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NATURE
· Rich Wetlands in the Creston Valley
FIRST PEOPLES
· Yaqan Nukiy, People of the Water
HISTORY
· Too Much Water
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FOCUS  Southeastern Valleys -- Fresh Waters
Yaqan Nukiy, People of the Water
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Canoe on lake
Paddlers in Sturgeon Nosed canoes, South Arm Kootenay Lake. Ktunaxa Nation.
Since time immemorial the Yaqan Nukiy or Meadow People have lived in the Lower Kootenay area. Also known as the Lower Kootenay Band, we are one of seven bands that make up the Ktunaxa Nation. Waterways, particularly the Kootenay River, link the seven communities of the Ktunaxa Nation, five in British Columbia and two in the United States. Before European contact, the Ktunaxa were semi-nomadic, travelling great distances throughout our Traditional Territory.
Ktunaxa baby in beaded carrier.RBCM PN 8696.
Baby in carrier
Before mankind existed, the land was inhabited by animals and animal spirits. Nupika (the Creator) told these animal spirits to move up above to be our guardians; only their forms - in spirit, language, songs and dances - were left behind to help the Ktunaxa people. Nupika made the sacred covenants that the Ktunaxa people follow to survive in our territory.
Ktunaxa canoes photographed by E.S. Curtis, 1910 or earlier. RBCM PN 8679.
Three canoes
Mother and child in a Sturgeon Nosed canoe on Moyie Lake. RBCM PN 4225.
Mother and child in canoe
Yaqan Nukiy, People of the Water - 
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