On June 20, 2024 at 9:00 am, the Town of Creston will be holding a naming and opening ceremony with yaqan nukiy (Lower Kootenay Band) Chief and Council to officially announce the name of the market park project: “ʔak̓uǂni”. ʔak̓uǂni, pronounced ah-kooth-nee, means “journey” or “the act of paddling” in the ktunaxa language, and is the root of the word “kootenay.”
"We are proud to name the park in the ktunaxa language, honoring the cultural heritage of the yaqan nukiy. Incorporating yaqan nukiy features into the park represents our commitment to celebrating and preserving their history and culture,” comments Mayor DeBoon.
The Town of Creston collaborated with yaqan nukiy in developing the park’s features, including the plantings and gathering circle. The installation of a large tipi marks the first on land within the Town of Creston in over 100 years, marking an important step towards truth and reconciliation.
“From the time when we first brought Dave Thompson and the Jesuit Father DeSmet to our territory Flatbow Kootenay or ʔak̓aq̓ⱡahaⱡxu were known and documented to be instrumental in the development of our territory as we know it today. With an unwritten language the word ʔak̓uǂni became “A Kootenay” and the name for the territory became the Kootenays,” says Lower Kootenay Band Councillor Robin Louie. “Working in peace and thriving together for the betterment of all of our future generations is the foundation of the culture of the land that we all call home, and what makes this such a great place to live. Since time immemorial people from all directions around the continent have come to the land where two great rivers flow in a circle to begin their ʔak̓uǂni, and what a better place to begin than right here.”
The park, which opened to the public in April, has already had a transformative impact on the community. The centrally located space has led to a notable increase in customers at the Farmers’ Market, thanks to its accessibility and amenities such as seating, food trucks, water, electricity, and plantings that encourage people to shop, linger, and participate in the local economy.
"We are proud to support the creation of ʔak̓uǂni, a vibrant community space that not only serves as a hub for local food and recreation, but also honours the rich cultural heritage of the Yaqan Nukiy people,” said Will Nixon, Director, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “This park reflects the Trust’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Basin communities by fostering connections and celebrating the unique heritage of the region."
“This park will truly become the heart of our community, and having the Farmers’ Market here exemplifies its spirit. The new space has brought an incredible vibrancy, allowing local vendors to thrive and residents to connect in meaningful ways,” says the Mayor.
“PacifiCan’s investment in the Town of Creston demonstrates how the Government of Canada is boosting economic development in communities across British Columbia. Shared public spaces like ʔak̓uǂni in Creston bring people together, support businesses, and ensure that communities thrive well into the future,” said Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan).
The naming and opening ceremony for the park will take place on June 20th, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. There will be a short reception to follow.
The Town will continue to explore opportunities for partnerships and funding to further enhance the park with additional amenities and cultural storytelling features.
On behalf of the Town of Creston, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this important project including a special thanks to our funders, PacifiCan and Columbia Basin Trust.