Secwépemc
First Nations people in Canada From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
First Nations people in Canada From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Secwépemc (/ʃəxhwɛpˈmɪx/ shəkh-whep-MIKH;[2] Secwepemctsín: [ʃəˈxʷɛpməx] or [səˈxʷɛpməx]), also known by the exonym Shuswap (/ˈʃuːʃwɑːp/ SHOOSH-wahp), are a First Nations people residing in the interior of the Canadian province of British Columbia. They speak one of the Salishan languages, known as Secwepemctsín or Shuswap.
Secwépemc | |
|---|---|
 Location and extent of Secwepemcúĺecw | |
| Total population | |
| 6,755 (Including those of mixed ancestry)[1] (2016) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Canada (British Columbia) | |
| Languages | |
| Secwepemctsín, Secwepemcékst |
| Secwépemc (Shuswap) | |
|---|---|
| People | Secwépemc |
| Language | |
| Country | Secwepemcúl̓ecw |
Secwepemcúĺecw, the traditional territory or country of the Shuswap people, ranges from the eastern Chilcotin Plateau, bordering Tŝilhqot'in Country, and the Cariboo Plateau southeast through Thompson Country to Kamloops. It spans the Selkirk Mountains and Big Bend of the Columbia River to include the northern part of the Columbia Valley region. Their traditional territory covers approximately 145,000 square kilometres.[3] Traditionally, they depended on hunting, trading and fishing to support their communities.[3]
They speak one of the Salishan languages. Based on the number of people who speak their Shuswap language, the Secwepemc are likely the most numerous of the Interior Salish peoples of British Columbia.[4]
Their traditional language is Shuswap, also known as Secwepemctsín (Salishan pronunciation: [ʃəxwəpməxtˈʃin]). In the early 21st century, it is spoken by more than 1,600 people.[4] The First Nation is working to revitalize use of this language. For instance, Secwepemctsín is being taught in Chief Atahm School, which offers an immersion program to students from K-9. In addition, Simon Fraser University offers a university studies program teaching students Secwepemc language and culture.[5] The program focuses on the language, culture, and traditions of the Secwepemc people.[5]
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. Their paper laid out the cumulative grievances of the Secwepemc, based on the previous 50 years of European-Canadian settlement in their territory. Since the late 20th century, the Secwepmc people have created a number of organizations, institutions, and initiatives to help their people, including the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and Secwepemc Cultural Education Society.[3]
Captive slaves were historically an important commodity to the Secwepemc, and the Secwepemc would raid other bands, and then sell the captives back in exchange for salmon. Very few captives were kept as household slaves.[6]
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