page_title: Secwepemc
hierarchical_section_title: Secwepemc
caption_attribution_description: English: Secwepemcúl̓ecw on Turtle Island / in North America
context_page_description: The Secwépemc, known in English as the Shuswap people, are a First Nations people residing in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Secwepemcúĺecw, their country, ranges from the eastern Chilcotin Plateau and the Cariboo Plateau southeast through the Thompson Country to Kamloops and the Shuswap Country, and spans the Selkirk Mountains and Big Bend of the Columbia River to include the northern part of the Columbia Valley region. The country's traditional territory covers approximately 145,000 square kilometres. They relied heavily on hunting, trading and fishing to support their communities. The Secwepemc are perhaps the most numerous of the Interior Salish peoples of British Columbia if based upon the numbers who speak their language.
  Their traditional language is Shuswap, known as Secwepemctsín, which is currently spoken by over 1,600 people. Secwepemctsín is being revitalized by the efforts of organizations such as Chief Atahm School, which offers an immersion program until the ninth grade. In addition, Simon Fraser University now offers a University program teaching students about Secwepemc language as well as culture.
context_section_description: The Secwépemc (/ʃəˈhwɛpəm/ shə-WHEP-əm; Secwepemc: [ʃəˈxʷɛpməx] or [səˈxwɛpməx]), known in English as the Shuswap people /ˈʃuːʃwɑːp/, are a First Nations people residing in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Secwepemcúĺecw, their country, ranges from the eastern Chilcotin Plateau and the Cariboo Plateau southeast through the Thompson Country to Kamloops and the Shuswap Country, and spans the Selkirk Mountains and Big Bend of the Columbia River to include the northern part of the Columbia Valley region. The country's traditional territory covers approximately 145,000 square kilometres. They relied heavily on hunting, trading and fishing to support their communities. The Secwepemc are perhaps the most numerous of the Interior Salish peoples of British Columbia if based upon the numbers who speak their language.
  Their traditional language is Shuswap, known as Secwepemctsín ([ʃəxwəpməxtˈʃin]), which is currently spoken by over 1,600 people. Secwepemctsín is being revitalized by the efforts of organizations such as Chief Atahm School, which offers an immersion program until the ninth grade. In addition, Simon Fraser University now offers a University program teaching students about Secwepemc language as well as culture. The program hopes to focus on learning the language, culture, and traditions of the Secwepemc people.
  The Secwepemc have always stressed the importance of recognizing their title to the land.  In 1910, the Secwepemc Chiefs addressed a memorial to Prime Minister Laurier.  The memorial laid out the grievances of the Secwepemc stemming from the previous 50 years of settlement.  The Secwepmc people have created a number of organizations, institutions, and initiatives including the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and Secwepemc Cultural Education Society.
caption: Location and extent of Secwepemcúĺecw on Turtle Island (North America)
exif: {}