An award winning, richly illustrated magazine that celebrates Ktunaxa Peoples, communities and the Nation through culture, stories, history, profiles, photography, art and design.
Art direction
Magazine design
Identity design
Archival Research
Content development
Infographic design
Illustration
Print management
q̓apkiⱡ (pronounced k-ahp-kihlth) is the first publication of it’s kind for the Ktunaxa Nation and every design feature, as well as the name and masthead, was developed in close consultation with Ktunaxa traditional knowledge custodians.
A primary feature of the magazine is Ktunaxa language—an endangered cultural isolate language unrelated to any other language in the world. Correct representation of Ktunaxa language requires unique syllabics which few editorial fonts are able to accommodate. In collaboration with Typotheque font foundry two families were identified: Lava (serif) and November (sans serif). Some fine tuning was required and in consultation with the Ktunaxa Nation Traditional Knowledge and Language Advisory Committee fonts were refined by typographer Kevin King to accurately represent the nuances of the Ktunaxa language.
Sensitivity to preserving the integrity of content was essential. The responsibility to honour the authors and subjects of each story brought focus to creating a space that allowed for authentic Ktunaxa expression without interference. Where possible Ktunaxa artwork was used, such as the beaded characters in the creation story originally created by Ktunaxa artists for the Radium Visitors Centre (page 10) and icons on the territory maps illustrated by Darcy Luke/Roshau (page 19 and 25).
The natural richness of Ktunaxa culture inspired the use of uncoated paper (Rolland Enviro) with red foil finishes applied to the masthead on cover and spine.
We were blown away by the depth, breadth and quality of this issue focused on Indigenous land in Canada’s Western National Parks. It was visually stunning and we learned a lot.
National Magazine Awards Jury
q̓apkiⱡ won Gold for Best Editorial Package at Canada’s National Magazine Awards in June 2024 and was also selected to be presented as part of the 2024 Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival’s Indigenous Dialogue plenary.
Proceeds from the publishing of q̓apkiⱡ go to the Ktunaxa Traditional Knowledge and Language Enrichment Society which supports Ktunaxa cultural education and continuity within the Nation and beyond.