Long before the Sullivan Mine opened in 1909, the land that Kimberley now presides on was populated by the Ktunaxa peoples. In fact, the Ktunaxa (pronounced ‘k-too-nah-ha’) have occupied the lands adjacent to the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers and the Arrow Lakes of British Columbia for more than 10,000 years, with their traditional territory covering approximately 70,000 square kilometres within the Kootenay region of south-eastern British Columbia.

Within that traditional territory, Kimberley (k̓ukamaʔnam) has closest ties to the area named ʔaq̓am ʔa·kinmituk (St. Mary River). St. Mary River is a vital waterway in the Ktunaxa Homelands, as it embodies both the natural beauty of the area, as well as the cultural heritage of the region. While visiting Kimberley and ʔaq̓am, we invite you to to dig deeper into this history by not only appreciating the beauty and nature of our surroundings, but by learning some of the unique oral storytelling of the region too.

Where to begin? An easy place to start is with the Ktunaxa Homelands Project: an interactive retelling of this land’s creation story.

About the Ktunaxa Homelands Project

The Ktunaxa Homelands Project is a collaboration of the Ktunaxa Nation, Cranbrook Tourism, Tourism Fernie, Tourism Kimberley, Travel Columbia Valley, Destination British Columbia, St. Eugene Resort and The City of Cranbrook. This project aims to share the meanings behind traditional names, while connecting people with the landscapes, interpretive sites, and Ktunaxa businesses that make these areas so rich with culture, history, and identity.

The Creation Story

As told by Joe Pierre, the Creation Story of the Kootenays highlights the unique fabric of the Ktunaxa, and the role in which storytelling and oral traditions play to create a deeper understanding of the land, tradition, and people of the Ktunaxa Homelands.

“Since time beyond the reach of memory, the homeland of the Ktunaxa was ruled by the spirit animals. The largest was Naⱡmuqȼin, a giant. He was so big he crawled on his hands and knees, because at full height, he was too tall for the sky. Like many spirit animals, Naⱡmuqȼin had a prophecy to fulfil to welcome ʔaqⱡmaknik’(people).

After leading a victorious war party in a Big Chase of a pesky water monster (Yawuʔnik’) that ultimately formed the region's waterways and hoodoo landscapes, Nalⱡmuqȼin created the human race, designating Ktunaxa people as keepers of the land. Then Naⱡmuqȼin celebrated his victory, and in the process, stood straight up and bumped his head on the ceiling of the sky. The impact knocked him dead: his body forming the Rocky Mountain range.”

Learn More

Through connecting both with the Ktunaxa Creation story and the landscapes that make up the Ktunaxa traditional territories, you too are invited to form a deeper connection to the #KtunaxaHomelands.

Interested in learning more? A visit to ʔaq̓am is not complete without checking out the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre. Through exhibits and storytelling, the Centre educates visitors about the rich traditions, history, and culture of the Ktunaxa people. It's truly an enriching experience that deepens the understanding of the land and its original inhabitants. This Interpretive Centre can be found at the St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino, which is a short 20-minute drive away from Kimberley, and a wonderful addition to any Kimberley itinerary.

We also encourage all visitors to delve into the Ktunaxa Homelands Project directly, and to check out the great ZenSeeker videos that highlight the Ktunaxa Creation Story.

We are grateful to be able to live and play here, and would like to acknowledge that Kimberley (k̓ukamaʔnam) and the surrounding lands are located on the unceded traditional territory of the Ktunaxa (?amak?is) Nation.