Broadband Innovations, Part 2: Fiber Optics Reaches the Tipi

Now a casino and golf resort owned and operated by the Ktunaxa Nation, St. Eugene Mission Resort is a former residential school that brings back many painful memories for the Ktunaxa people.

Between 1910 and 1970, Ktunaxa children were sent to this Catholic school to learn religion, farming, and household chores. But--most important--they were pressured to learn "civilized ways." Children were forbidden to speak their own language and were punished when they did. Many were physically, sexually and mentally abused, too.

The era of compulsory residential school attendance had significant detrimental effects on the Ktunaxa language and culture. Since the children were punished for speaking their language, the elders refrained from teaching it to them, to help keep them out of trouble.

Native peoples' culture and history were treated as insignificant, potentially contributing to a pervasive sense of lost identity and purpose that may be responsible for social problems such as alcohol abuse that are common in the reservations.

Turning the old mission school into a resort represents an effort to turn the pain of the past into a positive symbol of strength and renewal for the Ktunaxa people.

[Photo: Kajsa Linnarsson]