Supreme Court to hear Ktunaxa’s Jumbo challenge

The Supreme Court of Canada announced will hear the Ktunaxa Nation’s challenge to Jumbo Glacier Resort.

The Ktunaxa First Nation is challenging approval of the proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort. Construction only proceeded as far as footings before the project's environmental lapsed.

The Ktunaxa First Nation is challenging approval of the proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort. Construction only proceeded as far as footings before the project's environmental lapsed.

The Supreme Court of Canada will hear the Ktunaxa Nation’s challenge to Jumbo Glacier Resort.

The First Nation is hoping to overturn a BC Court of Appeal Decision that found approval of a development agreement for the proposed resort did not violate the Ktunaxa’s right to freedom of religion.

“We are pleased with today’s ruling from the Supreme Court,” said Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Council chair. “Our right to freedom of religion should not be held in less regard than that of other Canadians.”

Teneese said she is “confident” the Supreme Court will “agree that Ktunaxa beliefs and practices are vital to who we are and must be taken into account by statutory decision makers.”

The application for leave to appeal was granted with costs. No hearing date has been set.

Nelson Star