Ktunaxa Language and Storytelling
The Ktunaxa language is an integral part of our identity as a nation and a community. It is known as a cultural isolate language - that is, it is unlike any other language in the world - and is critically endangered.
We are working hard to preserve our language for future generations and foster fluent Ktunaxa language speakers in our community. Currently, there are less than 24 fluent speakers left and these speakers are all over the age of 60. As you travel through our Resort, you will see Ktunaxa names on our restaurants and conference rooms. We also worked with our elders to name each hole on the golf course, offering an insight into our culture and storytelling.
Below are some of the words, pronunciations and meanings that you might come across as you stay at the resort.
- Ktunaxa - (pronounced too-nah-ha) means ”Kutenai or Kootenay”
- Kiʔsuʔk k̓ikiⱡ - (pronounced keysook- kick-ikch) means "Good Food"
- Numa - means “Thunder” in the Ktunaxa language
- Kiʔsuʔk kyukyit - (pronounced Key-sook-yook-kyit) means "Welcome or Good Day"
- Anwunikit - means "See You Later"
Additional Learning Resources
For those interested in learning more, there are great resources online including:
- The Ktunaxa Community Portal on FirstVoices.com
- The Ktunaxa Language app through iTunes
- The College of the Rockies also offers an online University Studies course in Basic Ktunaxa
- Living the Language - Canada: The Ktunaxa documentary
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