Aboriginal Voice 2017

VOICE ADAMS LAKE

WHISPERING PINES

TK’EMLUPS

BONAPARTE

SPLATSIN

SKEETCHESTN

NESKONLITH

SHUSWAP

SEMPCW

OUR MISSION:

To promote & ensure the physical, mental, emotional & spiritual well-being of our people and community.

tkemlups.ca

B2

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

2017 National Aboriginal Day “New Gold and Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation (SSN), as represented by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and the Skeetchestn Indian Bands, working together for a stronger future.”

New Gold ell Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc, ell Tk’emlúpsemc ell Skeetchestnemc te Secwépemc,“Me7 élkstwecw-kt es p’7ecws yegwyégwt-kt”

New Afton recognizes National Aboriginal Day on Wednesday, June 21st, a date chosen for the symbolic nature of the Summer solstice, and an opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal peoples. We hope the day’s events are filled with sunshine and celebration.

New Gold continues to be proud of its relationship with the Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation (SSN).

With 23% Aboriginal employment, New Afton celebrates our joint success in sustainability initiatives and will continue to work towards a stronger relationship.

New Afton welcomes your feedback. Call us at 250.377.2100 or email us at info@newgold.com Follow us on Twitter @NewAfton www.newgold.com

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

B3

VOICE

The origins of National Aboriginal Day June 21 is National Aboriginal Day, a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous Peoples.

Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

In co-operation with indigenous organizations, the federal government chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day. For generations, many Indigenous Peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

National Aboriginal Day was announced in 1996 by then-governor general Roméo LeBlanc through the proclamation declaring June 21 of each year as National Aboriginal Day. Establishment of the day was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various indigenous groups.

In 1995, the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of indigenous and non-indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples.

Also in 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day. In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. National Aboriginal Day is part of the Celebrate Canada program, which also includes Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and Canada Day (July 1).

While all federal government departments support National Aboriginal Day, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Canadian Heritage work together to promote it.

INAC provides resources and ideas for events, while Canadian Heritage provides funding opportunities for community celebratory events, such as that taking place on Wednesday, June 21, at the Tk’emlups Indian Band Powwow Grounds.

For more information on the local National Aboriginal Day celebration, turn to page 5.

City of Kamloops Office of the Mayor

Celebrating National Aboriginal Day

COME CELEBRATE ABORIGINAL DAY WITH US!

We are proud of our long-standing relationships with the local First Nations communities and the Kamloops and area Métis.

We look forward to a day of celebration and recognition on June 21st. ~ Deputy Mayor Singh and Kamloops City Council www.kamloops.ca

FREE BANNOCK & HERBAL TEA

NOW OPEN!

15% OFF ENTIRE STORE

ABERDEEN MALL - UPPER LEVEL 250-372-1114 | eagleeyegifts.ca

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017

Me7

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

* xyemstwécw-kp

The Kamloops campus of Thompson Rivers University is situated on the traditional lands of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc within Secwépemc’ulucw, the traditional territory of the Secwépemc people. We make this acknowledgement in honour of those who have lived on and loved these lands for millennia.

In our daily work of creating rich learning experiences for students of all nations...

150 years old or 15,000 years old, from across the river or across the globe... we hope to also uphold a value of the Secwépemc people:

Me7 xyemstwécw-kp

Respect one another * From http://www.firstvoices.com/en/Secwepemc/phrasebook/02d830a123efe761/Aboriginal-Culture

Visit the TRU Canada 150+ booth at Riverside Park on July 1st

MC122597

B4

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

B5

VOICE

Celebrate the big day with the TIB The Tk’emlups Indian Band will once again be hosting a big celebration on National Aboriginal Day, which will be marked on Wednesday, June 21.

The celebration will run from 2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the band’s Powwow Grounds at Highway 5 North and East Shuswap Road.

Included in the celebration will be

Secwepemc history is right at your fingertips

T

he Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park is a place to learn the cultural history of the First Nations people of the Thompson Valley.

While history books chronicle historical information about aboriginal peoples, the Secwepemc museum provides a unique perspective into the local First Nations community that has called the banks of the Thompson River home for thousands of years.

The museum exhibits incorporate the oral history and legends of the Secwepemc people, along with historical photographs, illustrations and artifacts.

The museum is used as a repository and has hundreds of artifacts discovered through archeological digs.

Artifacts displayed in the museum are up to

The “Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park provides a unique perspective into the local First Nations community.

