Along the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, between Windermere and Fairmont, sits the Akisqnuk First Nation community. Lake Windermere borders the western edge of Akisqnuk, while the eastern side extends to the foot of the mighty Rocky Mountains. The area stretches for 14 kilometres along Highway 93/95 and has unmatched splendour with never-ending mountain views and quick access to the sparkling waters of Lake Windermere.
The community sits on the 3272-hectare Columbia Lake Indian Reserve No.3, allotted to the Akisqnuk Band of the Ktunaxa Nation in 1884. Akisqnuk is a 300-member strong band, governed by an elected Chief and Council, with the administration headquarters located just south of Windermere.
For its members, staff provide health care, education, housing and economic development services. Community facilities include a community centre, health centre, early learning program, business offices, softball diamond, skating rink and daycare.
The Akisqnuk Band is part of the Ktunaxa (pronounced Too-nah-ha) Nation. The nation speaks a unique language, not linked to any other native language in North America. For 10,000 years, the Ktunaxa people have lived in the Kootenays, Alberta, Montana, Washington and Idaho.
Visitors looking to spend a night under the stars can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Lakeshore Resort and Campground, with spectacular views over Lake Windermere. The campground is maintained and run by the Akisqnuknik Development Corporation, the business arm of the band. There are sites for tents and RVs, along with two chalets available for renting. There are also several cottages for lease closer to the lakeshore.
For those interested in hunting, Akisqnuk’s Chisel Peak Outfitting has exclusive rights to approximately 500 square miles of Rocky Mountain wilderness. These traditional hunting grounds have been used for thousands of years by the First Nations people. Guests can hunt on horseback from cabins or tent camps in remote areas. Chisel Peak also offers eco and cultural tours for visitors through East Columbia Lake, Chisel Peak, nearby hot springs and Indian baths, and Pedley Pass.
The Columbia Lake tour takes hikers on a walk of the Ktunaxa Creation Story. Legend says Natmuqcin, a giant, hit his head on the sky and fell over, creating the Rocky Mountains. Other tours pass through traditional lookouts, open meadows with panoramic views, hunting camps and archaeological sites, including pictographs. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn more about the indigenous people of the region.
Nearby attractions include Windermere Lake Provincial Park, the communities of Invermere and Windermere, Windermere Valley Golf Course and Fairmont Hot Springs. Summer visitors should check out the National Aboriginal Day celebrations at the Lakeshore Campground on June 18th.
For more information, visit www.akisqnuk.org.
The Akisqnuknik Development Corporation is a community-based economic development organization that operates the following businesses on behalf of the Akisqnuk First Nation.
Lakeshore Resort and Campground: Site of National Aboriginal Day Festival, Saturday, June 18th, 2011. The only campground situated on the shores of Lake Windermere contains 130 campsites in a tranquil, picturesque setting. Sites can be rented daily, weekly, monthly or yearly. For information about long-term rentals, call Lillian Rose at 250-342-4409. For information about overnight rentals, call 250-342-6352.
Little Badger and Baby Badger Early Learning Program: These Montessori-style programs prepare pre-schoolers for elementary education with a curriculum based on respect for the environment, good citizenship and cross-cultural education. Summer recreation programs are also offered. For information, call Maxine Hawes at 250-342-6331.
Aboriginal Head Start Family Program: This program offers an age-appropriate, hands-on learning curriculum. All Head Start Programming is built upon six key components: culture and language, education, health promotion, nutrition, parent and family involvement, and social support. For information, call Kathleen Elphick at 250-342-6331.
Chisel Peak Guide Outfitters: Offers professionally guided big game hunts, horseback riding, guided eco-tours and fishing packages. For information about guided hunts, call Les Parsons at 250-421-7027. For information about guided eco-tours, call Lillian Rose at 250-342-4409.
Billboards, Signs and Graphic Design: The Akisqnuknik Development Corporation is pleased to offer outdoor advertising and marketing opportunities, on reserve lands adjacent to Highway 93/95 in the Upper Columbia Valley. For more information, call Bob Ede at 250-342-4409.
Akisqnuk First Nation and the Akisqnuknik Development Corporation partner to build a positive and prosperous business environment in the Columbia Valley.
Designed by Shawn Wernig © 2011 Columbia Valley Pioneer • www.columbiavalleypioneer.com