One of the region’s vibrant success stories, Kootenay Knitting Company is continuing to demonstrate new innovations through a partnership with the Nisga’a people of the Nass Valley.

“This is beautiful work,” says Kootenay-Columbia MP Jim Abbott, who has long been a supporter of the Cranbrook-based company.

“The designs are unique and quite exciting. Kootenay Knitting’s success demonstrates the kind of innovation and can- do attitude that best typifies business and industry in this riding.”

Mr. Abbott had a recent opportunity to tour the facility and see the designs, which have been created for Kootenay Knitting by Nisga’a artists in the village of Laxgalts’ap.

“I am always pleased to see the inclusion of unique native artistry, some of which is typified by the Nisga’a, in Canadian-made products,” he said

Company’s driving forces, President Cathy Rella and Sales Manager Carol Jeske said during the tour that they have spent two years building a relationship with the people of Laxgalts’ap.

“The people of Laxgalts’ap have lived in the Nass Valley since the beginning of time and they are proud of their sophisticated North West Coast culture and artwork,” they said. “They are looking for employment and economic opportunities and Chief Willard Martin is excited that for the first time in Olympic history aboriginal participation is a high priority of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mr. Abbott said he hopes that products bearing the new designs prove to be popular when they go on sale this autumn.