Ktunaxa Nation Council

The Ktunaxa Nation Council originated in 1970 as the Kootenay Indian District Council to promote the political and social development of the Nation.

In 1991 the Council’s name was changed to Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council (K/KTC) to reflect the origins of the two language groups (Ktunaxa and Secwepemc) in the Traditional Territory.  In 2005 the Council’s name was changed to Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC).

The majority of Ktunaxa Nation citizens originate from the Ktunaxa or Kootenai culture.  However, the Nation also contains descendants of the Kinbasket family, a small group of Shuswap (Secwepemc) people who journeyed east from Shuswap territory in the mid-1800’s into Ktunaxa territory looking for a permanent home.  Ktunaxa leadership allowed the Shuswap Kinbasket people to stay in Ktunaxa territory where they eventually settled in the Invermere area and became members of the Ktunaxa Nation.

The goals of the Ktunaxa Nation Council include preservation and promotion of Ktunaxa traditional knowledge, language and culture, community and social development and wellness, land and resource development, economic investment and self-government.

The Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) is accountable to the Chiefs and Council of the Ktunaxa Nation.

The programs and services of the KNC and its affiliates are available to KNC member Bands, Nation members living on and off reserve, and to other status and non-status persons living within Ktunaxa Traditional Territory.

The KNC also serves as an umbrella organization for several societies, committees and corporations which are engaged in the provision of programs and services to Ktunaxa citizens.

It is also the goal of the Ktunaxa Nation Council and its member Bands to work with our neighbours and build strong relationships to strengthen the regional economy within the Kootenays.