”

10,000 years old.

The collection is so large that space is very limited.

Archivists are looking into different strategies to store artifacts, including partnering with other repositories throughout the province.

Additionally, a five-hect-

are park includes more than a kilometre of trails through the archeological remains of a Secwepemc winter village.

The trail leads visitors through the remains of the 2,000-year-old village site, four reconstructed winter pit houses and a summer village.

The village features a tule mat lodge, hunting lean-to, fish-drying rack, fish trap, smoke house and traditional plant foods.

The heritage park also features the Secwepemc Ethnobotanical Gardens, divided into five zones, each representing a different ecosystem found within the Secwepemc territory.

Interpretive signs located at each garden describe the ecosystem in which the plants grow naturally.

The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park is located at 200-330 Chief Alex Thomas Way.

drumming and dancing by Sage Hills, a summer solstice ceremony, arts and crafts, food vendors, flint knapping with Ed Jensen, various activities and entertainment and a fireworks display to cap it off.

The day is sponsored by the TIB, PetroCanada, the federal government and Lee’s Music.

Celebrating unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of the Aboriginal peoples.

Peter Milobar, MLA Kamloops – North Thompson

618B Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC Phone: 250.554.5413 Toll Free: 1.888.299.0805 peter.milobar.mla@leg.bc.ca www.petermilobarmla.ca

Todd Stone, MLA

Kamloops – South Thompson 446 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC Phone: 250.374.2880 Toll Free: 1.888.474.2880 todd.stone.mla@leg.bc.ca www.toddstonemla.ca

B6

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

L to R: Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada; Skeetchestn Chief Dr. Ron Ignace; Neskonlith Chief Judy Wilson, Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) Treasurer; Okanagan Nation Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President; Splatsin Chief Wayne Christian, Shuswap Nation Tribal Council Chair; Kwicksutaineuk Ah-kwa-mish First Nation Chief Councilor Bob Chamberlain, UBCIC Vice-President; Skawahlook First Nation Hereditary Chief Maureen Chapman, Acting Regional Chief BC Assembly of First Nations; Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Chief Fred Seymour

Share in the Wonder of Pípsell

As hosts of the territory, Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation (SSN), we want to protect and share the wonder of the place known to us as Pípsell (Jacko Lake and area). We are honouring the vision of our Ancestors who signed the Memorial to Wilfrid Laurier in 1910. It reflects our continued and consistent traditional concepts around our responsibilities as hosts.

We, as Secwépemc, have an irreplaceable historical, cultural and spiritual connection to Pípsell which derives from one of our stseptékwll or oral histories: the Trout Children Stseptékwll. Our spiritual connection to Pípsell, a sacred place, is irreplaceable.

We cannot transport our connection to Pípsell to another site.

The Ajax Mine Project in its proposed location at Pípsell is in opposition to the SSN land use objective for this profoundly sacred, culturally important, and historically significant keystone site which its significance is fundamental and undiminished. On March 4, 2017, the members of Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation said no to the proposed Ajax Mine Project and yes to healthy people and environment.

It does not make sense to permanently sacrifice all that we have in Pípsell to obtain limited monetary and other benefits which will last for only 25 years. As one of our Elders stated, “our Ancestors already set it out for us thousands of years ago.”

Numerous impacts were not and cannot be monetized including the adverse impact on our cultural heritage as well as impact on the environment.

Our overarching land use objective for Pípsell and the surrounding area is: Pípsell is a cultural keystone area that must be preserved in a state consistent with the traditional importance of the site to the Secwépemc people. Pípsell must only be used in ways which preserve and sustain the area, and which allow for the culture of the Secwépemc people to be exercised and maintained.

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

Tk’emlúps Knowledge Keepers Jeanette and Freda Jules shared the Lost Child/ Chickadee song- a song and dance which have been handed down for generations within Secwépemc families and interconnected to the Trout Children Stseptékwll.

Although Pípsell (Jacko Lake) has a historical trout population, it is also restocked annually with trout- in partnership with the Fresh Water Fish Society of BC.

Pípsell —Officially Designated as a Secwépemc Nation Cultural Heritage Site On June 11, Pípsell was officially designated as a Secwépemc Nation Cultural Heritage Site. We, the Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc, stood with our fellow Secwépemc Nation communities and families to re-affirm and mark Pípsell through ceremony in accordance with our Secwépemc laws, customs and traditions and a national resolution.

