A new home for the Ktunaxa Nation Council

The Ktunaxa Nation Council has purchased and moved into the former Central School building at 220 Cranbrook Street North

The Ktunaxa Nation Council recently purchased the Central School heritage building to provide a centralized base for the organization. — Photo courtesy Ktunaxa Nation Council

The Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) issued a press release on August 21, 2012, announcing that it had purchased the former Central School building at 220 Cranbrook Street North in Cranbrook, B.C., and planned to make it the KNC's corporate office, accommodating 130-plus staff members. The press release also stated that figures from a recent analysis show that the regional economy receives more than $30 million annually from the Ktunaxa, mostly from consulting and professional services. Various Ktunaxa-owned enterprises also contribute, with less than three per cent of core funding from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.

Historically iconic

Having outgrown its former government buildings, the KNC had been seeking a facility that would allow it to centralize services and improve efficiencies and communication. The council consulted with contractors about the viability of building a new home for the KNC, but the costs were prohibitive.

“The Central School building fits with our long-term financial plans,” said Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation chair. “It also achieves our desire to have a more visible presence in Ktunaxa traditional territory, as we feel that it is important for our neighbours to know that we are alive and well and active in our territory. The building is historically iconic and we value the preservation of culture, tradition and heritage. We weren’t looking specifically for a heritage building, but this feels symbolic.”

Better communication and easier access

The move into the new facility, while somewhat disruptive to daily business, was eagerly anticipated by KNC personnel.

“The first advantage of having all of the staff in one location, in town, is that it’s more efficient and convenient,” said Teneese. “One of our former premises housed our departments of lands and resources, communications, IT and treaty, and they have all moved to the new offices. Other staff moved here from the Ktunaxa Nation premises at the reserve. However, our financial staff will remain on reserve, which will still legally be our head office.”

Teneese added that the building has more space than what the KNC actually needs, so the organization will likely be able to provide rental space for a couple of tenants.

A multi-purpose facility

It is planned that the KNC building will become something of a cultural centre. As well as providing a venue for gatherings, it will house a Ktunaxa Nation museum and will offer space where the Nation’s elders can meet.

“Some of the most critical activities that will take place in the new building will be done by the Ktunaxa Nation Executive Council—the political leadership of the Ktunaxa Nation,” said Garry Slonowski, communications manager for the KNC. “They are responsible for decision-making and governance. They will also have their council chambers here.”

Teneese said the KNC is considering holding a public event in the new building to celebrate the move.

“At some point in the future,” she said, “it is likely that we will have a celebration of some kind, where the public will be welcome to come and see us in our new administrative home.”