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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