Ktunaxa Nation Council demands a halt of commercial plant harvesting by a Saskatchewan-based business


Soil disturbance from commercial harvesting of plants in ɁamakɁis Ktunaxa.

Debris left by commercial harvesters.

 

 

July 29, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cranbrook, B.C. — The Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to a Saskatchewan-based business which retails in herbs, teas, and traditional medicines.
The letter demands an immediate halt to the commercial harvesting of cultural medicine plants within the traditional homelands of the Ktunaxa Nation.
There was no prior request to, nor permission granted by, the KNC for the activities, which include soil disturbance to remove the plant by its roots. Such activities not only reduce plant populations but can introduce invasive species from other territories.

“The plant being removed is a vital cultural medicine used by the Ktunaxa people since time immemorial and is crucial for the health and well-being of Ktunaxa communities,” said Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair. “The effects from harvesting our ʔa·knusti (guardians) observed and documented raise concerns for Ktunaxa Elders and staff that this sensitive ethno-botanical plant may be harmed.”

KNC staff contacted the company’s owner to express these concerns, but the owner did not commit to halting the activities.

“We have an obligation to care for and steward our unceded territory,” said Teneese. “Any resource extraction without the required consultation or consent of the Ktunaxa is considered culturally insensitive and disrespectful to our Nation. Intensive commercial harvesting of cultural medicine plants is strictly forbidden.”

“We have tried to resolve this with the company but, as far as we know, they are not respecting our directive as stewards of our territory.”

The KNC will report any potential infractions to the local Natural Resource Officers and their respective compliance and enforcement branches and request an investigation into these practices. KNC staff also noted concerns about the debris and waste left around the company’s trailer.

“The harvesting of traditional medicinal and cultural plants for commercial purposes must be conducted with our Nation’s permission,” Teneese said. “We respectfully request that the company and their workers cease and desist immediately. Our stewardship of natural resources within our territory must be respected.

“We expect Indigenous-owned businesses to be a leader in respecting our rights.”

The Ktunaxa Nation Council remains committed to protecting and preserving the natural resources within their traditional homelands and will continue to advocate for the proper stewardship and respect of these lands and resources.

Any commercial operators wanting to harvest plants in the area should first send a request to referrals@ktunaxa.org.

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(Temporary) Media Contact:
Adam Nicholas
Core Services Director, Ktunaxa Nation Council
adam.nicholas@ktunaxa.org