About Us

Kootenay Lake lies entirely within Ktunaxa ʔamakʔis (territory). Since time immemorial the Ktunaxa people, in particular ʔak̓aq̓ⱡahaⱡxu the Flatbow Lower Kootenay, have been active stewards of the lake. The Sinixt, Secwépemc and Syilx people have been visitors to the Kootenay Lake area.

History

Growth in development pressure on Kootenay Lake has led to an increase in permits and referrals subject to agency review. The jurisdictional complexity of land and water policy coupled with declining capacity by provincial and federal agencies determined the need to address the issue. On January 21, 2010 the local Fisheries and Oceans Canada staff convened a meeting in Nelson BC to discuss the intensification of development around the Lake. The common concerns and joint responsibilities were discussed with agreement on the need for a partnership initiative. Thus, the Kootenay Lake Partnership (KLP) was formed in 2011. The KLP brings together federal, provincial, local, and First Nations governments to collaborate on shared objectives and strengthen collective stewardship of Kootenay Lake.

Vision

A productive and healthy Kootenay Lake ecosystem, with balanced land and water uses that support and sustain environmental, community, recreational, Ktunaxa cultural, traditional and aesthetic values.

Mission

Through partnership, information sharing and optimizing available resources, the KLP will work to develop integrated, collaborative approaches to lake management, in order to address the current and future activities on and around Kootenay Lake in ways that balance ecological health and economic benefits with Indigenous cultural and archaeological values. 

Purpose

To steward Ktunaxa values on the shoreline of Kootenay Lake, while enhancing collaborative management and protection of shared lake values. 

Values

The following values guide the work of the KLP. They reflect what members shared during the 2024 strategic renewal process. The KLP values are as follows: 

  • Utilize Ktunaxa knowledge as the cornerstone for decision-making
    Ktunaxa values, rights, and relationships to Kootenay Lake are central to the work of KLP. The KLP upholds Ktunaxa stewardship leadership and perspectives as foundational to all efforts. 

  • Integrate science and Indigenous knowledge
    The KLP recognizes the importance of bringing together Indigenous ways of knowing and western science to inform land and water use. By integrating diverse knowledge systems, KLP strengthens its ability to make informed and respectful decisions. 

  • Advance Truth and Reconciliation
    KLP is committed to deepening understanding of historic and ongoing harms experienced by the Ktunaxa Nation and yaqan nuʔkiy and inherent rights in lake management. This means supporting Ktunaxa-led initiatives and honoring the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in practice. 

  • Practice stewardship
    The KLP seeks to protect the lake’s ecological integrity while supporting thoughtful, community uses. Thoughtful decisions will support a balance between environmental conservation with development pressures. 

  • Prioritize accountability
    To build trust across jurisdictions and communities, the KLP commits to acting transparently in all aspects of the work. Members are accountable to one another, to their organizations, and to the public. 

  • Ensure accessibility
    KLP values a diversity of voices and strives to ensure that everyone can meaningfully contribute to lake planning and stewardship. 

  • Support knowledge transfer
    Education and information sharing with members of the public will be a cornerstone of all work conducted. 

  • Facilitate proactive and informed decision-making
    In a rapidly changing environment, the KLP must be forward-looking. The KLP will build and use strong data, community input, and shared knowledge to make thoughtful decisions that proactively prevent harm and protect shared values.