THE KTUNAXA
For over 10,000 years the Ktunaxa
lived on lands along the western slopes
of the Rocky Mountains; this includes
the area now recognized as
aqawu kŧu nam (Fernie). The Ktunaxa
language is an isolate not connected to
any other in the world. Their stories and
traditions are deeply connected to
the land.
aqawu kŧu nam, means town
in the narrow area.
The Ktunaxa people have been in
this area since Naŧmuq in fulfilled
his prophecy and placed the Ktunaxa
people as keepers of the land. At that
time there was some disturbance caused
by a huge water monster known as
Yawu ni , who killed many of the
animals. It was decided that Yawu ni
had to be destroyed. A war party was
formed led by Naŧmuq in, chief of the
animals. Yawu ni plied the Kootenay
(wu·u aqsŧmaknik akinmituk) and
Columbia (Mi qaqas) River System.
The chase went on and on until
Naŧmuq in trapped Yawu ni . Yawu ni
was killed and butchered and distributed
among the animals. With the inners and
ribs left over, his ribs were scattered and
now form the Hoodoos that can be seen
around the region and his organs were
scattered to create the people.
In all the excitement Naŧmuq in rose
to his feet and stood upright hitting
his head on the ceiling of the sky. He
knocked himself dead. His feet went
Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History
northward and are today known as
Ya·kŧiki, in the Yellowhead Pass vicinity.
Naŧmuq in’s head is near Yellowstone
Park in the State of Montana. His body
forms the Rocky Mountains.When the
prophecy was fulfilled, the spirit animals
ascended above and are now the guiding
spirits of the Ktunaxa.
Live, learn & explore like
never before.
St Eugene Resort is located an hour
west of Fernie and is a proudly First
Nations-owned luxury resort offering an
important backdrop and environment to
learn about indigenous culture.
Speaking Earth Haqaŧpaŧni nam is
an exclusive First Nations experience
offered by the Ktunaxa Nation featuring
a series of extraordinary activities.
Visitors can choose an itinerary
comprised of individual events or select
an entire two-day adventure.
More details visit
speakingearth.ca
ktunaxa.org/who-we-are
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