Topic 2: Secwepemcúl̓ucw

Introduction

Secwepemcúl̓ucw – the territory of the Secwépemc extends from the Columbia River Valley on the east slope of the Rocky Mountains to the Fraser River on the west and from the upper Fraser River in the north to the Arrow Lakes in the south. Secwépemc territory covers a vast area; approximately 180,000 square km. 

Place names, and particularly the land, are very important to the Secwépemc peoples. The main reason we include where we are from within our introductions is to acknowledge the history of our families and our Nation. For example, I introduce myself from “T’exelc” – where the fish swim upstream. This name is only a part of my community, but it holds a whole host of history that is important to the community members of T’exelc.

Learning Activities

Activity 1 – Secwepemcúl̓ucw Community Map

View the map of Secwepemcúl̓ucw. Note the location of the boundaries then have a look at the communities that reside in Secwepemcúl̓ucw. Consider these boundaries in relation to the various cities, towns, and regions as you currently know them.

These are some of the important areas around TRU’s main campus. If you live in the area, pay particular attention to the place names and boundaries/regions near you. Additionally, you may wish to research the boundaries and indigenous communities that surround you. Are there some you were unfamiliar with?

Click on the place names to hear the Secwepemcúl̓ucw pronunciation.

Activity 2 – Secwépemc Community Names

Look at the map and notice the communities near cities and towns in the area. Eighteen communities or bands make up the Secwépemc nation. Below are the Secwépemc names along with the English names.

Which community is closest to your TRU campus? Click on the name of the communities closest to your TRU campus to hear the correct pronunciation. Repeat after the audio to practice your pronunciation of the community names.

If you do not live near campus, go through the place names listening and repeating while paying close attention to the sounds of Secwepemctsín.

Sexqeltqín

Adams Lake reserve in Chase, B.C.

St’uxtews

Bonaparte reserve near Cache Creek, B.C.

Tsq’escen

Canim Lake reserve, near 100 Mile House, B.C.

Stswécemc 

Canoe Creek reserve


Xgát’temc

Dog Creek reserve


Llenllenéy’ten 

High Bar


Esk’ét

Alkali Lake reserve


Tk’emlúps

Kamloops Indian Reserve


Qw7ewt

Little Shuswap reserve near Chase B.C.


Sk’etsín

Neskonlith reserve on the north side of the river, near Chase, B.C.



Simpcw

Chu Chua reserve, near Barriere, B.C.


Tsk’wéylecw

Pavillon reserve


Kenpésq’t

Shuswap reserve near Invermere, B.C.


Skítsestn

Deadman’s Creek reserve near Savona, B.C.


Xáts’ull

Soda Creek reserve near Williams Lake

Splatsín 

Enderby reserve

T’éxelc

William’s Lake reserve near Williams Lake, B.C.

Pellt’íq’t 

Clinton reserve near Clinton, B.C.

If you live in the area you should become familiar with places important to the Secwépemc people. Again, you may wish to research the boundaries and indigenous communities that surround your home.

You can continue your understanding through https://native-land.ca/. Here is an example of the Secwepemcúl̓ucw from the Native Land website.