Experience the Ktunaxa Cultural Installation at Canadian Rockies International Airport
For travelers departing from ʔakisqakⱡiʔit / Cranbrook, the Canadian Rockies International Airport now offers a meaningful connection to the land’s rich cultural heritage. The newly unveiled Ktunaxa Cultural Installation, created with the Ktunaxa Nation and the City of Cranbrook, invites visitors to explore the Ktunaxa homelands and creation story in an engaging and interactive way.
Honoring Ktunaxa Heritage Through Art and Storytelling
More than just a beautiful piece of art, this installation is an immersive experience. Featuring images of Ktunaxa landscapes and ten animals from the Ktunaxa creation story, it provides travelers with a unique way to engage with the land. A map of the Ktunaxa homelands and a QR code offering an audio recording deepen the connection to the region’s history.
The installation encourages a closer look—some animals are easy to spot, while others provide a fun challenge, adding an element of discovery for all ages.
A Space for Reflection and Connection
The departure lounge provides travelers with a uniquely enriching experience that highlights both the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Free from the usual distractions like televisions and digital advertising, the lounge encourages visitors to engage with their surroundings—admiring the newly installed Ktunaxa Cultural Installation and taking in the sweeping view of Fisher Peak. Here, passengers find a place to unwind, appreciating the rugged grandeur of the Rockies as they prepare for their journey. As travelers board the aircraft, the crisp mountain air offers a final, memorable connection to the Kootenay landscape, leaving a lasting impression long after departure.
Supporting Cranbrook’s Tourism Vision
This installation aligns with Cranbrook’s Tourism Master Plan goals to:
Invest in Arrivals and Gateways
Support a Ktunaxa Cultural Initiative
Share Cranbrook’s Stories through Interpretive Signage
It also complements the Ktunaxa Homelands campaign by Cranbrook Tourism, developed with Tourism Fernie and Tourism Kimberley, which highlights the Ktunaxa perspective of the Kootenay region. As Janice Alpine from Ktunaxa Tourism Engagement shares, “As we reclaimed our stories of the land, we can now share them with our neighbors and visitors.”
An Inviting Gateway to the Kootenays
Welcoming over 150,000 passengers annually, the Ktunaxa Cultural Installation serves as a memorable impression of ʔakisqakⱡiʔit / Cranbrook. This unique installation offers travelers a chance to connect with the Ktunaxa Homelands culture and the beauty of the land. Find out more Ktunaxa Homelands – Choose Cranbrook