Nlaka'pamux facts for kids

Flag of the Nlaka'pamux Nation

The Nlaka'pamux (say: ing-kluh-KAP-muh) are an Indigenous First Nations group. They live in southern British Columbia, Canada. Their traditional lands also reach into Washington state in the United States. They are part of the Interior Salish language family.

Historically, the Nlaka'pamux were known by other names. These included the Thompson, Thompson River Salish, or Thompson River Indians. They were also called the Klackarpun, Haukamaugh, Knife Indians, and Couteau Indians.

Exploring Nlaka'pamux Names and Identity

Members of a Nlaka’pamux community, circa 1914

Old maps and historical records sometimes wrote Nlaka'pamux as Hakamaugh or Klackarpun. They were also known as Kootomin, Couteau (which means Knife), or Knife Indians. In the Thompson language dialect used by the Ashcroft Indian Band, the name is sometimes Nl'akapxm.

The Nlaka'pamux people living in the Nicola Valley call themselves Scw'exmx. They speak a different dialect of the Thompson language. These groups belong to the Nicola Tribal Association.

The Scw'exmx, along with the Spaxomin people, are known as the Nicola people. The Spaxomin are a branch of the Okanagan people. They also live in the upper Nicola valley and are part of the Nicola Tribal Association.

Traditional Plant Uses (Ethnobotany)

The Nlaka'pamux people traditionally used plants in many ways. Blueberries (Vaccinium myrtilloides) were a common food. They used them to make pies.

They also used the leaves of sedge plants (Carex). These leaves were used as brushes for cleaning things. Sedge leaves were also used as forage to feed their livestock.

Beliefs and Faith (Religion)

In the 1800s, Christian missionaries came to the Nlaka'pamux lands. Both Anglican and Roman Catholic missionaries worked there. By the early 1900s, most Nlaka'pamux people belonged to one of these two Christian groups.

Nlaka'pamux Governments and Councils

The Nlakaʼpamux Nation Tribal Council is one of the main groups representing the Nlaka'pamux people. However, not all Nlaka'pamux communities are part of this council. Another important group in the region is the Scwʼexmx Tribal Council.

The Lytton First Nation, also called the Lytton Band, is a large Nlaka'pamux community. Its main town is called Camchin or Kumsheen in the Thompson language. This band does not belong to any of the main tribal associations.

The Upper Nicola Band is part of the Scw’exmx Tribal Council. However, they are a Syilx community and part of the Okanagan Nation Alliance. They are not Nlaka'pamux and have different traditional lands.

Currently, none of the Nlaka'pamux governments are involved in the British Columbia Treaty Process. This process aims to create treaties between First Nations and the government.

Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council Members

This council includes several Nlaka'pamux communities:

• Boothroyd Indian Band
• Boston Bar Indian Band
• Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band
• Spuzzum Indian Band
• Lytton Indian Band
• Skuppah Indian Band

Scw’exmx Tribal Council Members

A Nlaka'pamux table.

This council was originally known as the Nicola Tribal Association (NTA). Its members include:

• Shackan Indian Band (Original NTA member)
• Nooaitch Indian Band (Original NTA member)
• Upper Nicola Band (Original NTA member, also part of the Okanagan Nation Alliance)
• Coldwater Indian Band (Original NTA member)
• Lower Nicola Indian Band (Affiliated with the council)

Unaffiliated Nlaka'pamux Bands

Some Nlaka'pamux bands are not part of the Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council or the Scw’exmx Tribal Council. These include:

• Ashcroft Indian Band
• Kanaka Bar Indian Band
• Siska Indian Band
• Cook's Ferry Indian Band
• Nicomen Indian Band (This band was formerly part of the Fraser Canyon Indian Administration.)

The Nlaka'pamux Language

The Nlaka'pamux people speak an Interior Salish language. It is called nɬeʔkepmxcín, and it is usually written as Nlaka'pamuxtsn. In English, it is known as the Thompson language. The Scw'exmx people who live in the Nicola Valley speak a dialect of this language, also called Scw'exmx.

Notable Nlaka'pamux Individuals

Many talented people come from the Nlaka'pamux Nation. Here are a few notable individuals:

• G. A. Grisenthwaite, a writer
• Kevin Loring, a writer
• Terese Marie Mailhot, a writer
• Sharon McIvor, an activist
• Ilona Verley, a drag queen and make-up artist
• Annie York, a writer

See also

In Spanish: Salish del Río Thompson para niños