Ktunaxa Homelands

Imagine a world where art whispers knowledge of history and a beaded hide becomes the lifeblood of a culture. For Indigenous communities, storytelling through art is not just a tradition—it's a portal to their ancestors, to their land and to their beliefs. Each artist and their work become the living, breathing testament to the enduring power of storytelling across generations. This is the lesson being taught by Darcy (Luke) Roshau.

Imagine a world where art whispers knowledge of history and a beaded hide becomes the lifeblood of a culture. For Indigenous communities, storytelling through art is not just a tradition—it's a portal to their ancestors, to their land and to their beliefs. Each artist and their work become the living, breathing testament to the enduring power of storytelling across generations. This is the lesson being taught by Darcy (Luke) Roshau. For Darcy, art is not just a creative outlet—it’s a way to preserve and share her Indigenous culture, a culture that faced the threat of being lost to time. Through her work, Darcy is preserving her heritage and offering others a glimpse into the world of Ktunaxa traditions, stories, and ways of life. Her artistic journey is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and a growing connection to her roots.

Darcy was born and raised in Cranbrook, British Columbia, to her mother Noelle and to her father Bob- a member of the Ktunaxa Nation. Her early connection to her culture was limited, especially after the passing of her grandmother when she was only two years old. Darcy’s grandmother had been the primary keeper of language and culture in their family, and with her gone, there were few opportunities for Darcy to learn these vital aspects of her identity as a child. Yet, a quiet pull toward her heritage remained, nurtured by the occasional celebrations and gatherings in her community.

Growing up, Darcy’s favorite cultural event was the annual Indigenous Day activities in her family’s community of Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it (Tobacco Plains Indian Band). For Darcy, this day was more than just a celebration—it was a chance to reconnect with cousins and relatives, to witness her culture in action, and to feel the warmth and belonging of being part of something greater. These moments sparked in her a curiosity about her Ktunaxa roots that would grow stronger over the years.

As a teenager, Darcy’s interest in Indigenous issues deepened. A pivotal moment came when she took a First Nations Studies course in high school, where she wrote an essay on the Indian Act. The project graced her with the opportunity to interview Kathryn Teneese, Chair of the Ktunaxa Nation Council and a trailblazer in Ktunaxa rights. This experience left a lasting impression on Darcy, inspiring her to delve deeper into the history, struggles, and triumphs of her people. Her passion for Indigenous knowledge was ignited, and it would soon shape both her career and her art.

 as an Employment Development Officer. This role allowed her to connect with more members of her community and broaden her understanding of Ktunaxa culture. Shortly after starting her new job, however, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing her to work from home. Yet, in this isolation, Darcy found an unexpected opportunity to deepen her cultural ties. She began working with Bonnie Harvey to create Ktunaxa language resources—a task that brought her even closer to her heritage. Through learning and sharing the language, Darcy discovered a profound sense of connection to her ancestors and the land they had lived on for generations.

As an adult, a significant influence in Darcy’s cultural journey has been her aunt, respected Ktunaxa Elder, Roberta Gravelle, who has taught her traditional practices such as harvesting medicinal plants like devil’s club and horse mint. Roberta, and fellow Ktunaxa Elder Gina Clarricoates, have also taught Darcy the sacred art of making cradleboard—wooden and leather baby carriers adorned with intricate beadwork. While incredibly practical, cradleboards are also deeply symbolic of Ktunaxa values and craftsmanship, passed down from generation to generation. Through elder teachings, Darcy continues to learn and preserve the traditional knowledge that is so integral to her people’s identity.

While these cultural learnings were important to Darcy, art had always been her true passion. Her artistic journey began at the age of four when she started painting rocks, handing them out to fellow campers who soon came to treasure their “Darcy painted rock.” As a child, she explored different artistic mediums, from drawing to painting on canvas, and by the time she was 14, she had sold her first painting. At 15, she completed her first paid mural at an elementary school in Cranbrook—a significant milestone that boosted her confidence and pushed her to experiment with even more creative forms. Art would soon become a natural portal into practicing and preserving her culture. 

