The Creation of the Ktunaxa Homelands
Visitors often ask about the first people to inhabit this area. The Ktunxaxa (pronounced "k-too-nah-ha") people have occupied the lands around the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers for over 10,000 years. The area known as Cranbrook was initially referred to as Joseph’s Prairie known to the Ktunaxa as ?akisqak?i??it (Two Trails Coming Down into the Center). For thousands of years the Ktunaxa enjoyed the natural bounty of the Kootenay region (Ktunaxa ?amakis), seasonally migrating throughout their homelands hunting and gathering and used the prairie extensively in the summer to graze large herds.
The Ktunaxa origin story speaks of a time, before the people, when animals populated the world. At that time there was a disturbance caused by a huge water monster known as Yawu?nik?, who killed many of the animals. It was decided by the animals that Yawu?nik? had to be destroyed. A war party was formed by the chief animal, Na?muq?in. Yawu?nik? was quick to descend on the Kootenay (wu·u ?aqs?maknik ?akinmituk) and Columbia (Mi??qaqas) river system and the other animals gave chase.
Eventually Yawu?nik? was caught, killed, butchered and distributed among the animals. Yawu?nik?’s ribs were scattered throughout the region that now form the Hoodoos seen throughout the region.
In all the excitement Na?muq?in rose to his feet and stood upright hitting his head on the ceiling of the sky. He knocked himself dead. 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. The Ktunaxa people have been in this area since Na?muq?in fulfilled his prophecy and placed the Ktunaxa people in this area to be the keepers of the land. READ the full story here.
When you travel through the landscape of the homelands, Ktunaxa ?amak?is we hope you will recall the story of the big chase.
Discover more ways to travel the homelands with these suggested itineraries.
Learn to say ?akisqak?i??it
Learn to say Ktunaxa
