AGA Update: Ktunaxa Regional Branding Initiative

By Donald Sam,
Interim Sector Director (Senior Manager)

With files from Janice Alpine,
Business Development Officer / Tourism Engagement

The Ktunaxa Nation Council has become a member of the following Chambers of Commerce through the Economic and Investment Sector to gain recognition in the business sector:

• Cranbrook
• Nelson
• Trail
• Castlegar
• Creston
• Fernie
• Invermere
• Kimberley
• Golden

The Ktunaxa Regional Branding Initiative (KRBI) has made monumental strides since its inception in 2017.

The KRBI process includes the Ktunaxa in promoting the Kootenay region to the world.

Partnerships have developed with tour operators, provincial and municipal parks, regional districts, Columbia River Treaty Heritage Project and destination marketing organizations to enhance the knowledge of the Ktunaxa through interpretive signage, website and visitors-guide methods.

Marketing the Kootenay region has increased collaboration with regional business service providers, including Community Futures East Kootenay, Cranbrook Tourism, Kootenay Rockies Tourism and Destination BC.

Working with the City of Cranbrook and regional business operators and organizations to partner in initiatives that support the Ktunaxa. One demonstration of collaboration is the City was the raising of the Ktunaxa flag on June 21, 2021, to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day and herald cooperation between the Nation and the City.

Learn more about KNC and City of Cranbrook's government-to-government partnership by reading this feature story in Kootenay Business Magazine.