Northern Shuswap Tribal Council facts for kids

The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council is a special kind of government for several First Nations communities. It is located in the beautiful Canadian province of British Columbia. This council helps guide and support its member communities in the Cariboo District, which is part of the Central Interior region.

The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council is one of two main groups that represent the Secwepemc people. The other group is the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, which is located further south in the Thompson-Shuswap area. These councils work together to support the Secwepemc communities.

What is a Tribal Council?

A tribal council is like a support system for several First Nations communities that share a common background or location. It helps these communities work together on important issues. The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council focuses on helping its member communities with things like land, culture, and community development.

These councils are important because they help First Nations communities have a stronger voice. They work to protect the rights and traditions of their people. They also help manage resources and plan for the future of their communities.

Who are the Secwepemc People?

The Secwepemc people, also known as the Shuswap, are an Indigenous group with a rich history in British Columbia. Their traditional territory is very large, covering much of the central and southern interior of the province. They have lived on these lands for thousands of years.

The Secwepemc people have a unique culture, language, and way of life. Their language is called Secwepemctsin, and it is part of the Interior Salish language family. Storytelling, traditional ceremonies, and a deep connection to the land are very important parts of their culture.

Member Communities

The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council is made up of four main First Nations communities. Each of these communities has its own unique history and identity, but they work together through the council.

• Canim Lake Band (Tsq'escen')
• Soda Creek/Deep Creek Band (Xat'sull/Cm'etem)
• Williams Lake Indian Band (T'exelc)
• Canoe Creek Band/Dog Creek Indian Band (Stswecem'c/Xgat'tem)

Each of these communities is a self-governing First Nation. They have their own leaders and make decisions for their people. The tribal council helps them by providing shared services and a way to discuss common goals.

The Cariboo Region

The Cariboo District is a large and beautiful area in the central part of British Columbia. It is known for its vast forests, lakes, and rivers. This region has been the traditional territory of the Secwepemc people for a very long time.

The land is very important to the Secwepemc culture. It provides resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering traditional foods and medicines. The Cariboo region is also a place where many Secwepemc cultural practices and stories are connected to the land.

How the Council Helps

The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council helps its member communities in many ways. They work on projects that benefit everyone, like protecting the environment or developing economic opportunities. They also help with things like education, health, and social programs.

By working together, the communities can achieve more than they might on their own. The council helps them share ideas, resources, and knowledge. This teamwork helps to build stronger, healthier, and more vibrant First Nations communities for the future.