Vancouver, BC — The Wilderness Committee was heartened that members of the Ktunaxa (pronounced ‘k-too-nah-ha’) Nation Council journeyed nearly 1000 km Monday to deliver a declaration to the BC government affirming their opposition to the proposed Jumbo-Glacier mega-resort in southeastern BC, 55 km west of Invermere.

The proposed resort, located in an area of cultural importance to the Ktunaxa and known for its commanding glacier views, would include accommodation for about 6,500 persons, 1300 homes, shopping centres, associated roads, sewage facilities and other infrastructure. It would cover an area equal to 6,000 hectares in size.

The Wilderness Committee has a long history campaigning for the protection of this area. The region encompassing the proposed resort is home to a critically endangered population of grizzly bear, the Purcell grizzly population, numbering less than 87 animals, and the most endangered herd of mountain caribou in the world, the South Purcell Herd, numbering less than 35 animals. The BC government, which supports construction of the proposed resort, has ignored both mountain caribou and grizzly bear in this area, despite their critically endangered status. Both species figure prominently in Ktunaxa history.

In addition to objections raised by the Ktunaxa, numerous municipal councils and thousands of citizens have declared their opposition to the resort, first proposed 20 years ago. Each year hikers congregate in the valley in symbolic opposition to the project.

Before her sudden death from cancer in 2007, BC’s famed conservationist, Colleen McCrory, was a principal leader in the fight against the proposed Jumbo resort. The environmental groups Wildsight and the West Kootenay Ecosociety have also worked tirelessly in opposition to the proposed resort for many years.

In 2008, in response to the BC government Environmental Assessment Office-sponsored public comment period, 5000 people voiced concerns about the proposal with over 90% of respondents opposed to the project.

At the BC provincial legislature the Ktunaxa Nation Council was welcomed in a formal Ktunaxa flag-bearing ceremony honouring their leaders, followed by presentation of the Qatmuk Declaration to members of the legislature. Qatmuk is the name for a geographic area (the Jumbo-Toby Creek Watershed) that encompasses the hotly contested ski resort proposal. The declaration clearly states Ktunaxa sovereignty of this land, their desire for the resort city proposal to be turned down, and spells out their commitment toward maintaining the cultural and ecological integrity of the area through sustainable use.

“The Jumbo Pass area is one of the most magical places I have ever witnessed. It should be strictly off-limits to development like ski resorts. We look forward to working closely with the Ktunaxa Nation Council to help promote their land sovereignty goals, and hope that their declaration will be respected by all parties,” said Andy Miller, Wilderness Committee Staff Scientist, who has hiked extensively in the area proposed for the resort development.

For more information please contact:

Andy Miller, Wilderness Committee, Staff Scientist 604-683-8220; 604-992-0839

Photo: Garth Lenz