All First Nations articles

Aaron Higgs standing in nursery greenhouse.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Environment, First Nations , Forestry Strength and resilience: Nupqu shares the same name and characteristics as a black bear

Aaron Higgs, president of Nupqu Resource Limited Partnership, is growing this Indigenous-owned company through plants, people and profits

by Kerry Shellborn and Kyle Born
Corrie Walkley stands, arms folded in a boardroom in front of a wooden sign with the Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. logo.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations How business-savvy are Ktunaxa entrepreneurs? The creator of Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. explains

Corrie Walkley, chair of Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd., discusses the Ktunaxa Nation’s governance and economic development efforts.

by Kerry Shellborn and Kyle Born
Kelly Terbasket standing in a field
First Nations Building bridges and fostering hope

Kelly Terbasket, Program Director of kinSHIFT and IndigenEYEZ, discusses the value of Indigenous-led leadership training and empowerment initiatives

by Danielle Brost
Mount Fisher shown as captured by Indigenous photographer Blaine Burgoyn
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations Indigenous bands and businesses in the Kootenay region of British Columbia

Indigenous-owned businesses are an integral part of our local economy and contribute to the well-being of First Nation communities

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Janice Alpine is a business development officer/tourism engagement with the Ktunaxa Nation.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations The Ktunaxa mean business

Janice Alpine is an expert on the diversity of Ktunaxa businesses, the skills they bring to the table, and the opportunities that exist within the community.

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Dana Wesley is using her role to bring about positive changes.
Education, First Nations Celebrating and representing First Nations values in education

Dana Wesley is excelling in her role as Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy and Reconciliation for the College of the Rockies.

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Aerial view of Tent Mountain mine.
East Kootenay, First Nations , Mining Tent Mountain green energy plan: triple solution

The three-way green energy project is the result of great minds coming together against a challenging problem.

by Timothy Fowler
Mortensen with shovel in hand, standing in forest.
Education, Environment, First Nations , Mining Gold miner Mitch Mortensen is the perfect advocate for placer mining in B.C.

Placer mining in B.C. has no better advocate than gold miner Mitch Mortensen of Snowshoe Mountain Resources Corp.

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A blue sign that says Blue Canoe Orchards next to a box of cherries on a stump in the midst of a cherry farm.
West Kootenay, Revelstoke, Agriculture, Cuisine, First Nations , Small Business Creston’s new Blue Canoe Orchards is doing everything imaginable to put fresh cherries in YOUR hands

Trent Mason, Aboriginal owner of Blue Canoe Orchards in Creston, B.C., aims to distribute fresh cherries throughout the Kootenays

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View of towering mountains, with alpine slopes below.
Environment, First Nations MP Wayne Stetksi congratulates the Ktunaxa on approval of project to protect Qat’muk

To the Ktunaxa, Qat’muk is home to the Grizzly Bear Spirit which is a source of protection, guidance and strength

People at an museum exhibit.
East Kootenay, Kimberley, Environment, First Nations Showcasing Arts and Culture of the Columbia River Basin

Poets, performers, visual art displays included at international conference

Large crane removing a mobile home from plot of land.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Developments, Financial, First Nations , Health & Wellness More affordable housing options for First Nations

The Trust provides $2.9M to build 43 new units, improve 88 existing ones

Aerial view of the solar power installation on the roof of the Ktunaxa Nation Council auditorium.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Energy, First Nations Green power at KNC

The Ktunaxa Nation Council has reduced its government building’s environmental footprint and the cost of maintaining a home base.

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Female flag person, Theresa Clarke, in high-visibility gear, with a D&B Flagging truck behind her
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, First Nations , Small Business, Transportation D&B Flagging: 100 per cent Ktunaxa owned

Nupqu Development Corporation and ʔaq̓am Community Enterprises recently joined forces to acquire D&B Flagging and Traffic Control.

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The conference will leverage local subject-matter experts, researchers, policy-makers and traditional knowledge keepers to deliver fresh perspectives on the Columbia River’s future.
East Kootenay, Kimberley, West Kootenay, Education, Environment, First Nations Discuss the future of the Columbia River

The One River, One Future conference will take place in Kimberley, B.C. from September 12-14, 2019

Jinny Sims is the Minister of Citizens’ Services.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations , Technology Connectivity is key in the Kootenays

Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services, details how the provincial government’s $50-million grant will benefit rural and Indigenous communities through B.C.

