The Real History of Sam Steele in the Kootenays

Unpacking the history of the RCMP, Colonialism and Dispossession in Cranbrook, Ktunaxa ʔamakʔis.

Register here for this free event.

In this presentation, Nasukin Joe Pierre and UBC PHD candidate Sean MacPherson will share truth that unsettles the accepted history of Sam Steele in the Kootenays and the regional history that became mythology over time. While that myth influenced an identity for local settlers over a century, it obscured the direct role that the RCMP and local politicians had in forcing the relocation of Ktunaxa people from the Cranbrook area onto the reserve at St. Mary’s.

Sean’s research work draws on government correspondence, archival evidence, as well as work with the Ktunaxa Nation, aiming to paint a more realistic portrait of history and the complicated legacy of colonialism in the region.

Presenter Bios:

Joe Pierre

Nasuʔkin (Chief) Joe Pierre Jr. was elected to the position as the Chief for the ʔaq̓am Community in 2016. Nasuʔkin Joe previously served on ʔaq̓am Council as a counselor and brings with him that experience, as well as vast cultural knowledge and storytelling. He is the “go to” person for sharing the ʔaq̓am version of the Ktunaxa Creation Story. Along with his wife Jen and son, Jude, Joe is a proud Ktunaxa member and a longtime resident of Cranbrook. He is a family man who also dedicates his time to coaching basketball for the elementary school and has been working for School District 5 for many years.

Sean MacPherson

Sean MacPherson is a historian and part-time skateboarder from Cranbrook. An alumnus of the Cranbrook Community Learning Center (Pathfinders), he has worked on Kootenay history for many years, working collaboratively with Ktunaxa Nation. He received an MA in history at the University of Victoria in 2020. He is currently finishing a PHD in History at UBC and has a book about Sam Steele in the Kootenays coming out in 2025.

An in-person reception will be held after the the event from 2:00-3:00 PM at yaqakiǂ ʔit̓qawxaxamki (Place Where People Gather).

Register here for this free event.