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
Band located in Whispering Pines
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.