Kootenay-Columbia MP Wayne Stetski has brought the more than two-decade-old struggle to keep the Jumbo Valley wild to Parliament’s attention.

In a statement in the House of Commons today, Stetski drew Parliamentarians attention to the Ktunaxa Nation’s challenge in the Supreme Court of Canada that began Thursday.

He also highlighted the beauty of the Purcell Mountains and recognized the tireless efforts of the thousands of people across Kootenay-Columbia working to protect wild spaces.

With Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald expressing constant opposition to the Jumbo Glacier Resort proposal for the upper Jumbo Valley, 55 km west of Invermere, both senior members of governments representing the area are opposed to the languishing development proposal.

Speaking following his statement in the House, Stetski shared why it was important for him to bring this local issue to Parliament.

“The fight to keep Jumbo Wild has caused division and hardship in communities across our region for over 20 years. One thing that brings people together is agreement about how ecologically important and spiritual the Purcell Mountains are. I wanted to highlight that,” he said.

“The Ktunaxa case at the Supreme Court may be specific to Qat’muk and Jumbo but it really speaks to recognizing aboriginal spiritual practices and beliefs for Canada’s First Nations. It is also important for protecting wild spaces. These are themes that need to be central to our conversations as we move forward not just in Kooteany-Columbia but across Canada,” Stetski said.

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