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Artist rendering, ?aq?am Health and Wellness Centre.
East Kootenay, Developments, Financial, First Nations New centre will bring ʔaq̓am community together

Columbia Basin Trust supports a new Health and Wellness Centre

New members of College of the Rockies' Indigenous team (l-r) Jo Ann Smith and Karen Smith, look forward to working with the Ktunaxa Nation to continue to improve the education experience for Indigenous learners in our region.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Education, First Nations College of the Rockies announces new members of Indigenous team

Director, Indigenous Strategy and Reconciliation, and Indigenous Education Coordinator welcomed

Erin Robertson, new Lands Project Officer for the Ktunaxa Nation.
East Kootenay, First Nations Ktunaxa Nation hires Erin Robertson as Land’s Project Officer in the Elk Valley

Erin Robertson leads the review minor and major Teck Coal applications and supports related stewardship initiatives in Qukin ʔamakʔis

Artist's rendering of the ?aq?am Community Health & Wellness Facility
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, First Nations , Health & Wellness ʔaq̓am Community health

In partnership with the First Nations Health Authority, the ʔaq̓am Community has undertaken the construction of another significant project.

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Carolyn Bennett, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair, and Scott Fraser, B.C.'s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, along with their respective negotiators, sign the Ktunaxa Nation Rights Recognition and Core Treaty Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will guide the parties in the development of a rights recognition approach to a treaty, and lead to the recognition of the Ktunaxa Nation Council as the legal government and rights-holder of the Ktunaxa Nation.
East Kootenay, First Nations Canada, B.C., Ktunaxa move closer to treaty with signing of MOU

The new agreement will significantly advance reconciliation and treaty negotiations

Centex Trading Centre
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, First Nations , Retail, Transportation ʔaq̓am’s progressive new fuel station and retail store now open

The store is also part of the FLO Network and is equipped with two electric vehicle charging stations

A new Centex gas bar has opened at the ?aq'am Trading Centre.
East Kootenay, Developments, First Nations , Small Business, Transportation ʔaq’am Trading Centre opens Centex Gas Bar

Officials such as Chief Joe Pierre and ʔaq'am Community Enterprises CEO Christopher McCurry were on hand for the occasion.

Flagger holding up stop sign.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, First Nations , Transportation Ktunaxa-owned businesses acquire largest traffic control company in the East Kootenays

The business has been purchased from local owners who will continue to support the new ownership in an advisory role

East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations Columbia River Treaty negotiations underway

The meetings will provide an update on Columbia River Treaty negotiations between Canada and the United States

Construction of the Tobacco Plains Indian Band Community Admin & Health Center is scheduled for completion in July 2018.
East Kootenay, First Nations Centralized amenities for TPIB

The Tobacco Plains Indian Band Community Administration & Health Centre is designed to be a multi-faceted community hub.

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Bryan Armstrong and Heather Rennebohm are deeply involved in the planning process for the Columbia Lake Recreation Centre
East Kootenay, Invermere, First Nations Columbia Lake Centre welcomes the Valley

The ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is building the Columbia Lake Recreation Centre to promote sport, fitness and community in the Columbia Valley.

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First Nations people in colourful traditional dress, at National Aboriginal Day parade
East Kootenay, Entertainment and Hospitality, First Nations , Small Business, Tourism Indigenous tourism is a growing sector

The trend toward experiential, educational getaways is driving a spike in the interest in Canada’s Indigenous cultures and activities.

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The sign for the new Dan Joe Memorial Gymnasium was unveiled on April 6, 2018.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, First Nations ʔaq̓am Community gym now complete

On April 6, 2018, the ʔaq̓am Community celebrated the opening of the Dan Joe Memorial Gymnasium.

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Dr. Leroy Little Bear, founding director of Harvard University’s Native American Program.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Education, First Nations Selkirk College welcomes Dr. Leroy Little Bear

Dr. Leroy Little Bear, Blackfoot scientist, professor emeritus, and distinguished scholar will speak in Nelson about Indigenous worldview in education, April 4.

Bighorn Meadows Resort offers a complete package of luxury accommodation and a wide variety of year-round recreation options in southeastern B.C.'s beautiful Columbia Valley.
East Kootenay, Radium Hot Springs, Entertainment and Hospitality, First Nations , Tourism True Key expands its family

On February 1, 2018, True Key Hotels & Resorts took on the management of the Radium Golf Group.

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In photo: Chief Alfred Joseph, ?akisq’nuk First Nation and Wendy Booth, Vice-Chair, Columbia Basin Trust Board of Directors.
East Kootenay, Developments, Financial, First Nations Ɂakisq’nuk to build new rec centre

Columbia Basin Trust provides $500,000 to help realize a community dream

Jason Louie, chief of the Lower Kootenay Indian Band, appears in his ceremonial headdress and colourful beaded vest
East Kootenay, Creston, First Nations , Small Business, Tourism, Kootenay Influencers Chief and influencer

Jason Louie, chief of the Lower Kootenay Indian Band, remembers his roots and works to improve life for the next generations.

