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?
- “Who am I?”
“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.”
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
Visit to Qat’muk
Ktunaxa Call to Gather: Columbia Lake East Side
Thanking allies for their solidarity
Thanking allies for their solidarity with
Tḱemlúps te Secwe̓pemc and all Indigenous communities
Read the statement on the St Eugene Resort website.
For Immediate Release
June 21, 2021
ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa / Kootenay Region, B.C.: Since the announcement on May 27 that ground-penetrating radar had confirmed the remains of 215 children at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, many non-Indigenous allies have expressed a desire to learn more about these institutions.
They want to know how to support efforts towards truth and accountability in regards to the impacts residential school institutions have had on Indigenous individuals, families and communities.
The Tḱemlúps te Secwe̓pemc, who are the home community of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, have issued a statement for the public outlining ways to support their community.
The statement can be found on their website at www.tkemlups.ca, dated June 3, 2021.
People can also visit Qwelminte Secwepemc: For the Children to find out about events and avenues to provide helpful support.
SOME HISTORY
In ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa, the homelands of the Ktunaxa people, the Kootenay Indian Residential School operated as one such institution for 60 years, between 1910 and 1970. Thousands of children from many communities were forced to attend, subject to Canadian laws of the time.
By the year 2000, and after nearly two decades of effort by Ktunaxa Communities and partners, the site reopened as the St. Eugene Resort, welcoming visitors from around the world. The resort is within the Ktunaxa Community of ʔaq̓am, near Cranbrook, B.C.
St. Eugene Resort is owned by the five related Band communities of ʔaq̓am, ʔakisq̓nuk, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʾit, Yaqan Nuʔkiy and Shuswap Indian Band, who, as a collective, are responsible for overseeing resort operations and of leading the cultural reclamation efforts that are made there.
“We are communities of survivors and descendants of survivors,” said Sophie Pierre, who is chair of the board of the resort, and who attended the residential institution as a child.
“We share our grief with Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc and other communities who have been impacted and who are faced with the overwhelming prospect of consultation, investigation, justice-seeking and healing that is ahead.”
In the past few years, the public has learned in more detail about the unmarked burials of Indigenous children who attended residential institutions and who never returned home. (215 in Kamloops, 104 in Brandon MB, 35 in Regina SK,)(UPDATE June 24: 751 in another location in Saskatchewan.)
As well, during Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation process, the commission was able to track thousands more missing children and unmarked burials around former residential institutions. The report on its findings is available online, and is called Canada’s Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials.
Since the Tḱemlúps te Secwe̓pemc announced the confirmation of unmarked burials in Kamloops, non-Indigenous Canadians have expressed outrage, shock and sadness, and have asked for ways to help.
“The outpouring of empathy and public support for all of our Communities is appreciated,” Pierre said.
“In the case of St. Eugene, any initiatives will be guided by elders from our five Communities, with assistance from the Ktunaxa Nation Council. Community governments will reach out to the public with requests for support as these ways are determined.”
Pierre said that, while it is natural for non-Indigenous people to become more active in finding answers and demanding accountability from governments, churches and others who ran the residential institutions, the most helpful way to start is to learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and to support legitimate services that are set up to assist survivors.
“Please, remember that these discoveries can reignite suppressed grief and the effects of intergenerational trauma for many of us,” she said. “As survivors, we know there is a lot of information about how to help appropriately to be found online, starting with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report, and going from there.
“We encourage our allies to research the history of residential schools and Canada’s current treatment of survivors and communities, and also to know that we deeply appreciate their solidarity.”
Qwelminte Secwepemc: For the Children
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports
History of the Kootenay Indian Residential School (St. Eugene Mission School)
Focus Groups: Qat’muk IPCA
Talk about the future of Qat’muk
These Focus Groups are for Ktunaxa people.
