Located in south eastern British Columbia, Qat’muk is the home of the Grizzly Bear Spirit and the core of a Ktunaxa sacred site. It also provides key habitat for grizzlies and numerous other wildlife species.
Scott Niedermayer joined the leadership of the Ktunaxa Nation Council in the Provincial Legislature today, on the first anniversary of the Qat’muk Declaration. The Declaration outlines the cultural significance of the region to Ktunaxa, and provides principles for appropriate activities and usage within the sacred area, and is expressly opposed to the Jumbo Glacier Resort.
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Located in south eastern British Columbia, this area, known as Qat’muk (GOT-MOOK) to Ktunaxa, is the home to the Grizzly Bear Spirit and the core of a culturally pivotal sacred site. It also provides key habitat for grizzlies and numerous other wildlife species.
The controversial large scale ski and real estate development proposed by Glacier Resorts Ltd. has been widely opposed by environmental groups, local residents, as well as the Ktunaxa.
Last November the Ktunaxa Nation delivered the Qat’muk Declaration that outlined the cultural significance of the region, and provided principles for appropriate activities and usage in the sacred area.The Qat’muk Declaration was delivered by a delegation of Ktunaxa Nation Citizens, and was read aloud in the BC Legislature Building, with local Victoria-area First Nations there in support. The Ktunaxa also launched a media campaign to bring awareness of the impending disaster.
“We had strongly hoped the Qat’muk Declaration and media campaign would convey to the Province how culturally significant this area is for us,” said Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Chair.
“The Qat’muk Declaration is a very even-handed document that specifies a core area that is protected, and a buffer area in which appropriate activities that respect the land may take place. It speaks to our stewardship of the area, as well as our willingness to work with others to make sure this area is accessible in its current state for future generations.”
Currently, Glacier Resorts Ltd. has a license of occupation for the Farnham Glacier area, which is part of Qat’muk. The licence allows Glacier Resorts Ltd. to conduct various low impact alpine activities, and also carries with it legal remediation responsibilities.
“Throughout the summer reports started to surface that Glacier Resorts’ remediation responsibilities were not being fulfilled as required by their license,” continued Teneese.
“When questioned, the Province acknowledged that there were issues with Glacier Resorts being in compliance.”
“Perhaps the more troubling aspect for us was the Province’s indifference to the non-compliance. There has been, and continues to be a lot of secrecy and misinformation about this resort and the special treatment the Province has given the proponent.”
“This should be causing the public a lot of concern. Why should we trust that the proponent will do any better with the much more stringent and comprehensive requirements it would be under if the resort is approved? Will the government even be bothered to ensure they comply?”
“We are now coming up to the one year anniversary of the Qat’muk Declaration on November 15th. We would like to once again point out the risks associated with this resort.”
“Approval would not only cause serious and irreversible harm to the Ktunaxa way of life, but also be an environmental disaster in south eastern British Columbia. The Provincial decision makers now have an opportunity to say no to this resort and stop this jumbo mistake.”
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The Ktunaxa Nation has never extinguished their Aboriginal Title within their Traditional Territory, and government has a legal obligation to consult about and accommodate impacts upon Ktunaxa interests.
The Ktunaxa Nation has continuously opposed the development of the proposed resort due to its impacts on Ktunaxa rights and interests. The Ktunaxa Nation wants to ensure that any development happens in a manner that is consistent with the Qat’muk Declaration that can be found at www.beforejumbo.com
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For Further Information Contact:
Garry Slonowski
For the Ktunaxa, Qat’muk is the home of the Grizzly Bear Spirit and it is a vital part of Ktunaxa culture and of the environment of the region.
On March 20, 2012, the BC Government approved Jumbo Glacier Resort in the heart of Qat’muk, threatening critical grizzly bear habitat, and ignoring the sacred value of the area to the Ktunaxa.
With your help, we can prevent this mistake. We invite you donate to either our LEGAL FUND, OR if you would prefer, our CHARITABLE FUND for cultural activities related to Qat’muk. All donations are greatly appreciated, and will be used in a respectful manner to preserve Qat’muk for future generations.