We are pleased to introduce the third member of our Bringing the Salmon Home Nation-based Outreach and Engagement Organizer team. We warmly welcome Troy Hunter of the Ktunaxa Nation aboard. Troy joins Valerie Michel, Secwépemc Nation, and iitsakitsapoyaki (Carrie Terbasket), Syilx Okanagan Nation in this work.
The Nation-based Outreach and Engagement Organizers play important roles in this Indigenous-led Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative, strengthening circles of communication through foundational work within their Nations, collaborating with the CRSRI partners, and raising awareness across non-Indigenous communities.
Troy Hunter, Ktunaxa Nation
Troy Hunter is ?Aq’amnik of the Ktunaxa Nation. His professional experience includes working for Indigenous organizations in the Interior Plateau region of British Columbia including the Ktunaxa Nation Council, the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council, the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, and En’owkin Centre. Troy developed and operated the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Interpretive Centre at the St. Eugene Mission Resort, a former Indian residential school, and he made a short documentary about the loss of salmon on the upper Columbia River. He interviewed and photographed Elders for the published book titled “Not so Long Ago: Qa Ỉsit Winikitni (Ktunaxa) : Dahahex – Gasa – Ooy (Secwépemc) : Recollections of the Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Elders.”
Troy has worked in public engagement on an Indigenous science project concerning the South Pacific Islands and Western Canada, served as Vice President for the Indigenous Arts Service Organization (IASO) for ten years, and was elected as a School Trustee for the Nicola-Similkameen School District. Troy works with photography and video from time to time and is an avid writer. Troy is also a graphic designer and worked on publications with Theytus Books in Penticton, Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council, as well as the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.
In 2013, Troy was called to the bar as a member of the legal profession. He is currently completing a master’s degree in constitutional law with Osgoode Hall Law School.
With appreciation,
The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Team