Four regular sessions to choose from:
June 2, 2021 > 5 to 8:30 pm
June 3, 2021 > 5 to 8:30 pm
June 7, 2021 > 1 to 4:30 pm
June 12, 2021 > 10 am to 2:30 pm
One session for Youth
June 10 > 5 to 8 pm
Join by Zoom on your computer or phone.
See below for how to sign up…
Learn about the next chapter of Qat’muk through the establishment of an IPCA.
For more information on IPCA, please contact
Chad Luke (CMLuke@ktunaxa.org) or
Jim Clarricoates (jclarricoates@ktunaxa.org).
To sign up, please contact Melissa Teneese at MRTeneese@ktunaxa.org
Building Closure to extend until June 14
Update on Ktunaxa Nation Council COVID-19 Response
May 19, 2021
The Government building will be closed to most staff until June 14, 2021.
The building, including the gymnasium, is still closed to the public and not available for public rental.
This is to slow the transmission rates and protect Citizens, Communities and Staff.
During this two-week time, staff will be working from home.
The only staff who may access the building will be Sector Directors, and some core staff in Facilities, Governance, IT, HR, Flexinet, Health Clinic and Finance.
Front door FOBs will be deactivated for everyone else.
Lands staff doing field work will access their vehicle keys and sanitation kits by appointment.
If you are Lands staff doing field work, please contact your manager to arrange access.
If you are staff and wonder whether your FOB will be deactivated for this period, please contact your manager.
If you are staff and you require building access during this time, please contact your manager who will work with you to schedule an access time with Reception.
Email reception at KNCReception@ktunaxa.org.
Thank you for your cooperation as we prioritize Citizen, Community and staff health and safety.
Update on Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Services
KKCFSS will continue to offer all services and remain open while operating
within the confines of the provincial guidelines and continue to follow COVID-19 procedures.
During this time all non-essential travel is prohibited for staff.
All meetings are to be done virtually, if possible.
KKCFSS (250) 489-4563
After-Hours 1-800-663-9122 or 250-310-1234
Akisqnuk (250) 342-6379
Lower Kootenay – RCMP: 911 (250) 428-7414
Crisis Line (250) 310-6789
Suicide Crisis 1-800-784-2433
Foundry Online 1-833-308-6379
Health Clinic Update
Open with reduced in-person services from 8:30 to 4:30 on weekdays.
The Ktunaxa Nation Council Health Clinic is taking appointments via telephone,
and will continue to conduct health appointments by phone, unless in-person visits are absolutely required.
To set up an appointment, please call 250-420-2700.
Social Sector Services Update
Social Sector staff who are able to work from home are currently required to do so.
As we continue to respond to the impacts of Covid-19 within an ongoing overdose crisis within British Columbia, Scotty’s, Street Angel, Detox, and Recovery programs will continue to operate as usual, with all Covid-19 related precautions in place.
Enhanced screening and cleaning procedures will be made available at these facilities, as we endeavor to minimize the disruption to our clients while continuing to ensure their health and safety, and the health and safety of our staff as well.
Ktunaxa Nation Council cancels annual Charity Golf Tournament
For Immediate Release
May 10, 2021
Ktunaxa Nation Council cancels annual Charity Golf Tournament
ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa / St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino / ʔaq̓am / Cranbrook –
The Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) has cancelled the 2021 Annual Charity Golf Tournament which was to take place in June at St. Eugene Golf Resort, in the ʔaq̓am Community.
Kathryn Teneese, Nation Chair, said the decision is necessary to reduce the potential for COVID-19 virus transmission.
“The cancellation reflects the current best practices and health recommendations in regards to mass gatherings and non-essential travel,” Teneese said. “This is the second year we are cancelling the tournament due to the pandemic.”
Teneese said this year would have been the 21th annual tournament, which started originally to bring more people to St. Eugene Golf, Resort and Casino. Over the years, the focus moved to support the Nation’s Traditional Knowledge and Language sector, which does important work in many areas, including Ktunaxa language renewal.