We see Pípsell as uniquely situated to serve as a place of sharing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. What makes it stand out is its abundant fish, wildlife and grasslands, its proximity to Kamloops, and we invite everyone to visit and enjoy the area. Our decision to preserve and sustain Pípsell is for the long-term benefit of all Canadians; ensuring the future enjoyment of this special place serves to further reconciliation, so that we may all be great and good.

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE! Like and follow us on Facebook: StkemlupsemcSSN Follow us on Twitter: @ Stkemlups_SSN Check out our webpage: www.stkemlups.ca/process

Check out the new Pípsell exhibit at the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park.

B7

B8

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

VOICE

The history behind National Aboriginal Day

T

he history of aboriginal peoples in Canada is rich and diverse.

This history stretches long into the past before the arrival of the European newcomers with diverse interactions among different peoples, flourishing trade and fierce conflict and competition for lands and resources.

The history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis is essentially the very history of Canada as they have played, and continue to play, important roles in its development and its future.

Crown-aboriginal relationships

The relationship between the Crown and aboriginal peoples in Canada has been in near constant evolution since it was first established over 300 years ago.

It has been affected by commercial and economic pressures, by shifting alli-

ances and external threats and by policies of protection and subordination.

Royal Proclamation of 1763

On October 7, 1763, King George III issued a Royal Proclamation for the administration of British territories in North America.

The Royal Proclamation of 1763 set out the core elements of the relationship between First Nations and the Crown, established the recognition of First Nation rights in Canada and laid the foundation of the treaty-making process and Canada’s territorial evolution.

Treaty-making in Canada

The impact of treatymaking in Canada has been wide-ranging and long standing.

Treaties the Crown has signed with aboriginal

peoples since the 18th century have permitted the evolution of Canada as we know it and form the basis for the ongoing treaty relationship. This treaty-making process, which has evolved over more than 300 years between aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples in Canada, has its origins in the early diplomatic relationship developed between European settlers and aboriginal people.

These diplomatic proceedings were the first steps in a long process that has led to today’s comprehensive claims agreements between the Crown and aboriginal peoples.

Contributions to the War of 1812

Throughout Canada’s history, aboriginal peoples have helped shape this land into the country we know today.

During the War of 1812, First Nations warriors and

Métis fighters played important roles in the defence of these British territories against invading American forces. Thousands of First Nations warriors and Métis fighters fought beside British troops and Canadian settler militias during the war. More than 10,000 First Nations warriors from the Great Lakes region and the St. Lawrence Valley participated in nearly every major battle.

Residential schools

For more than a century, aboriginal children were removed from their families and homes, sometimes forcibly, and taken to residential schools, where they were housed and educated under the authority of the Government of Canada.

Many children were abused, physically and sexually, in these schools.

The establishment of Indian residential schools began in the 1870s. The Government of Canada was involved in the funding and operation of many of these schools, along with various religious organizations, including the Anglican, Presbyterian, United and Roman Catholic churches.

Two primary objectives of the residential schools system were to remove and

isolate children from their homes, families, traditions and cultures and to assimilate them into the dominant culture.

In all, some 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis children were removed and separated from their families and communities to attend residential schools.

While most Indian residential schools ceased to operate by the mid-1970s, the last federally run school closed in the late 1990s.

On June 11, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered an historic apology to former students of Indian residential schools and their families and sought forgiveness for the suffering and the long-lasting impact the schools have had on First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture, heritage and language.

Alongside the 2008 apology, the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement is ongoing.

Contributions during the First World War

During the First World War, thousands of aboriginal peoples voluntarily enlisted in the Canadian military.

They served in every major theatre of the war

and participated in all of the major battles in which Canadian troops fought.

Hundreds were wounded or lost their lives on foreign battlefields. Aboriginal soldiers served valiantly; many distinguished themselves as talented and capable soldiers and at least 50 were awarded medals for bravery and heroism.

National Aboriginal History Month

In 2009, June was declared National Aboriginal History Month, following the passing of a unanimous motion in the House of Commons.

This provides an opportunity to recognize not only the historic contributions of aboriginal peoples to the development of Canada, but also the strength of present-day aboriginal communities and their promise for the future. Every June, Canadians celebrate National Aboriginal History Month, honouring the heritage, contributions and cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.

