Secwépemc
Regions with significant populations | |
---|---|
Canada (British Columbia) | |
Languages | |
Shuswap, English | |
Related ethnic groups | |
other Salish |
The Secwepemc ([pronunciation?] or [səˈxwɛpməx]), known in English as the Shuswap people(Template:Pron-en), are a First Nations people residing in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Their traditional territory 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 Secwepemc are perhaps the most numerous of the Interior Salish peoples of British Columbia if based upon the numbers who speak their language.[1]
Their traditional language is Shuswap, known as Secwepemctsín ([ʃəxwəpməxtˈʃin]), which is currently spoken by over 1,600 people.[1] Secwepemctsín is being revitalized by the efforts of organizations such as Chief Atahm School, which offers an immersion program till grade nine.
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 last 50 years of settlement.
Notable Secwepemc people
- Darrell Dennis (comedian, actor, screenwriter and radio personality)
- George Manuel, (first president of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples)
- Vera Manuel, (poet & playwright)
- Tania Willard (artist & cartoonist)
- Joe Stanley Michel, (National Aboriginal Achievement Award Recipient)
- Braedon Paul, (Obsessive fan, famous warrior of the night)
- Duncan Chisholm, (Famous cheif)
See also
- Shuswap Nation Tribal Council
- Northern Shuswap Tribal Council
- Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park
- Secwepemc Culture Education Society
Notes
External links
- Secwepemculecw - Land of the Shuswap
- Cultural Education Society
- Chief Atahm Immersion School
- Spirit Map- language history and culture of the Secwepemc
- Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. .
- Notes on the Shuswap People of British Columbia, s.L.: S.n., 1980, George M. Dawson