While she loved to paint, beading captivated Darcy’s heart. At 15, she learned the craft through a Youth Indigenous Leadership program with an elder, and from that point on, beading became a vital part of her artistic expression. Darcy loves working with traditional floral and plant designs, creating earrings, medallions, hairpins, and brooches that reflected her Ktunaxa heritage. In many ways, beading became a form of storytelling, each design infused with meaning and tradition. Even during vacations, Darcy would find herself beading on the beach, fully immersed in her artwork.

The pandemic in 2020 marked a return to beadwork for Darcy. As interest in her creations grew, so did her business, Cedar and Pine Design—a name that symbolizes both her connection to her childhood and her daughter, Cedar. The pine trees of Tobacco Plains, where she grew up, had always held special meaning for Darcy, and incorporating them into her business name felt like a tribute to her roots.

Today, Darcy’s art spans various mediums, including painting, digital art, mural work, beadwork, and sewing. Though painting holds a special place in her heart. It is through painting that Darcy feels most connected to her culture, often entering a state of flow where the stories of her ancestors come to life on the canvas. Many of her paintings feature native plants, Ktunaxa people with braided hair, and scenes from Ktunaxa legends, such as the Creation Story. Her work serves as a visual reminder of her elders’ teachings and traditions, and her style has become easily recognizable throughout ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa.

Darcy’s murals and artwork can be found throughout ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa, gracing schools, recreation centers, hospitals, and even welcome signs. She has completed commissioned murals for locations such as the Foundry East Kootenay, College of the Rockies, and multiple elementary school. Each piece of art she creates is an opportunity to share Ktunaxa stories and knowledge with both locals and visitors. Her mural at the Foundry incorporates native plants and the 

, where you can see the arrows that were shot by Naⱡlmuqȼin and fallen Yawuʔnik̓’s ribs in the hoodoos.

The question of cultural appropriation is often raised in discussions around Indigenous art. Can non-Indigenous people wear Indigenous creations? Darcy believes that if the art is made and sold by an Indigenous artist, it is an act of appreciation rather than appropriation. For her, it’s about ensuring that Indigenous artists are recognized and supported for their work, rather than having their cultural symbols exploited by those outside the community.

As Darcy continues her artistic journey, her hope is that more businesses and organizations will recognize the value of Indigenous art and hire Ktunaxa artists to share their stories. Through her work, Darcy is ensuring that the cultural knowledge of her people remains alive, passed down through her hands and onto the canvas, the beads, and the murals that grace her community.

To learn more about Darcy and her artwork, visit her 

 or follow her on social media platforms like 

. Through her art, Darcy invites us all to see the world through the lens of Ktunaxa stories—a vibrant, resilient culture that is as alive today as it was generations ago. 


To find Darcy’s art throughout ɁamakɁis Ktunaxa, visit the following locations:  

College of the Rockies Lecture, Cranbrook

Columbia Lake Recreation Centre, ʔakisq̓nuk

Invermere & District Hospital ER, Invermere

Ktunaxa Nation Health Van, Various Locations

Preserving Indigenous Knowledge Through Art

Growing up in Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʔit (Tobacco Plains), a small community nestled in the heart of the Kootenays, Aiyana Twigg’s early life was one of contrasts. Aiyana, a citizen of the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʔit First Nation, and registered member of the Blood Tribe (Kainai). The daughter of her Ktunaxa mother, Leanna Gravelle, and Blackfoot father, Chris Twigg, Aiyana was raised in a loving home deeply connected to the land, culture, and traditions of her Ktunaxa heritage. Yet, the outside world, including her school in nearby Eureka, Montana, felt much different. As an Indigenous child, Aiyana’s experiences with racism and the isolation of being "different" shaped the way she viewed herself, her heritage and ultimately, her language.

