Ktunaxa Nation language book heralded

A book that was launched in Invermere Public Library last year is being heralded as a celebratory look at the Ktunaxa people and their historically-unique culture.

The book is titled q̓apkiǂ. In Ktunaxa this means ‘to tell someone everything.’

The launch attracted approximately 30 people.

“It was a lovely gathering where people had the chance to meet, chat and look at the book,” said Blair McFarlane, the library’s Community Outreach Programmer.

The history of the Ktunaxa Nation and the story of their lands and people are highlighted in the 164-page book that launched in Invermere, Cranbrook and the lower Kootenays on December 11. It includes wonderful photographs, interviews, and stories.

Being the first book of its kind, McFarlane said that Lillian Rose, Ktunaxa’s traditional knowledge and language coordinator, described it as a “starting point for further learning.”

Rose introduced the book and the contributors who were at the event. She also introduced the representatives from Parks Canada who helped fund the project. Along with Rose, Nasukin Donald Sam spoke briefly at the event.

McFarlane highly recommended the book to everyone living on Ktunaxa land, saying it is a special collection of history and culture. “There are interviews, stories, photographs and poems; it is a celebration of the Ktunaxa lands and its people.”

The book is available to purchase at Four Points Books, and the library is adding a copy to their circulating and reference collections.

For more information about the event, visit: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=745783150928471&set=a.300434622129995&type=3&ref=embed_post

Julia Archelene Magsombol, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Columbia Valley Pioneer