Lower Similkameen Indian Band facts for kids
The Lower Similkameen Indian Band, also known as Lower Smelqmix or N̓iʔxʷín̓aʔ in their own language, is a First Nations community in British Columbia, Canada. Their main office is located in the small village of Keremeos in the beautiful Similkameen region. They are an important part of the Okanagan Nation Alliance, which is a group of related First Nations communities working together.
About the Lower Similkameen Band
The Lower Similkameen Indian Band has a registered population of about 500 people. This number includes all members who are officially part of the band. Around 209 of these members live off-reserve, meaning they live in other places, while many others live on the band's traditional lands.
Their Traditional Lands and Reserves
The Lower Similkameen Indian Band manages several Indian reserves. These are special areas of land set aside for First Nations communities. These lands are very important for their culture, history, and daily life.
Some of the reserves under the band's care include:
- Alexis Indian Reserve No. 9: This reserve is located on the left side of the Similkameen River, about 4 miles west of Keremeos. It covers an area of 168.70 hectares.
- Ashnola Indian Reserve No. 10: You can find this reserve on the right side of the Similkameen River, where it meets the Ashnola River. It's a large area, covering 3415 hectares.
- Blind Creek Indian Reserve No. 6: This reserve is on Blind Creek, about 4 miles southeast of Keremeos, and is 161 hectares in size.
- Blind Creek Indian Reserve No. 6A: This is a very small reserve, only 0.10 hectares, located west of Barcelo Road, about 1 mile west of IR No. 6.
- Chopaka Indian Reserve Nos. 7 & 8 (called C̓up̓áq̓ in their language): These two reserves are on the right bank of the Similkameen River, right next to the international border. They cover 1537.80 hectares and are the most populated reserves belonging to the band.
- Keremeos Forks Indian Reserve Nos. 12 & 12A: These reserves are located on Keremeos Creek where it meets Marset Creek, about 7 miles north of Keremeos. They cover 954.10 hectares.
- Lower Similkameen Indian Reserve No. 2: This reserve is on the Similkameen River, about 6 miles southeast of Keremeos, and covers 1293.70 hectares.
- Narcisse's Farm Indian Reserve No. 4: Located on the right bank of the Similkameen River, 5 miles southeast of Keremeos, this reserve is 750.30 hectares.
- Range Indian Reserve No. 13: This is the largest reserve, west of Narcisse's Farm IR No. 4, on the left bank of Susap Creek, covering 6768.10 hectares.
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