In Grade 1, excitement reached Aiyana’s heart when she learned that her mother would be teaching Ktunaxa in her classroom. For a moment, it felt like a bridge between her home life, steeped in Ktunaxa culture, and the wider world that often seemed unwelcoming. But that excitement soon gave way to hurt, as her classmates mocked the language and her heritage. Aiyana was faced with a burden that many Indigenous youth around the world experience: the pressure to belong in two different worlds. At home, she was Ktunaxa, immersed in the language and culture her mother so lovingly taught. At school, however, she found herself hiding that part of her identity, adopting what felt like the safer option—leaving her Indigenous heritage behind.

By middle school, Aiyana’s interest to engage with her language and culture had faded. Like so many Indigenous youth, Aiyana learned to walk with “one foot in a moccasin and one foot in a running shoe”—a metaphor for the reality of navigating life between two worlds. The feeling of having to be two different people began to weigh heavily on her. And much like many Indigenous youth before her, she committed her middle school experience to hiding her Indigenous heritage from those in the outside world.

Thankfully, Aiyana’s story doesn’t end there. It was on a hike in the Fernie mountains with her mother, at the age of 17, that a shift began to take place within her. As they walked through the forest, something stirred within her. The mountains, the water, the birds, her—everything felt truly at peace. The feeling she experienced that day gave her a glimpse of what it meant to truly belong to the land. It was the first time she felt the profound connection to her Ktunaxa heritage and the teachings her mother had been sharing with her all along. That hike was a turning point, one that reignited her desire to learn her language and embrace her identity. Maybe, just maybe, she could be Ktunaxa to the outside world too.

For the next two years, Aiyana began to focus on embracing the inner and outer aspects of her heritage. By the end of high school, Aiyana decided to pursue post-secondary learning in Indigenous languages by enrolling at UBC Okanagan, before transferring to UBC Vancouver. It was at UBC Vancouver, as a student in the First Nation & Endangered Languages and Anthropology program, that Aiyana truly found her path. For the first time, she was surrounded by other Indigenous students who shared her experiences, and the curriculum was designed with Indigenous perspectives and values in mind. This was not the Westernized education system she had encountered before. This was an environment where Indigenous ways of knowing were validated, respected, and celebrated.

The experience transformed Aiyana. It wasn’t just about learning a language—it was about reclaiming a legacy. For her, teaching the Ktunaxa language means keeping her ancestors’ voices alive, ensuring that future generations will continue to hear the words and wisdom of their people. Her studies also reaffirmed the importance of language as a portal to one’s identity, culture, and connection to the land.

Inspired by her educational experience, Aiyana launched 

 in 2020, a platform that has become a safe space for both Ktunaxa and non-Ktunaxa people to learn the language in an accessible and supportive environment. Hosted on 

, Ktunaxa Pride offers short language lessons, cultural insights, and a welcoming community for those who might otherwise feel intimidated by the challenge of learning an endangered language. For Aiyana, the goal is simple: to create more fluent Ktunaxa speakers and ensure that the language doesn’t fade into the darkness of non-existence.

The stakes are high. With fewer than 20 fluent Ktunaxa speakers remaining, most of whom are elders, the language is critically endangered. Yet, despite this reality, Aiyana remains hopeful. Language revitalization efforts are underway, and through platforms like 

 and many other educational initiatives, the Ktunaxa language is experiencing a resurgence. Aiyana’s dream is that one day there will be many more fluent speakers—people who not only learn the language but live it, embodying the connection between culture, land, and spirit that is at the heart of Ktunaxa identity.

Aiyana Twigg’s advocacy for the Ktunaxa language has expanded far beyond her local community, reaching the global stage through her involvement in UNESCO's International Decade of Indigenous Languages initiative. As a passionate representative of her people, Aiyana has carried the flag of Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʔit, the Ktunaxa culture, and language to international platforms, advocating for language revitalization and cultural preservation. In April 2024, she traveled to the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where she spoke on behalf of her community, and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, bringing global attention to the critical state of Indigenous languages. Her efforts have not stopped there—soon, she will be traveling to Paris in November 2024 to continue her work, further amplifying her message on a world stage.

