Ktunaxa: path on Jumbo unchanged

Submitted
The Valley Echo
August 19, 2009

Regardless of any changes to the future governance structure of the proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort, the path of the Ktunaxa Nation remains unchanged.

On August 7th, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) narrowly voted in favour of designating the proposed Jumbo development a 'resort municipality' if the Master Development Agreement is ever approved.

"The points we presented to the RDEK Board prior to their vote still apply," said Ktunaxa Nation Chair, Kathryn Teneese.

"By law, the province has to give full consideration to denying the Master Development Agreement if they are unable to accommodate First Nations interests. We felt that making a decision on the governance structure at this point would be premature given the consultation process between the Ktunaxa and the province has not yet concluded."

"Consultation with First Nations, which is a legal requirement by the province, identifies impacts to First Nations' interests, and whether these impacts can be accommodated.

The Ktunaxa Nation have opposed the resort based upon impacts to their interests, including, but not limited to, impacts on grizzly bear and other wildlife species, water quality and flows, and hunting access.

"The grizzly bear is sacred in Ktunaxa culture," continued Teneese. "The central Purcells are a place that the Ktunaxa have respected as the home of grizzly since time immemorial. The Jumbo Valley is a place of spirituality for the Ktunaxa, and a sacred place for the grizzly bear."

An independent scientific study by renowned wildlife biologist Michael Proctor shows significant scientific evidence that the central Purcell grizzly population is less robust than was first determined.

The Ktunaxa feel there would be significant impact on the grizzly if the proposed resort is constructed.

"We remain fully committed to working with the province to determine if the substantive issues that are still outstanding can be addressed.

"Until we have reached agreement on the outstanding concerns, our opposition will remain the same, and we will vigorously protect our interests," concluded Teneese.

For further information contact: Garry Slonowski, Communications Manager, Ktunaxa Nation Council at (250) 420-2733 or email gslonowski@ktunaxa.org; or visit the Ktunaxa Nation website at www.ktunaxa.org.