By Breanne Massey
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Ktunaxa businesses, artisans and entrepreneurs can now easily be identified through a new online directory dubbed as “Ktunaxa Ready.” The purpose of creating a web directory is to raise awareness about Ktunaxa businesses, and to help potential clients learn more about what services are available from this region.
“Ktunaxa Ready is a response to market need,” said Shane Stewart, Business Development Officer with the Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) in a recent press release. “Calls come in every week to the KNC Economic Sector from people who want to find Ktunaxa businesses. We wanted to make it easier for them to connect and work together.”
The KNC represents the communities from Akisqnuk First Nation in Windermere, the Lower Kootenay Band near Creston, St. Mary’s Band in Cranbrook and the Tobacco Plains band in Grasmere.
Stewart encourages everyone to visit the website to learn more about the wide variety of products and services available from the KNC entrepreneurial community. “The directory lists Ktunaxa sole proprietorships, partnerships and larger business entities — 45 listings so far, and growing,” said Stewart. The range of listings is diverse, ranging from logging to landscaping, designers and magicians located from Ainsworth to Windermere, as well as in urban communities like Vancouver.
“Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, specifically Number 92, ‘Business and Reconciliation,’ provides a framework and set of values to move forward together — respectfully and successfully,” said Donald Sam, director of the Ktunaxa Nation Council’s Economic Investment Sector in a recent press release. “Ktunaxa Ready can be seen as both promoting Ktunaxa businesses and supporting non-Indigenous businesses as they understand and practice reconciliation.”
To visit the directory, please go to www.ktunaxaready.com to learn more.