Through her involvement with UNESCO, Aiyana has been instrumental in raising awareness of endangered languages and their importance to cultural identity and diversity. She was also a key participant in the creation of an Indigenous Language Documentation Toolkit, which provides a comprehensive framework for communities beginning the journey of linguistic preservation and documentation. The toolkit, written by Aiyana, illustrated by Bridget George, designed by Spruce Creative, and supported by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the University of Alberta, is a ground breaking resource that helps endangered language communities document, preserve, and revitalize their languages. Aiyana’s contributions to this initiative reflect her dedication to ensuring that the Ktunaxa language, along with many other endangered languages, continues to thrive for generations to come.

For Aiyana, this work is about more than just preserving a language—it’s about healing. It’s about ensuring that young Indigenous people, like she once was, don’t have to choose between their heritage and the wider world. It’s about creating a future where Indigenous children grow up proud of who they are, proud of their language, and proud of their place in this world. She wants Indigenous youth around the world to love themselves for exactly who they are.

Aiyana Twigg’s journey is one of resilience and reconnection. It is a reminder that language is not just a collection of words but a lifeline to our ancestors, our culture, and our place in the world. Her story speaks to the universal truth that we are all connected, that the land and the people are one, and that by preserving our languages, we preserve our identity. Today, Aiyana is pursuing a Master of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization at the University of Victoria. 

As we look toward the future, Aiyana’s story serves as a call to action. Indigenous languages around the globe are endangered, but through education, cultural initiatives, and community support, there is hope. Whether you are Indigenous or not, Aiyana’s message resonates: language is a living bridge to the past and the future. By supporting efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages, we help ensure that the wise voices of the elders continue to speak, not just for today but for generations to come.

To learn more about the Ktunaxa language and to support Aiyana’s mission, follow 

Looking for more resources on the Ktunaxa Language? Check out the 

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre

, where you can gain an Understanding the importance of local language, greetings, acknowledgement of the land and traditional territories.

The UNESCO Indigenous Documentation Toolkit is set to be released on October 14, 2024. Learn more about UNESCO’s Indigenous Languages Decade 

Revitalizing Indigenous Languages: A Path of Resilience and Pride

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where rivers weave through valleys and ancient forests whisper their secrets, lies the land of the Ktunaxa people. For thousands of years, the Ktunaxa have lived in harmony with this majestic landscape, their language a vital thread in the tapestry of their culture, weaving together their history, traditions, and identity.

But in recent decades, the echoes of the Ktunaxa language have grown fainter, threatened by the tides of time and change. In the modern world, where globalization and technology dominate, the voices of many Indigenous languages are at risk of being silenced. Yet, amid these challenges, a powerful movement is rising within the Ktunaxa Nation—a movement to revitalize their language and ensure its survival for generations to come.

This is a story of resilience and renewal, of elders passing down their wisdom to the youth, of communities coming together to celebrate their linguistic heritage. It is a story of innovative programs blending traditional knowledge with modern tools, of language camps in the wilderness and digital platforms connecting speakers across distances. It is a story of hope, as the Ktunaxa people reclaim their voice in the symphony of humanity, reminding the world of the profound beauty and significance of linguistic diversity.

In this journey, every word spoken, every lesson learned, and every conversation held in Ktunaxa breathes new life into the language, transforming it from the brink of extinction to a vibrant, living testament of cultural endurance. Today, young Ktunaxa people are harnessing the power of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to keep their language alive. They share videos, stories, and posts in Ktunaxa, creating a digital community that spans beyond physical borders. Through hashtags and online challenges, they engage with peers, celebrate their linguistic identity, and inspire others to learn and speak Ktunaxa.

