Scw'exmx facts for kids
The Scw'exmx (say "shkwa-kum") are an Indigenous group of people. Their name means "people of the creek(s)". They are part of the larger Nlaka'pamux (Thompson) nation. You can find them in the Nicola Country area of British Columbia, Canada. The word Scw'ex means "creek" in their language. It is also the name for the Nicola River.
The Scw'exmx are often called the "Nicolas" in English. This is because they live near the Nicola River. They are closely connected to the Okanagan people, especially the Spaxomin group. These two groups have worked together for a long time. Their alliance started even before Chief Nicola was born. The Nicola River was named after this important chief. His father led the Okanagan people to this valley in the late 1700s. The Scw'exmx and Okanagans often married each other. They also married the Nicola Athapaskans (Stu'wix), another group who moved to the valley in the 1600s. The Stu'wix people no longer exist today.
Understanding the Scw'exmx Language
The Scw'exmx people speak a special dialect of the Thompson language, called Scw'exmx. This language is also known as Nle'kepmxcin. Sadly, not many people speak it fluently today. However, there is hope! Many groups in British Columbia are working hard to teach their traditional languages to new generations. These efforts help keep the languages alive and strong for the future.
Scw'exmx Communities and Their Homes
The Scw'exmx people live in several main communities. These communities are:
- Shackan (Shackan First Nation)
- Shulus (Lower Nicola First Nation)
- Nooaitch (Nooaitch First Nation)
- Ntsla'tko (Coldwater First Nation)
How the Scw'exmx Communities are Governed
The Scw'exmx communities work together under a tribal government called the Nicola Tribal Association. This association helps manage important matters for the communities. Besides the four communities listed above, the Nicola Tribal Association also includes:
- Upper Nicola First Nation - also known as the Spaxomin (Douglas Lake). This group is also part of the Okanagan Nation Alliance.
- Cook's Ferry First Nation near Spences Bridge
- Nicomen First Nation near Lytton
- Siska First Nation, located in the Fraser Canyon south of Lytton
There are other Nlaka'pamux groups who live outside the Nicola region. They belong to two other tribal councils:
