The Elk River near Fernie

The Ktunaxa peoples have occupied southeastern B.C., as well as parts of Montana and Idaho for more than 10,000 years. The Elk Valley is a region within the Ktunaxa homelands. The Ktunaxa refer to the Elk Valley as Qukin ʔamakʔis, meaning Raven’s Land.

The Ktunaxa act as stewards of the land, water and all living things (ʔa·kxamis qapi qapsins) within their homelands. The Ktunaxa have has signed agreements with the B.C. Government to participate in the management of activities in their territory, including in Qukin ʔamakʔis. The B.C. and Ktunaxa governments are working together to protect and improve the environment in Qukin ʔamakʔis.