This is the story of the Ktunaxa language revitalization in the modern day—a testament to the power of heritage, community, and the unyielding spirit of a people determined to keep their language alive in both the natural world and the digital age.

https://www.instagram.com/ktunaxa.learning

Samantha Sutherland•qanukǂuǂam paǂki

Ktunaxa Language Revitalization Influencers

To travel through the Ktunaxa Homelands is to seek ways to experience the culture past and present. Events and celebrations are among some of the best ways to do this. Throughout the year and across communities there are events that invite people outside of the community to participate. Here are a few of the events you can look forward to throughout the year.

The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative is an Indigenous-led collaboration of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Ktunaxa Nation, Secwépemc Nation, Canada and British Columbia. Salmon have been blocked from returning to the Canadian portion of the upper Columbia River for more than 80 years. The long-term vision is to return salmon stocks for Indigenous food, social and ceremonial needs, and to benefit the region’s residents and ecosystems as a whole. Bringing the Salmon Home – Columbia Valley May 24-25, 2024

In Creston, the community hosts the annual Yaqan Nukiy Traditional Pow Wow on the May long weekend in conjunction with the Creston Blossom Festival. Learn more about the Yaqan Nukiy.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Indigenous Peoples Day festivities vary from community to community but may include music, dancing, food and cultural teachings.

Tobacco Plains/ Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it Border Walk

The Border walk is part of reconciliation and awareness that the border divided the Ktunaxa People - whose land stretches across Southeastern BC and Northern Montana and Idaho, and as far as Alberta and Washington - and showcases that the border doesn't define the Ktunaxa. Members of the Ktunaxa bands, along with Sister tribes from the States, will attend and walk together across the Roosville Border Crossing. Visitors are welcome to join the walk.

https://tourismfernie.com/events/Border-Walk-indigenous-peoples-day

https://lowerkootenay.com/news/indigenous-peoples-day/

September 30 honours survivors of Canada's residential school system, their families, and communities, and those who did not make it home. It helps ensure public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools in our country and is an important step in the process toward reconciliation.

Join members of the ʔaq̓am community on this walk that departs and returns to the former residential school at St Eugene Resort.

https://cranbrooktourism.com/events/truth-and-reconciliation-walk

Experience Events in the Ktunaxa Homelands

In ancestral times referred to by the Ktunaxa as the animal world there were references made many times by the creator to when there will be people. At that time there was some disturbance caused by the sea monster who killed many of the animals.

A council was called by the chief animal the giant. It was decided that the sea monster had to be destroyed. The sea monster was sited in the Columbia Lake near Canal Flats and the chase was on. At that time the Kootenay River and the Columbia lake were joined.

As the chase proceeded giant gave names to many locations along the Kootenay river, Kootenay lake, Arrow lakes and the Columbia river. The sea monster was pursued down the Kootenay river past the Wasa slews now called Wasa BC.

Coyote got into trouble here when he fell into the river and had to be rescued by Wasa. The chase went by where the St Mary's river empties into the Kootenay river where the St. Mary's reserve is now located.

Then on down river to a spring where weasel joined the war party. There were animals on both sides of the river as the chase continued and among the party was a parasite who had to be carried on the backs of other animals.

He was mean and bossy. The other animals grew tired of his nagging and dumped him into the river at a place now known as where the parasite was dumped into the river. The chase continues leaving the land of the eagle and into the land of the wood tick past Waldo then on past the now 49th parallel and then past Turtle now underwater near Rexford, Montana.

The chase went on by Jennings and on by Libby then into the land of the Kootenay. Coyote, past Bonners Ferry, Idaho, then northerly past the now international boundary into the land of the Wolverine, past Creston, BC, then up the Kootenai Lake, past Kuskanook, BC.

The chase went on by Akokli Creek, past Sanca Creek. The monster chose to follow the Kootenai River past Nelson, BC. The chase was now in the land of the chickadee. The chase carries on through Atholmere, then past Windermere, BC, past Windermere Lakes, then back into the Columbia Lake, at Canal Flats, BC.

