The Secwépemc: People of the Shuswap Plateau
The Secwépemc, or Shuswap people, are one of the most prominent Indigenous groups in British Columbia, with a history deeply tied to the land, rivers, and plateaus of the interior region. Known for their adaptability and cultural richness, the Secwépemc have lived for thousands of years in a territory that provided both sustenance and a framework for their sophisticated society. This article explores the history of the Secwépemc, focusing on their traditional geographic areas, cultural practices before European contact, and the pivotal historical events that have defined their journey to the present day.
Traditional Geographic Areas: The Heart of the Interior
The traditional territory of the Secwépemc, known as Secwepemcúl’ecw, covers approximately 180,000 square kilometres, stretching from the Columbia River Valley in the east to the Fraser River in the west and from the Arrow Lakes in the south to the Cariboo Plateau in the north. This diverse region includes rivers, lakes, mountains, and grasslands, offering an abundance of resources that shaped the Secwépemc way of life.
The Fraser and Thompson Rivers were vital to transportation, trade, and fishing. Salmon runs on these rivers were central to the Secwépemc diet and economy, while the surrounding grasslands supported hunting and plant gathering. Historian James Teit described the Secwépemc homeland as “a land of plenty, where careful management and deep ecological knowledge allowed its people to thrive” (The Shuswap Indians, p. 22).
Culture and Society Before European Contact
The Secwépemc were semi-nomadic, moving seasonally to make the most of the region’s resources. Salmon was a dietary staple, caught using weirs, dip nets, and spears during annual runs. Game such as deer, elk, and mountain goats were hunted in the uplands, while roots, berries, and medicinal plants were gathered from the grasslands and forests.
Secwépemc society was organized into distinct bands, each with its own leaders, yet interconnected through trade, intermarriage, and shared cultural practices. Decisions were often made collectively, reflecting a deeply ingrained value of consensus.
The Secwépemc worldview emphasized harmony with nature, with spiritual beliefs rooted in animism and a respect for all living beings. Ceremonies and rituals, including the sweat lodge and vision quests, reinforced this connection. Historian Robin Fisher noted, “The Secwépemc’s relationship with the land was not just practical but deeply spiritual, shaping their identity and governance” (Interior Salish Peoples, p. 87).
Early European Contact and the Fur Trade
European contact with the Secwépemc began in the early 19th century through fur traders associated with the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company. Trading posts such as Fort Kamloops, established in 1812, became key sites of interaction. The fur trade introduced European goods like metal tools, firearms, and textiles, which the Secwépemc incorporated into their economy.
The arrival of Europeans also brought profound changes. Historian Cole Harris observed, “While the Secwépemc were adept at integrating new technologies, the fur trade also shifted traditional patterns of resource use and intertribal relations” (The Reshaping of British Columbia, p. 113).
Land Use and the Gold Rush Era
The mid-19th century brought an influx of settlers and miners during the Fraser and Cariboo Gold Rushes, which significantly affected the Secwépemc. The sudden increase in population led to competition over resources and land use, particularly along the Fraser and Thompson Rivers. The Secwépemc engaged in negotiations and conflicts to assert their rights and protect their territories.
In response to the increasing settler presence, the colonial government established reserves for the Secwépemc in the late 19th century. These reserves were often small and located on less fertile land, creating challenges for traditional practices such as fishing and hunting.
Political Organization and Modern Land Rights
In the 20th century, the Secwépemc became increasingly active in advocating for their land rights and governance. The formation of the Secwépemc Nation in the 1970s provided a platform for political organization and cultural revitalization. Efforts to reclaim control over traditional territories and manage resources have been central to their modern history.
One of the most significant legal milestones was the 1997 Supreme Court case Delgamuukw v. British Columbia, which, while focused on the neighbouring Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en, had wide-reaching implications for Aboriginal title claims across British Columbia. This case reinforced the importance of oral histories and set a precedent for Indigenous land claims, including those of the Secwépemc.
Cultural Revitalization and Contemporary Life
Today, the Secwépemc continue to preserve and celebrate their culture through language programs, festivals, and traditional ceremonies. Secwépemctsín, the Secwépemc language, is a central focus of revitalization efforts, with initiatives aimed at teaching it to younger generations.
Economic development has also become a priority, with the Secwépemc engaging in forestry, tourism, and renewable energy projects. Collaborative resource management agreements have allowed the Secwépemc to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Festivals and events, such as the annual Salmon Festival, celebrate the Secwépemc’s enduring connection to the land and rivers that have shaped their history.
The history of the Secwépemc is a story of resilience and adaptation. From their mastery of the Shuswap Plateau’s resources to their engagement with European traders and settlers, the Secwépemc have navigated profound changes while maintaining their cultural identity. Today, they remain a vital part of British Columbia’s historical and cultural fabric, continuing to honor their traditions while building a future rooted in their ancestral lands.
References
- Teit, J. (1909). The Shuswap Indians. Smithsonian Institution.
- Fisher, R. (1992). Interior Salish Peoples of the Plateau. Vancouver: UBC Press.
- Harris, C. (1997). The Reshaping of British Columbia: Land, Colonization, and Indigenous Peoples. Vancouver: UBC Press.
- Secwépemc Nation. (2010). Secwépemc Traditions and Governance. Kamloops: Secwépemc Publications.
- Carlson, K. T. (1997). You Are Asked to Witness: The Stó:lō in Canada’s History. Vancouver: Stó:lō Heritage Trust.