The people behind the podium

The Ktunaxa Nation’s Olympic contribution is a source of pride

(L to R) Minister Pat Bell, Kathryn Teneese and Bob Luke all played a role in the Western Larch podium reaching the Pacific Coliseum. — Photo by Glynis Fediuk

Kootenay residents who were glued to the television during the 2010 Olympics may be unaware of a local connection to the Games.

Using western larch harvested from their community forest and milled at the Tobbaco Plains Sawmill in Grasmere, the Ktunaxa Nation donated wood for a podium seen at the Pacific Coliseum.

At a media briefing on February 17, Pat Bell, the minister for Forests and Range, spoke about the celebrated honour.

Also in attendance were Kathryn Teneese, chair of the Ktunaxa Nation Council, and Bob Luke, director of Nupqu Development Corporation, the organization that manages the community forest.

“We are some distance from the actual activity but there’s a piece of our territory that’s a part of the celebration,” said Teneese. “This was very much a key part of the undertaking . . . standing on our podium is a proud moment for the nation.”

Prestige aside, Teneese said that she hopes the donation will reap financial benefits as well.

“From a practical perspective we’re hoping that it is going to open some doors from the business side of things,” she said. “(We want people) to recognize that we are involved in these kind of activities . . . That, to me, is a really key important outcome from all this activity. There’s the photo op, but after the dust settles we hope to reap some business benefits.”