This completed the cycle of the chase. A little old man told Giant, You are wasting your time and energy chasing the sea monster. Why not use your size and strength and with one sweep of your arm block the river from flowing into the lake? And the next time the monster enters the lake you will have him trapped.

Giant took the advice of the little old man and did as he was told. The next time sea monster entered the lake he was trapped. Having successfully corralled sea monster a decision had to be made as to whom the honour of killing the monster would be bestowed upon. The honour was awarded to red -headed woodpecker. When the monster was killed it was taken ashore and was butchered and distributed among the animals.

There remained only the innards and bones. The ribs were scattered throughout the region and now form the hoodoos seen throughout the area.

The Creation Story as told by Joe Pierre

Nestled in the heart of the Kootenays, the homelands of the Ktunaxa people offer a unique and enriching camping experience through Indigenous-owned campgrounds.

These sacred lands, rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, provide a rare opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the traditions and stories of the Ktunaxa Nation. From breathtaking landscapes to authentic cultural interactions, these campgrounds invite travelers to explore and connect with the land in a way that honors and respects its ancient guardians. Join us as we delve into the vibrant world of Indigenous-owned campgrounds in the Kootenays, where every stay is a journey through history and nature.

This beautiful campground is situated four kilometers north of the townsite of Fairmont Hot Springs, on the ʔakiskq̓nuk First Nation. The campground opened in Summer of 2019 with twenty –five spacious campsites, later adding eight log cabins. Two new glamping domes are scheduled to open in 2024. The campground also boasts an 18-hole disc golf course.

The St. Eugene KOA is one of the most picturesque RV Parks in the Rocky Mountains. Centrally located in the East Kootenays, where visitors can easily access the region’s activities. Located in the heart of the Kootenays and a 10-minute leisurely drive from Cranbrook, BC.

Open from April 1 to October 31 and located on the grounds of St. Eugene Resort. Experience a connection to the land, from the whispering sounds of the St. Mary River on your trailer step to the dramatic Fisher Peak alpenglow on display daily.

Campground visitors have access to the luxuries and amenities of staying at a resort. Dine in one of three on-site restaurants, golf on an award-winning Championship course, recharge in the fitness centre, learn iat the Interpretive Centre or relax by the outdoor pool, hot tubs and spa. Nighttime entertainment can also be enjoyed at our Casino of the Rockies.

Located in a secluded location on the shore of Lake Koocanusa (Grasmere, BC), the campground offers 20 campsites most with amazing views and access to beach. The campground is operated by the Tobacco Plains Band and provides seasonal employment for many of their Band Members. Please note that this campground may close reservations early in the season and early booking is recommended.

http://www.koocanusacamping.com/big-springs.aspx


Aye's Ranch Campground is ideally located along the scenic shores of Lake Koocanusa, offering both seasonal and overnight RV lots, as well as spacious campsites for tents. This campground is perfect for those seeking a tranquil setting near the water, with ample space and necessary facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. Whether you're planning a short visit or a longer retreat. Please note that this campground may close reservations early in the season and early booking is recommended.

http://www.koocanusacamping.com/view-page.aspx?id=3


Dorr Road Campground is known for its sandy beaches, complemented by lots of shade from mature trees, creating a cool and inviting environment for campers. This pet-friendly campground welcomes all, including families and their pets, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for every visitor. It offers spacious sites that are suitable for both RVs and tents, providing flexibility for different camping preferences. The campground's setup makes it an ideal spot for those looking to relax and enjoy outdoor activities in a beautiful, accommodating setting. Whether you're setting up a tent or parking an RV, Dorr Road Campground delivers a memorable outdoor experience with the comforts of home in a natural landscape. Please note that this campground may close reservations early in the season and early booking is recommended.

http://www.koocanusacamping.com/dorr-road.aspx