Text and photos : Beverley O’Neil
Located in the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation and on the lands the people call A’Qam is the St. Eugene Mission Resort. The resort is a testimony to the perseverance and strength of a people whose culture is at risk, and the rare language is spoken by few, as well, offers a source for their survival.
Directed by a Nation Elder to use the building to return the culture to the people, the St. Eugene Mission Resort as quickly earned its place in a region rich with natural beauty, pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and more than 10,000 years of Ktunaxa history in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Ktunaxa took a sad period of history, melded it with the strength and culture of the people to become one of the largest regional employers.
The resort offers a 126-room high-end hotel with fine dining and lounge, conference facilities, pool, hot tub, fitness facilities, casino, and an 18-hole championship golf course. Golf Digest rated the course as one of the top three Canadian new courses in 2001.
Housed in the main building is the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre, which displays artifacts and details of the history and mythology of the Ktunaxa people. The Centre is the only place in the world visitor’s can learn of the Ktunaxa from the original people. Admission is free.
Future summer guests will be able to sleep in an on-site teepee camp.
Conversion of the site considered the ecological, cultural, and historical needs of the community today and in seven generations. Nation citizens identified sensitive areas, worked on the site and in the building’s renovation, and now work in the resort.
During construction, it was discovered the Townsend Big-Eared Bats had established a colony in the once-abandoned building. Like the Ktunaxa people, the bat’s continuance is at risk. To aid in the bat’s survival, the main building attic and belfry, the bat colony has been secured and climate-controlled. An infrared camera allows local wildlife researchers to monitor the bats, and resort to guests watch on closed-circuit television.
Ownership and operation of the resort is a unique partnership between three First Nations – the Ktunaxa Tribal Nation, Samson Cree and Mnjikaning First Nations.
Location and access
_ Easily accessible by car or plane, the Resort neighbours the Cranbrook Airport, which is a 1.5 hour direct flight from the Vancouver International Airport or 40 minutes direct flight from Calgary International Airport in Alberta. The resort is situated 5 minutes outside Cranbrook on the Old Airport/Mission Road, a fully paved main road. Cranbrook is on highway 95/93 and 4 hours drive southeast from Calgary, Alberta on TransCanada No. 1 highway.
Contact
St. Eugene Mission Resort
7731 Mission Road, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7E5
Telephone : (250) 420-2000
Toll Free : 1-866-292-2020
Fax : (250) 420-2001
E-mail : info@steugene.ca
Website : www.steugene.ca
Languages : English
Book or purchase tour : Direct with the resort