The Ktunaxa and Qat’muk
The Ktunaxa have lived within our homelands since time immemorial, maintaining a deep spiritual connection with the natural world — especially the grizzly bear.
Qat’muk is a sacred place where the Grizzly Bear Spirit was born, journeys to heal, and returns to the spirit world.
For the Ktunaxa, the Grizzly Bear Spirit embodies guidance, strength, protection, and deep spirituality. Its well-being is inseparable from that of living grizzly bears — past, present, and future.
The Ktunaxa carry a sacred responsibility to care for Qat’muk and to honour the Grizzly Bear Spirit through stewardship, respect, and protection of this sacred landscape.
Where is Qatmuk?
Qat’muk is located in the Southeast corner of British Columbia, encompassing the Jumbo-Toby Creek watershed area. It is approximately 55 km west of the nearest community of Invermere, BC.
The Story of Qat’muk
The Ktunaxa relationship with Qat’muk continues to this day. This sacred place is not only central to our spirituality but also to our identity and responsibility as stewards of the land. The history of Qat’muk is a story of resilience, respect, and the enduring connection between the Ktunaxa people, the Grizzly Bear Spirit, and the natural world.
The following slideshow shares this story — tracing Qat’muk’s cultural significance, the challenges faced in protecting it, and the collective efforts to ensure its spirit and landscape remain strong for generations to come.
Continuing the Qat’muk legacy
As the Ktunaxa people continue to defend and protect this sacred place, the Qat’muk Declaration was created as a formal expression of this commitment.
It outlines the Ktunaxa vision for stewardship, respect and the protection of Qat’muk as a sacred and living landscape.
The Declaration stands as both a cultural affirmation and a call to others to honour and uphold the spirit of Qat’muk.
