Frequently Asked Questions
Here are just a few questions that frequently are asked regarding the Ktunaxa Nation's position on development in the Columbia Headwaters. If you have any questions that aren't on the list, please contact the Ktunaxa Nation Communications Department.


Why now?
The Ktunaxa Nation have consistently voiced concerns with development of any kind on Lot 48 in the Columbia Headwaters. The Ktunaxa people have a rich history, and the Creation Story of the Ktunaxa Nation takes place in this location, and have a connectedness to the land.

Is the Ktunaxa Nation anti-development?
The Ktunaxa Nation is not anti-development nor are they against resort development within the Ktunaxa Traditional Territory. In fact, the Ktunaxa Nation look forward to a future where they operate a number of viable, and culturally and ecologically appropriate business partnerships and ventures of their own located throughout the Traditional Territory.

Is this just a ploy so that the Ktunaxa Nation can develop the land themselves?
This is not an issue of whether there should or should not be development within the Ktunaxa Traditional Territory. It is an issue of place. The Ktunaxa Nation will not develop this land because it is sacred to the Ktunaxa people.

Is this related to the proposed development at Jumbo Glacier?
No. The Ktunaxa Nation looks at all development with a balanced approach, and makes decisions based upon cultural, ecological, economic, and social impacts and benefits. The Ktunaxa Nation opposes the development of Jumbo Glacier, but for factors that are unique to that proposal and location.

Won't the proposed road through Columbia Lake Provincial Park actually save the lives of big horn sheep?
The claim that bighorn sheep are at risk because of blind corners on the road is a fallacy. There has been very little evidence that big horn sheep are endangered from the limited use of this dirt road. The development of highway, no matter how straight, will increase big horn sheep fatalities due to the speed that vehicles will be able to go. Keeping the same road is the safest alternative.

How come the Shuswap Indian Band are supporting the development on Lot 48 in the Columbia Headwaters?
We understand that the administration and development arm of the Shuswap Indian Band have expressed support for the proposed development on Columbia Lake. It is our view that their position reflects the lack of long-term and intimate connection to this landscape.

On May 25, 2005 the Ktunaxa Chiefs signed a declaration regarding the Ktunaxa history and relationship to the Shuswap Kinbasket people. This declaration included an affirmation of Ktunaxa Traditional Territory and acknowledged that those Shuswap Kinbasket people that have settled in the Ktunaxa Traditional Territory are reaffirmed as citizens of the Ktunaxa Nation as had been previously expressed by our ancestors.

| About the Columbia Headwaters | Overview & Location | Historic Ktunaxa Use |
| Ktunaxa Connectedness to the Land | The Columbia Headwaters at Risk |
| Proposed Development on Lot 48 | Park Boundary Adjustment |
| Columbia Lake Water Zoning | Unanswered Questions | Take Action |
| Frequently Asked Questions | Media & Links |