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The Nicholas family: Jesse, Jake and Rachael
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Invermere, Education, First Nations , Kootenay Influencers Jesse Nicholas, influencer

In all of his roles, Jesse Nicholas strives to listen, understand, build consensus and serve his community.

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College of the Rockies Board of Governors elected new Board Chair, Jesse Nicholas and Vice-Chair, Cindy Yates.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Education, First Nations College Board elects new Chair and Vice-Chair

College of the Rockies Board of Governors elected new Board Chair, Jesse Nicholas and Vice-Chair, Cindy Yates

Pacific Coastal airplane
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, First Nations , Transportation Pacific Coastal 25th Annual Charity Golf Tournament donates to Ktunaxa Street Angels Program

Pacific Coastal 25th Annual Charity Golf Tournament raised a total of $65,000

Deryn Collier
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Education, First Nations St. Eugene Writers Conference brings together the Kootenay’s best writers/instructors

St. Eugene will host their second writers conference, gathering award winning Canadian authors to lead three- and four-day workshops for writers

Government building
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Energy, First Nations Ktunaxa Nation Council proceeding with renewable energy installation

The Ktunaxa Nation Council is set to install solar arrays on the rooftop of the Ktunaxa Nation Government Building in Cranbrook

The elegant historic building that is now the hotel at the St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino was a residential school from 1912 to 1970.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Developments, Entertainment and Hospitality, First Nations , Tourism The Ktunaxa are proud owners of SEGRC

The beautiful, thriving St. Eugene Resort was created by a First Nation inspired in its struggle to recover from its imposed history.

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A scenic view of the St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, First Nations Ktunaxa Nation communities regain sole ownership of St. Eugene Resort

The Ktunaxa Nation announces that as of June 20, 2017 the St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino is once again solely owned by the four Ktunaxa communities.

by Jesse Nicholas, Communications Manager, Ktunaxa Nation Council
Suzanne Thompson, owner/operator of Kootenay Therapy Centre, and Leanne Jensen, president of New Dawn Restorations, are women of influence in Cranbrook's business community.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations , Small Business, Influential Women in Business Work and passion: Blend or balance?

We asked the some of the women from our 2017 Influential Women in Business list to tell us what they are currently passionate about.

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Biking and hiking trails in Electoral Area A, Central Kootenay, offer dramatically beautiful views.
East Kootenay, Creston, West Kootenay, First Nations , Small Business, Tourism Kootenay Lake: Seeking amenity migrants

The culture of Area A, Central Kootenay, is based on activities in nature and the creativity and warmth of the people in its small communities.

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Dr. Nathan Goodale (left) and Alissa Nauman (right) are the Hamilton College educators heading up the project excavating and documenting the pithouses found along the Slocan River.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Slocan, Education, First Nations Slocan Narrows Archaeological Project gets students hands-on with history

Hamilton College’s Slocan Narrows Archaeological Project brings post-secondary students together to excavate history uncovered in First Nations pithouses.

Jodi Gravelle is the chief operating officer for the ?aq?am Community near Cranbrook, B.C.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, First Nations , Influential Women in Business, Kootenay Influencers Jodi Gravelle, communication conduit

Human resources and communication are Jodi Gravelle’s main focuses in her position as COO for the ʔaq̓am Community.

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(L to R) Brenda Palmer, Michelle Forbes and Jodi Gravelle received special recognition at the 2017 Kootenay Business magazine Influential Women in Business luncheon on June 8, 2016.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations , Small Business, Influential Women in Business 2017 Kootenay women of influence

Hard work, creativity and perseverance characterize the best of the best among businesswomen in the Kootenay region.

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Brenda Palmer, founder and owner of Mrs. Palmer's Pantry in Cranbrook, B.C., has the support of family, friends, customers and—just possibly—an angel on her shoulder.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, First Nations , Retail, Small Business, Influential Women in Business, Kootenay Influencers Brenda Palmer is taking her chips to the bank

Brenda Palmer believes that we should value our time as much or more than we do our money, and invest both wisely.

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The photo shows the large hot pool at Ainsworth Hot Springs.
West Kootenay, Ainsworth Hot Springs, First Nations , Health & Wellness Ainsworth Hot Springs: A place of history and healing

Soak in the relaxing pools, and learn about Ainsworth Hot Springs and its role in First Nations history.

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