While we all wish we could come together and celebrate in-person right now, the health of our children, Elders and communities must remain a top priority.

The AGA starts at 10:00 AM Mountain Time and you can join the meeting using the information below:

LINK – https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84821802088?pwd=UTNtMFg1bHNodFBIYXljTU9VRDdsdz09

You may be asked for a password to join the meeting, if you are, use Ktunaxa21 as the password.

All AGA reports will be uploaded to the Ktunaxa Nation Council citizen engagement site at https://ktunaxahakqyit.org/. This site will be going live on Wednesday morning, September 29 – before the AGA starts. 

In order to ensure as smooth as experience as possible, please ensure you have the most recent version of Zoom installed on your computer:

Zoom for Windows computers – LINK

Zoom for Mac – LINK

Zoom App for iPhones & iPads – LINK

Zoom App for Android devices – LINK

There is also an audio-only option if you wish to call in. You can call any of the following numbers:

+1 (647) 374-4685 Canada

+1 (647) 558-0588 Canada

+1 (778) 907-2071 Canada

+1 (438) 809-7799 Canada

+1 (587) 328-1099 Canada

When prompted for a meeting number or ID, use 848 2180 2088.

AGENDA LINK

Citizen Input Needed!

A message from Keith Clement – Citizen Engagement Coordinator

Kiʔsuʔk kyukyit,

The Constitution Working Group (CWG) was assembled in June of 2017.

The CWG, with the support of the Citizen Engagement team, is in the early stages of its engagement with Ktunaxanin̓tik (Ktunaxa Citizens) regarding the draft Ktunaxa Constitution.

You are invited to participate in a short survey.

Here is the link to the Engagement Survey.

This short survey will give the CWG a better understanding of how much you already know about the Ktunaxa Constitution and how you would like to receive information.

The survey will require approximately 5-7 minutes to complete.

Participation is strictly voluntary.

If you choose to participate in this survey, please take your time to answer the questions the best you can.

Here is the link to the Engagement Survey.

If you require additional information or have questions, please contact me at the number listed below or you may email me at keith.clement@ktunaxa.org.

Thank you for your time and consideration.  It is very much appreciated.

Dates of Ktunaxa vaccine clinics

Starting September 13, everyone will be required to show proof of vaccination when accessing certain places in B.C., such as licensed restaurants.

Please see this website for details.

When did you get your COVID-19 immunization shot?

You’ll need the date of when you received a dose to receive the B.C. Vaccine Card.

Here is a list of where and when the vaccination clinics were in Ktunaxa communities and at the KNC Government Building in Cranbrook.

ʔaq̓am: 2 locations: ʔaq̓amnik School & ʔaq̓am Health Centre

March 18, 20
March 31
May 12
June 2,15,16

ʔakisq̓nuk: ʔakisq̓nuk Health Centre

March 19
May 11
June 10

Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʾit : Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʾit  Health Centre

March 6
Apr 19
May 27

Ktunaxa Nation Council Health Clinic

April 20
June 17
July 6