Good news for shoppers looking to “level up” their gift-giving this season: You can find gifts with a distinctive, cultural edge at Skinku¢ Treasures, now open in the Tamarack Centre.

“Skinku¢ is Ktunaxa for ‘coyote,’” said Jared Teneese (pictured), who is Product and Business Developer with the shop. “Skinku¢ is an important figure for us, and a fitting character for gifts to surprise and delight family and friends.” (To pronounce skinku¢ .)

Profits from the shop support the work of the language revitalization done by the Ktunaxa Nation Council through its Traditional Knowledge and Language Sector.

Skinku¢ Treasures has operated at St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino since 2002. A second location in the Ktunaxa Nation Government Building (the old Central School in Cranbrook) opened in 2018. Both locations have been shuttered temporarily in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, as the resort is closed for the season and the government building is closed to the public at this time.

“We have all these wonderful suppliers,” Teneese said, “including Ktunaxa and other Indigenous artisans. Their work is beautiful and well-crafted. And all of a sudden, we didn’t have a way to feature their goods in a retail space.

“So we made the decision to open up a location in the Tamarack Centre, where we are following strict COVID-19 protocols.”

The store opened on Saturday, November 7, and features books, jewelry, purses, moccasins, housewares, gift ware, beading supplies and lots more—with more stock arriving daily.

“The silver lining is we will soon have even more Ktunaxa-made products than ever before,” Teneese said, “as well as lots of authentic items from other Indigenous artisans and companies.”

If you’re visiting the Tamarack Centre this season, remember to stop into Skinku¢ Treasures and check things out. Teneese and his sales team will be happy to help you shop safely are there to answer any questions.

Photo submitted

Ktunaxa Nation Council

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