About this location

At the Canadian Rockies International Airport, visitors are immediately greeted with a greeting that welcomes visitors to the Ktunaxa Homelands. The airport features prominent Ktunaxa art, signage, and a striking sculpture of a Sturgeon-nosed canoe. These elements not only enhance the aesthetics of the airport but also welcome visitors to the Ktunaxa Homelands.

This cultural display, including the canoe sculpture, symbolizes the Ktunaxa's historical connection to the region's waterways and their craftsmanship. It serves as an educational and engaging introduction, setting a culturally rich tone for visitors' experiences in the Canadian Rockies.

The Reconciliation Sculpture is a visual expression of partnership and hope. It acknowledges the difficult relationship between the Ktunaxa Nation and their white neighbours and depicts symbolically the journey toward a future shaped by understanding and collaboration.

More about the Scuplture

At the centre of the sculpture there is a river, flowing on like time itself. The river moves smoothly at first, representing the peaceful existence of the Ktunaxa, but becomes rough and troubled when difficulties arise with white settlers, the church and the government.

Just beyond this troubled water, six human figures carry a Ktunaxa canoe. Three of these people are Ktunaxa, shaped to resemble the pictographs found in Canal Flats. The other three, more rectangular figures represent white people and their culture. Together these figures travel around the troubled river in order to relaunch the canoe in the peaceful waters ahead.

The canoe, modeled after the unique Ktunaxa sturgeon-nosed canoe, represents the work of Ktunaxa and white people coming together on the journey to a better place. All of the Ktunaxa figures carry the canoe, while the three white figures demonstrate increasing levels of cooperation. One stands by passively as his Ktunaxa counterpart lifts the stern; the next reaches out to help carry the canoe; and the third shoulders the bow alongside a Ktunaxa partner, willing to help carry the burden and move swiftly toward a peaceful shared future.

PRODUCED BY: Reimer & Co Blacksmiths