Traditional Ktunaxa Summer Camp

March 15th, 2023 1 Minutes

Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History(CBIRH) and Cranbrook Archives – 0366.0023 (As seen in ‘Forgotten Cranbrook A Photo History of Early Cranbrook & District written by Wild Horse Creek Press publisher Keith Powell, editor and co-authors Erin Knutson and Derryll White of the CBIRH

This hand-coloured postcard depicts camp life for the Ktunaxa people at the mouth of the Elk River during the hot months of an East Kootenay summer. Photographer J.F. Spalding took this documentative image around 1920. The Ktunaxa adopted tipis shortly after utilizing the horse as part of their daily activities, opening the channels for a nomadic lifestyle that allowed them to match their needs with the changing seasons.

“After adopting the horse, the Upper Ktunaxa replaced brush shelters with the skin-covered tipi. Shifting residence patterns allowed utilization of various economic resources according to the season. Men fished, hunted and, when necessary, cared for horses,” according to Jr. Deward E. Walker. “Ktunaxa (Kootenay).” The Canadian Encyclopedia.

Governance was respective, and goods were exchanged among the bands as a form of social currency. According to Walker’s article, social standing was based on the ability to procure goods and wealth. Philanthropy was also a positive trait for the community and necessary quality for their leadership style.