“The golf tournament is one of our biggest, most successful and most-loved events, as it brings people together in a spirit of camaraderie and fun,” Teneese said.
Cindy Soukoroff, Head Golf Professional at St. Eugene, said the golf course is still open, as the resort has taken steps to ensure small parties of golfers are abiding by current guidelines.
“The course is open, and we are now in our twenty-first season,” Soukoroff said, “With current restrictions for non-essential travel we encourage our local area residents to take advantage of the great EK rates for our early season conditions while following our current protocols. We look forward to welcoming our guests from further regions when the time is right.”
For more information about the Ktunaxa Nation Council, visit Ktunaxa.org.
Visit steugene.ca for more info about St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino.
For current course conditions, visit: https://www.steugene.ca/en/webcam/
Call to Gather: Qat’muk IPCA
Celebrate the future of Qat’muk
The Call to Gather is for Ktunaxa people.
Two sessions to choose from:
May 20 from 5 to 8 pm.
May 21 from 1 to 4 pm.
Join by Zoom on your computer or phone.
See below for how to sign up…
Learn about the next chapter of Qat’muk through the establishment of an IPCA.
Join one of the sessions and receive a $50 stipend for your participation,
plus early notification about focus groups in June.
For more information on IPCA, please contact
Chad Luke (CMLuke@ktunaxa.org) or
Jim Clarricoates (jclarricoates@ktunaxa.org).
To sign up, please contact Melissa Teneese at MRTeneese@ktunaxa.org
Assistance is available if you have tech challenges due to the virtual nature
of the gathering. You can attend the gathering via cell phone as well.
Update: Response to COVID-19
Update on Ktunaxa Nation Council COVID-19 Response
April 15, 2021
The Government building will be closed to most staff until May 25, 2021.
The building, including the gymnasium, is still closed to the public and not available for public rental.
This is to slow the transmission rates and protect Citizens, Communities and Staff.
During this two-week time, staff will be working from home.
The only staff who may access the building will be Sector Directors, and some core staff in Facilities, Governance, IT, HR, Flexinet, Health Clinic and Finance.
Front door FOBs will be deactivated for everyone else.
Lands staff doing field work will access their vehicle keys and sanitation kits by appointment.
If you are Lands staff doing field work, please contact your manager to arrange access.
If you are staff and wonder whether your FOB will be deactivated for this period, please contact your manager.
If you are staff and you require building access during this time, please contact your manager who will work with you to schedule an access time with Reception.
Email reception at KNCReception@ktunaxa.org.
Thank you for your cooperation as we prioritize Citizen, Community and staff health and safety.
Update on Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Services
KKCFSS will continue to offer all services and remain open while operating
within the confines of the provincial guidelines and continue to follow COVID-19 procedures.
During this time all non-essential travel is prohibited for staff.
All meetings are to be done virtually, if possible.
KKCFSS (250) 489-4563
After-Hours 1-800-663-9122 or 250-310-1234
Akisqnuk (250) 342-6379
Lower Kootenay – RCMP: 911 (250) 428-7414
Crisis Line (250) 310-6789
Suicide Crisis 1-800-784-2433
Foundry Online 1-833-308-6379
Health Clinic Update
Open with reduced in-person services from 8:30 to 4:30 on weekdays.
The Ktunaxa Nation Council Health Clinic is taking appointments via telephone,
and will continue to conduct health appointments by phone, unless in-person visits are absolutely required.
To set up an appointment, please call 250-420-2700.
Social Sector Services Update
Social Sector staff who are able to work from home are currently required to do so.
As we continue to respond to the impacts of Covid-19 within an ongoing overdose crisis within British Columbia, Scotty’s, Street Angel, Detox, and Recovery programs will continue to operate as usual, with all Covid-19 related precautions in place.
Enhanced screening and cleaning procedures will be made available at these facilities, as we endeavor to minimize the disruption to our clients while continuing to ensure their health and safety, and the health and safety of our staff as well.