And, on June 21, Canadians celebrate National Aboriginal Day. — Government of Canada

Wednesday, June 21, 2017 The Village of Chase is proud to celebrate National Aboriginal Day in the South Thompson, honouring the heritage, culture and values of the many Secwepemc communities.

We urge you to join in the many gathering events happening throughout the region to make new friends and learn about the significance of the Secwepemc culture in the beautiful Shuswap.

National Aboriginal Day The District of Logan Lake recognizes, acknowledges and celebrates the traditional territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Secwepemc nations.

We join you in celebrating National Aboriginal Day on Wednesday, June 21.

Councillor Claire Newman Councillor Jim Noble

Mayor Robin Smith Councillor Al Smith Councillor June Waddell

Councillor Charlie Weir Councillor Garry Youd

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

VOICE

B9

Kamloopa Powwow a powerful celebration

T

he Kamloopa Powwow has grown into one of the largest celebrations of First Nations culture in Western Canada.

The powwow represents many years of stories and events of aboriginal culture, celebrated over three days at the Secwepemc Powwow grounds alongside the South Thompson River, running this year from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6.

The Shuswap Brothers and Sisters Society held the first Kamloopa Powwow in 1979.

In 1993, in conjunction with the Canada Summer Games, the Tk’emlups Arbour was built.

Upon the retirement of the Shuswap Brothers and Sisters Society in 2000, the Kamloopa Powwow Society was created.

At the first powwow in 1979, there was one drum and maybe 20 dancers.

Today, the powwow plays host to A dancer takes part in the 2016 Kamloopa Powwow. The popular three-day event attracts participants and visitors from across Western Canada and the United States.

around 20 drums, hundreds of dancers, awards tens of thousands of dollars in prize payouts and attracts upwards of 20,000 attendees from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Washington and Idaho.

The drumming contest pays out generous sums in prize money.

Categories include traditional, chicken, jingle, grass, fancy feather and fancy shawl for adult, teen and junior.

In addition to the regular dances, there is a selection of specials (dances), which are hosted by families.

Chief and council host specials each year and they signify council recognizing visitors. In addition, Miss Kamloopa presents a special.

A grand entry takes place every day, at 7 p.m. on the opening night and then at noon on Saturday and Sunday.

The Powwow also welcomes nonFirst Nations people to partake, learn and enjoy.

Kamloopa Powwow is known for its special competition which invites nonaboriginal peoples to try the traditional dances.

Happy Aboriginal Day Welcome to Secwepemc Territory

The Chief and Council of the Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band welcomes you to the territory known as Skwlax. The settlers could not say the Shuswap name so it is known today as Squilax. Skwlax in the Shuswap language is known as black bear. Visit as a guest and leave as a friend. This is our home for the short time that we are here on Mother Earth, but it is the home of the great spirit for eternity.

1663 LITTLE SHUSWAP LAKE RD, CHASE, BC. 45 MIN. EAST OF KAMLOOPS 30 MINUTES WEST OF SALMON ARM OFF HWY. 1 | QUAAOUTLODGE.COM

B10

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

At the April 24th 2017 TRU Faculty Association (TRUFA) Annual General Meeting, open to all TRU faculty members, a resolution regarding the proposed Ajax Mine was passed almost unanimously.

In passing this resolution, TRUFA affirmed its full support and endorsement of the Stk’emlúps te Secwépemc Nation (SSN) decision to not give its free, prior, and informed consent to the development of the lands and resources at Pipsell (Jacko Lake and Area) for the purposes of the Ajax Mine Project.

To this end, TRUFA will: • Sign on to the declaration of allies and issue a public statement that it fully supports and endorses the SSN decision, including through newspaper ads; • Support and encourage its members to support SSN and the Secwepemc People in their efforts to ensure a healthy people and environment; • Call on the federal and provincial governments to not consider any mining applications before their environmental impact assessment processes and the provincial mining regime have been fully reviewed and aligned with Indigenous decision-making processes.

• Commit to sharing this resolution with other union locals and provincial and national unions, encouraging them to also endorse the SSN decision and to recognize Indigenous peoples as decision-makers regarding access to their lands and resources.

For the full wording of the Resolution, please see below.

TRUFA RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF SSN DECISION REGARDING Pípsell (Jacko Lake and Area) AND THE PROPOSED AJAX MINE PROJECT WHEREAS the Thompson Rivers University ne Secwepemcul’ecw is located in the unceded territory of the Secwepemc People.

