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Yaqan Nukiy: History, Culture, Traditions

One of the most popular topics for library events is the history of the Creston Valley.
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One of the most popular topics for library events is the history of the Creston Valley. For those who’ve lived here their whole lives and for those who’ve moved here learning about the founding of this area is quite fascinating. The question remains though; what was Creston like before the settlers arrived, before the steam boats and railroads, before the dikes? Join us at the library on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 18th at 2 pm to find out!

Chris Luke Sr., a local author and Ktunaxa elder, will be speaking on the culture and traditions he grew up with as a child in Yaqan Nukiy. Ktunaxa is his first language, only learning English when he started school. When he tells you about how his grandparents met, it’s not just a family story, it’s a window into a culture that existed here over a century before. He speaks of geographical sites as others mention street addresses. The big bend in the Goat River just before it joins the Kootenay is casually mentioned as a teen would refer to the corner of 7-11 and Esso. He is well versed in the history of the Ktunaxa especially having just written his second book on that very topic that will be released soon.

“The Lower Kootenay Band, known as Yaqan Nukiy, were the original inhabitants of the Lower Kootenay area. The name Yaqan Nukiy literally means “where the rock stands” and refers to an important place in the Creston Valley.

The Yaqan Nukiy is one of four Canadian and 2 USA bands which make up the Ktunaxa Nation. The Traditional Territory of the Ktunaxa Nation covers approximately 70,000 square kilometres (27,000 square miles) within the Kootenay region of south-eastern British Columbia and historically included parts of Alberta, Montana, Washington and Idaho.

The people of Yaqan Nukiy speak the Ktunaxa language which is one of the eleven original aboriginal language families in Canada. The language is isolated and is not related with any other language in the world.” (lowerkootenay.com)

This promises to be an interesting presentation! Always free, everyone welcome, bring a friend. Please keep in mind we have limited parking so walk or carpool if you can. It’s appreciated!

Submitted by Creston Valley Library