ʔAkisq̓nuk Resilience
ʔAKISQ̓NUK HISTORY: PEOPLE OF THE LAND BETWEEN TWO LAKES
People of the ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation, part of the Ktunaxa Nation, speak Ktunaxa, a language isolate that is distinct from any other languages. Our language teaches us who we are and where we come from. Ktunaxa is our term for ourselves, while non-Indigenous people may have known us as Kootenay. For over 10,000 years, our people have occupied the lands adjacent to the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers and the Arrow Lakes of British Columbia, Canada, extending into the United States. The Ktunaxa people were semi-nomadic, traveling across their Traditional Territory to enjoy the natural bounty of the land, seasonally migrating to procure various resources. We obtained all our food, medicine, tools, and materials for shelter and clothing from nature, engaging in hunting, fishing, and gathering throughout our Territory, which spans the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains of both Canada and the United States.
The Traditional Territory of the Ktunaxa Nation encompasses approximately 70,000 square kilometres (27,000 square miles) within the Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia, historically including parts of Alberta, Montana, Washington, and Idaho. Our language and stories vividly describe our homeland, educating future generations about our Indigenous culture.
The ancestors of the ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation Band utilized all of ʔamakiʔis Ktunaxa (Traditional Territory of the Ktunaxa), with a favourite winter area in the lowlands of the Columbia Trench near what is now known as Windermere, BC. In the mid-1800s, a priest warned them of incoming colonizers who would make claims to the land, threatening to displace our native people.
With this forewarning, our ancestors carefully selected where the next generation would live, knowing the nomadic lifestyle would be affected. The Columbia Valley was chosen for its abundant resources, including water, diverse hunting and trapping opportunities, salmon fishing, milder winters, lumber, and hot springs. Thus, when the Indian agents arrived, the ancestors of the ʔAkisq̓nuk were already established in the valley, ready to make their stand.
However, the impacts of smallpox epidemics, the depletion of buffalo and salmon, confinement to Indian Reserves, and the generations forced to attend residential schools have resulted in significant loss of descendants, customs, and traditions, which continues to affect our people's healing today.
Resiliency, the ability to recover from challenges, is exemplified by the ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation in the steadfastness of our Elders and the determination of our youth. Despite the extensive inter-generational traumas, the legacies of residential schools, and the abduction of our children through the 60s scoop or foster care, our Nation remains strong. We are redefining our relationship with our neighbours and all of Canada, working towards healing for future generations.
Today, the ʔAkisq̓nuk people number around 600, continuing to embody resiliency and leadership for change. Within the ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation Band, there exist many knowledgeable individuals, determined leaders, and dedicated educators. We recognize that every member plays a vital role in contributing to our strength.