Ya·kiⱡʔuniⱡiⱡki Kwiⱡqⱡi, or Columbia Lake, is steeped in the legacies and stories of the Ktunaxa people. Among these is the Ktunaxa creation story, where Yawuʔnik̓, a significant Ktunaxa figure, was first sighted. The sighting of Yawuʔnik̓ took place near Yaqa·n Nuʔkiy, starting a pivotal chase that is central to Ktunaxa oral history. This story is not just a tale of pursuit, it embodies deeper meanings of connection, survival, and the dynamic interactions between the inhabitants of this land.

Present-day visitors to Columbia Lake can explore this rich history by walking the Spirit Trail at Columbia Lake Park. This path offers scenic beauty along a route historically used by bothThe Ktunaxa and European explorers. The trail serves as a living reminder of the area's long-standing role as a crucial transportation route along the length of the lake.