KTUNAXA FEATURE
THE ʔAKANUXUNIK’- YAQ̓IT ʔA · KNUQⱡI’ IT FIRST NATION
The ʔakanuxunik’ members of Yaq̓it ʔa · knuqⱡi’ it First Nation( In English,“ Tobacco Plains Indian Band”) are the distinct group of Indigenous people who have occupied, controlled and been exclusive stewards over their unceded ancestral lands since time immemorial. These lands comprise 10,600 acres in Southeastern British Columbia. The Southern boundary adjoins the USA border in Montana. Highway 93 crosses the Reserve at two locations and the Reserve surrounds the Canada Customs facility.
ʔakanuxunik’ people- the people that are from where the water comes out of the mountain- are one of the seven Bands of the Ktunaxa( Kootenai) speaking peoples of British Columbia, Idaho and Montana. The Chief of Tobacco Plains Indian Band is Heidi Gravelle. Outspoken, compassionate, and committed to preserving the future of her people, in 2019 she followed in the footsteps of her grandmother, Elizabeth Gravelle – the first female First Nations Chief to be elected in Canada – and became Chief herself. She was re-elected in 2023.
Yaq̓it ʔa · knuqⱡi’ it is currently reclaiming their self-determination and sustainability, while preserving and nurturing ʔakanuxunik’ land, culture, language, and ceremony. Their vision is guided by their ancestors and creator with strength and unity, ensuring that all ʔakanuxunik’ are acknowledged and respected. Gravelle says that the survival of her people and their culture is contingent on the health and protection of their land and natural resources.
“ We hold a covenant with the Creator to be the caretakers and stewards of Yaq̓it ʔa · knuqⱡi’ it lands,” says Nasuʔkin( Chief) Heidi Gravelle of Yaq̓it ʔa · knuqⱡi’ it First Nation.“ With that we have an obligation to restore, protect and be the voices of our lands.”
The Yaq̓it ʔa · knuqⱡi’ it First Nation is actively working to protect and further the aboriginal rights and title of ʔakanuxunik’ memberships, providing opportunities in economic development, health and wellness, employment and training, and cultural heritage. In 2024, their efforts have centered around strengthening leadership-to-leadership relationships with key partners including the Province of British Columbia, Local Municipal Governments( Elkford, Sparwood & Fernie), and industry, such as formerly named Teck Resources Limited, BC Hydro, North Coal, and NWP.
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