WHEREAS Thompson Rivers University Faculty Association (TRUFA) recognizes the Secwepemc People as decision-makers regarding access to their lands and resources.

WHEREAS Secwepemcul’ecw is the largest Indigenous territory in British Columbia, title to which is collectively held by the Secwepemc People. Their territory is also subject to many mineral tenures that have been granted without the consent of the Secwepemc People.

WHEREAS Pípsell (Jacko Lake and Area) is a profoundly sacred, culturally important, and historically significant keystone site of fundamental and undiminished significance to the Secwépemc People.

WHEREAS the Stk’emlúps te Secwépemc Nation (SSN) are yecwemínem (caretakers and stewards) of Pípsell, and conducted the most comprehensive assessment regarding the proposed Ajax Mine project in the immediate vicinity of Pípsell.

WHEREAS the SSN assessment considered Secwépemc Resource Use, adverse impacts of the proposed mining development from dust, on water quality and quantity, on food sources and the seasonal round and the Secwépemc way of life, Secwépemc Title and Rights and self-government.

WHEREAS on March 4, 2017 the SSN announced their decision not to not give its free, prior, and informed consent to the development of the lands and resources at Pipsell (Jacko Lake and Area) for the purposes of the Ajax Mine Project.

WHEREAS the TRUFA Human Rights committee already signed on to the Declaration of Allies in support of the SSN decision.

WHEREAS the provincial and federal governments have failed to conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment of the proposed project. The federal government is currently in the process of revising the Canadian environmental assessment legislation, which was greatly diminished under the Harper regime. The provincial government has been heavily criticized for deficiencies in its environmental, mining, and enforcement regimes, relying heavily on flawed information by the proponent and self-regulation, resulting in disastrous outcomes like the Mount Polley Tailings Pond Breach.

WHEREAS, despite the SSN decision, the federal and provincial government reopened their environmental assessment process regarding the proposed Ajax Mine project, aligning timelines and processes.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT TRUFA recognizing the Secwepemc People as decision-makers, hereby fully supports and endorses the SSN decision to not give its free, prior, and informed consent to the development of the lands and resources at Pipsell (Jacko Lake and Area) for the purposes of the Ajax Mine Project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT TRUFA will sign on to the declaration of allies and issue a public statement that it fully supports and endorses the SSN decision, including through newspaper ads.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT TRUFA will support and encourage its members to support SSN and the Secwepemc People in their efforts to ensure a healthy people and environment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT TRUFA will call on the federal and provincial governments to not consider any mining applications before their environmental impact assessment processes and the provincial mining regime have been fully reviewed and aligned with Indigenous decision-making processes.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT TRUFA commits to sharing this resolution with other union locals and provincial and national unions, encouraging them to also endorse the SSN decision and to recognize Indigenous peoples as decision-makers regarding access to their lands and resources.

For more info, see http://trufa.ca/resolution-in-support-of-ssn-decision-regarding-pipsell-and-ajax/ or email Cindy Ross Friedman cross@trufa.ca

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

B11

VOICE

ATTICUS FOULDS PHOTO Looking south at Tk’emlups from the hills behind Batchelor Heights. The North Thompson (left) and Thompson (right) rivers meet the South Thompson River at Riverside Park (in the middle of this photo), lending Kamloops its name. “Kamloops” is the English translation of the Shuswap word “Tk’emlúps,” meaning ‘where the rivers meet.”

Meet the people of the confluence The word Kamloops is the English translation of the Shuswap word Tk’emlúps, meaning “where the rivers meet” and for centuries has been the home of the Tk’emlupsemc, “people of the confluence.”

At one time, the Secwepemc people occupied one large traditional territory covering approximately 145,000 square kilometers.

In 1811, after European contact, the colonial government divided the Secwepemc people into 17 distinct groups, with specific parcels of land designated to each.

The Kamloops reserve land base was established in 1862 under the direction of Gov. James Douglas.

It is located east of the

North Thompson River and north of the South Thompson River, adjacent to the City of Kamloops.

Tk’emlúps has always occupied a place of great economic importance in the region.

Traversed by two major waterways, traditional Tk’emlupsemc territory was the center of major traffic and trade routes.

Due to the community’s great economic and military strength, as well as its ancestor’s pivotal role in the creation of peace accords, the Tk’emlupsemc were designated the Secwepemc7uwi, “the real Shuswap.”

