 Kootenay Wilderness Adventures, Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia photo
KtunaxaThe Ktunaxa (pronounced k-too-nah-ha, and also known as the Kootenay or Kootenai) occupied this region for thousands of years prior to European settlement. In the 19th century, contact with European fur traders and settlers exposed the Ktunaxa to unfamiliar diseases, greatly impacting their population. Visitors can explore the language, life and culture of the Ktunaxa Nation through tours, centres and natural locations in the Kootenay Rockies.
DoukhoborsIn the late 1800s, a group of Russian pacifists known as the Doukhobors immigrated to Canada and eventually settled in southeastern BC. Their pioneering practices, customs, beliefs and traditional foods are featured at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar.
First Nations Cultural Wilderness RetreatsA secluded mountain retreat located in the Canadian Rockies (near Kootenay National Park) offers experiences ranging from wilderness adventures to cultural activities. Visitors can discover spiritual traditions, ceremonies and ancient teachings from a First Nations elder in a beautiful and remote natural environment.
Interpretive CentresA number of interpretive centres in the region showcase Ktunaxa stories and artifacts.
Ktunaxa Interpretive CentreThe Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre, at St. Eugene Resort near Cranbrook, is housed in a 1910 Spanish colonial building, which operated for 60 years as a residential school for Aboriginal children. Today, the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre features historic photographs and artifacts, scale models of tradtional tipis, even a sturgeon-nosed canoe, and promotes contemporary Aboriginal arts, culture, and heritage. The Interpretive Centre is open by appointment.
Yaqan Nuki Heritage CentreThe Yaqan Nuki Heritage Centre (pronounced yaka nookie) in Creston explores the rich heritage of the Yaqan Nuki peoples, who lived in the area over 10,000, as well as the unqiue culture and traditions of contemporary local First Nations. The Heritage Centre features Aboriginal artisans working onsite and the Legand Logos gift shop. Tours of the Heritage Centre are free. Kootenay National Park's visitor centre (in Radium Hot Springs) also explores the Ktunaxa culture and history through themed displays.
Pictographs and HoodoosAncient pictographs (designs painted on rocks) can be seen near Kootenay Lake, Christina Lake, and east side of Columbia lake. Viewing the pictographs is accessible by hiking or boating. Hoodoos (sandstone pillar formations) and other geological features near Fairmont Hot Springs, reveal a great deal about the Ktunaxa's oral history, including the creation story of the hoodoos as formed by a giant sea monster’s ribs.
Red PictographsIn Creston, red picotgraphs are painted on the area surrounding a rounded granite outcrop, typical of the Creston Flats. Before the advent of the dykes, this whole area at the south end of Kootenay Lake was inundated during high water. Smoke soot deposits suggest that this spot was used as a campsite by the Ktunaxa people during low water. A panel, approximately 10.2x12.7cm/5x4in is situated under a rock overhang about 3.7m/12ft above ground level and surrounded by a 15.2m/50ft high amphitheatre of smooth granite rock. The fine lined pictograph is painted in light rusty red; more can also be found along the west shore of Kootenay Lake.
Doukhobor Discovery Centre  The Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar has over 1,000 artifacts to illustrate the stories, customs and communal lifestyles of the Doukhobors, who live by the motto “Toil and Peaceful Life”. Be sure to try some of the delicious traditional dishes at the bistro – especially the famous Doukhobor borscht.
Practical Points - Some locations are open seasonally or by appointment only, so always check operating hours in advance.
- Artifacts and regalia have historical and cultural significance. Do not touch items unless you have been given permission to do so by a knowledgeable guide or local.
- If possible, also ask permission to take photos - some artifacts such as totem poles have interesting stories, and in asking for permission visitors learn more about the local history.
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