Ktunaxa Nation partners with feds to fund environmental projects

The Ktunaxa Nations is partnering with the federal government to allocate $58 million to fund environmental projects around the Kootenays, particularly in the Elk Valley.

The partnership will focus on projects aimed at enhancing, restoring and conserving fish and fish habitats.

The federal government says the money comes from a 2021 fine paid by Teck Coal Limited for selenium and calcite discharge into local waterways.

“We have the opportunity now to guide the direction, to lead, and to collaborate with all of those who want to be a part of the solution to fix our waterways and heal what has been damaged,” said Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it Nasuʔkin Heidi Gravelle.

“As ʔakanuxunik’, we have an inherent responsibility to be a part of the process that’s going to heal our water and to heal our lands.”

Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair Kathryn Teneese says this is a landmark funding commitment.

“This partnership recognizes the Ktunaxa Nation’s stewardship of Qukin ʔamakʔis (Elk Valley). It’s a first, and it brings the spirit of reconciliation alive in action,” said Teneese.

“We value being able to work together as true partners to protect the land, water, and all living beings in our territory.”

The federal government says the partnership involves project-based funding of up to $30 million for Ktunaxa First Nations and the Ktunaxa Nation Council and up to $6 million each for the Shuswap Band and Okanagan Nation Alliance.

The remaining $16 million will be available to fund projects through a competitive open call for applications.

The funding will be used on projects that protect and conserve fish or fish habitat. Projects could also involve research and development to gain a better understanding of related issues.

“This partnership with Ktunaxa is a significant and novel milestone, showcasing federal collaboration with an Indigenous Nation to distribute funding through the Environmental Damages Fund,” said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

“This collaboration recognizes the importance of traditional knowledge and expertise in caring for the interconnected ecosystem of Qukin ʔamakʔis.”

Intake for project submissions will be open until June 12.

Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ktunaxa Nation will review all submission forms.

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