The Tk‘emlúpsemc, now known as the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc, are members of the Interior-Salish

Secwepemc (Shuswap)speaking peoples of B.C. The Secwepemc people occupy a vast territory of the Interior of the province, stretching from the Columbia River Valley along the Rocky Mountains, west to the Fraser River and south to the Arrow Lakes.

The traditional Secwepemc lived as a selfgoverning nation grouped into bands.

Although the bands were separate and independent, a common language and a similar culture and belief system united them.

Before the smallpox epidemic of 1862, there were 32 Secwepemc bands with four Secwepemc dialects.

Today, there are 17 remaining bands that make up the Secwepemc Nation

and three Secwepemc dialects.

Traditionally, the Secwepemc depended on the natural resources of the land.

Each band usually spent the winter in its own village of pit houses.

During the rest of the year, most Secwepemc people lived a nomadic lifestyle.

They moved from place to place as foods became available in different areas.

They developed a unique, self-sufficient culture.

Two European furtrading posts were established in Kamloops in 1812, utilizing aboriginal skills to harvest animal populations, such as beaver.

By 1826, the effects of trapping on these popula-

tions were already noticeable.

Population increased in the Kamloops area from the late 1850s with gold miners, followed by ranchers in the 1860s and railway workers in the 1880s.

Chief Louis, born in 1828, was the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc chief from 1855 until his death in 1915.

Petit Louis, or Hli Kleh Kan, was a dominant figure in the development of the Kamloops region and the construction of St. Joseph’s Church.

On several occasions, he went to Ottawa in an attempt to negotiate for more land for his people. He also travelled to England to plead the case for the band to Queen Victoria.

His leadership did

much to improve conditions for the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc during white settlement.

The seasonal rounds of gathering show that the precontact Kamloops economy had three sectors: fishing, gathering (roots and berries) and hunting.

The relative importance of these has been much discussed in the archaeological and anthropological literature.

A reasonable guess for the ratio of the sectors in the diet of the people at the time of first contact with Europeans is in the region of one-third fish (principally salmon), one-third roots and berries and one-third hunted meat.

— tkemlups.ca

ting National Aboriginal DayDayDay Celebrating Aboriginal CelebratingNational National Aboriginal

Celebrating National Aboriginal Day Q’wemtsín Health Society Q’wemtsín Health Q’wemtsín Health Society Q’wemtsín HealthSociety Society Healthy Families, Healthy Communities.

Healthy Families, Healthy Healthy Families, HealthyCommunities.

Communities.

Celebrating National Aboriginal Day Healthy Families, Healthy Communities.

The Q’wemtsín Health Society works with member com-

The Q’wemtsín Health Society works with member munities to promote holistic healthSociety through provision of comThe Q’wemtsín Health works munities to promote holistic through provision of programs, services, andhealth education. with member com-munities to promote Healthy Families, Healthy Communities. programs, services, and education.

Q’wemtsín Health Society The Q’wemtsín Health Society works with member com250-314-6732 www.qwemtsin.org holistichealth health through provision of of munities to promoteThePh: holistic through provision Q’wemtsín Health Society works with member comPh: 250-314-6732 www.qwemtsin.org programs, services, and education. munities to promote holistic health through provision of programs, services, and education.

Ph: 250-314-6732

programs, services, and education.

Ph: 250-314-6732

www.qwemtsin.org www.qwemtsin.org 6-275 Seymour Street Kamloops, BC V2C 2E7

cathy.mcleod.c1@parl.gc.ca www.cathymcleod.ca

PH: 250-851-4991 FX: 250-851-4994

B12

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

2 PM to 10:30 PM Special Events Facility (Powwow Grounds) 100–345 Powwow Trail Kamloops BC V2H1H1 • • • • • • • • •

Fireworks Display Flint Knapping With Ed Jensen Story Telling & Legend Sharing With Lyle Thomas 5th Annual Moccasin Mile Run Entertainment: • Waylon Moar • Jeremy Kneeshaw Trio Activities Arts & Crafts Food Vendors Drumming & Dancing By: Sage Hills

for further information please visit: tkemlups.ca/event/2017-national-aboriginal-day Facebook: @TkemlupsteSecwepemc Monica Parker Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Communications Coordinator monica.parker@kib.ca 250.828.9736 250.320.6385

Lyle Paul Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Marketing Coordinator lyle.paul@kib.ca 250.828.9775 250.318.7493