Ktunaxa Nature Walk: Alfred Joseph’s Walkabout

This “Walkabout” book came from the idea to create interest in looking at the outside environment through the lens of the Ktunaxa language.

It features 150 Ktunaxa words/phrases, with associated picture/descriptions, and each with their own QR code which takes you to an audio recording of Alfred saying this word/phrase.

Wherever you look, there is a Ktunaxa word for an area, plant, bush, insects, birds animals, etc. All these plants and most of the content of this booklet are along a short, circular trail that starts and ends from the house of respected Ktunaxa Elder, Alfred Joseph. It is Alfred’s hope that Ktunaxa/Ksanka and others will utilize this booklet to learn and utilize the words daily, to some degree, slowly increasing their vocabulary and knowledge.

Author Alfred Joseph is a highly respected Ktunaxa Elder and past chief of the ʔakisq̓nuk Nation.  He is an expert in Ktunaxa language and knowledge and an immensely passionate, dedicated and talented educator.  He was a student at St Eugene’s Residential School and graduated from Olds Agricultural College. He has a farm with hay production and farm animals, and had a Trail Riding operation for 25 years. He is very knowledgeable about and utilizes all aspects of Ktunaxa Culture. He teaches Ktunaxa Language and is very involved with sharing Ktunaxa Traditional Knowledge and encouraging implementation into Ktunaxa Nation Council Programs and Policy.

“With this book, Alfred has achieved his lifelong goal of preserving and passing on Ktunaxa traditional knowledge, as he has done throughout his life, so that future generations can have the benefit of his grandparents and great grandparents’ knowledge. Alfred’s love of the mountains, studying their incredible bounty is now passed on to you.” – Hereditary Chief Sophie Pierre