Bonaparte Indian Band facts for kids
The Bonaparte First Nation, also known as the Bonaparte Indian Band, is a group of Secwepemc (Shuswap) people. They are part of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council. This council helps different Secwepemc communities work together.
Where the Bonaparte First Nation Lives
The main community of the Bonaparte First Nation is on the Bonaparte Indian Reserve No. 3. This reserve is often called the Bonaparte Reserve. It covers a large area of land, about 704 hectares. You can find it between Cache Creek and the end of Highway 99.
Some members of the First Nation work at the Hat Creek Ranch. This ranch is a special museum that shows what a travel stop was like long ago. It was on the Cariboo Road, a famous old wagon road. People from the Bonaparte First Nation help visitors learn about the history of the area. They also share their culture and traditions.
Other Reserves
The Bonaparte First Nation also has other smaller land areas called reserves. These reserves are located in different places:
- Lower Hat Creek 2: This reserve is on Hat Creek.
- Grasslands 7: This reserve is near McLean Lake.
- Hihium Lake 6: This reserve is shared with other First Nations. These include the Upper Nicola Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Bands.
- Hihium Lake 6A: This reserve is shared with the Skeetchestn Indian Band. It is on the north side of Hihium Lake.
- Hihium Lake 6B: This reserve is also shared with the Skeetchestn Indian Band. It is on the south side of Hihium Lake.
- Loon Lake 4: This reserve is located at Loon Lake.
- Mauvais Rocher 5: This reserve is on the Thompson River, east of Ashcroft.
- Upper Hat Creek 1: This reserve is also on Hat Creek.
These reserves were created in the 1860s by the government of the Colony of British Columbia. This happened without asking the First Nations for their permission. The government did not legally end the First Nations' claim to the land.
Population and Language
The Bonaparte First Nation people are also known as the Stuctwesemc. In their language, Secwepemctsín, Stuctwesemc means "people of the Valley." You might also see it spelled as St'uxwtews.
There are about 815 people in the Bonaparte First Nation. About 584 of these members live away from the reserves.
