St. Mary's First Nation (British Columbia) facts for kids
ʔaq̓am, also known as the St. Mary's Indian Band, is a First Nation group located in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia. They are an important part of the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Tribal Council, which helps different Ktunaxa communities work together.
Contents
Who Leads ʔaq̓am?
The ʔaq̓am community is led by a Chief and a group of Councillors. These leaders are chosen by the community members to make decisions and represent their interests.
Current Leaders
- Joe Pierre Jr (Chief)
- Julie Birdstone (Councillor)
- Codie Morigeau (Councillor)
- Vickie Thomas (Councillor)
- Jason Andrew (Councillor)
Understanding the Treaty Process
The ʔaq̓am First Nation is involved in the BC Treaty Process. This is a way for First Nations, the governments of British Columbia, and Canada to talk and agree on important things like land rights, resources, and how communities are governed.
What is Stage 4?
The ʔaq̓am are currently in Stage 4 of the BC Treaty Process. This stage is about negotiating and finalizing an agreement. It means they are working on the details of a treaty that will define their rights and relationships for the future.
How Many People Live in ʔaq̓am?
The ʔaq̓am community, also known as the Lower Kootenay First Nation, has 345 registered members. This number includes people living both on and off their traditional lands.
See Also
- Kootenay Indian Residential School
