Tobacco Plains Indian Band facts for kids
 |
|
| People | Ktunaxa |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Grasmere |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Land | |
| Reserve(s) |
Tobacco Plains 2
|
| Land area | 42.775 km2 |
| Population (2019) | |
| On reserve | 78 |
| Off reserve | 133 |
| Total population | 211 |
| Tribal Council | |
| Ktunaxa Nation | |
| Website | |
| tobaccoplains.org | |
The Tobacco Plains Indian Band (in the Ktunaxa language: ʔakink̓umⱡasnuqⱡiʔit) is a First Nation group. They live in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada. They are part of the larger Ktunaxa Nation, which is a group of Ktunaxa communities working together.
Contents
Who Leads the Band?
The Tobacco Plains Indian Band is led by a Chief and Councillors. These leaders are chosen by the community members. They make important decisions for the band. They work to improve life for everyone in their community.
Current Leaders
- Chief - Mary Mahseelah
- Councillor - Dan Gravelle
- Councillor - Robert Luke
- Councillor - Corey Letcher
- Councillor - Jason Gravelle
What is the Treaty Process?
The Tobacco Plains Indian Band is involved in the British Columbia Treaty Process. This is a way for First Nations and the governments of British Columbia and Canada to talk. They discuss how to share land and resources. They also talk about how First Nations can govern themselves. The goal is to create new agreements, called treaties. These treaties help to build a better future for everyone.
Treaty Stage
The Tobacco Plains Indian Band is currently in Stage 4 of the BC Treaty Process. This means they are actively negotiating. They are working on the details of a new treaty.
A Look at Their History
The Tobacco Plains Indian Band is part of the Ktunaxa (pronounced 'K-too-nah-ha') Nation. The Ktunaxa people have lived in this area for thousands of years. Their traditional lands stretch across parts of British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana. They are known as the "Kootenay Nation."
Ktunaxa Communities
There are several Ktunaxa communities. Six of these are Kootenai Nations. Two are in the United States (Idaho and Montana). Four are in British Columbia: Grasmere, Creston, Cranbrook, and Windermere/Invermere. The Shuswap Nation, who are Salish people, were also adopted into the Kootenay Nation. This shows how different groups sometimes came together.
