Secwepemc Cultural Education Society facts for kids

The Secwepemc Cultural Education Society (SCES) is a special group in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. It's a non-profit organization, which means it works to help people, not to make money. SCES started in 1983. Its main goal is to protect and share the language, culture, and history of the Secwepemc First Nation people.

SCES does many things, like creating learning materials and running different programs. It also manages the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park in Kamloops. The society is guided by leaders from thirteen bands of the Secwepemc Nation and a representative from the Secwepemc Elders Council.

History of SCES

SCES officially began on September 22, 1983. At first, it focused a lot on studying the Secwepemc language and improving communication. By the late 1980s, SCES had grown to include six main parts. These were the Secwepemc Resource Centre, Curriculum Development, Research Program and Archives, Shuswap Cultural Gatherings, Workshops and Conferences, The Language Program, and The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park.

Many early projects involved making audio and video materials. They also focused on saving important historical records. SCES offered workshops to teach people how to use the internet, email, and communication skills for work. In 1986, SCES started its first course for adults.

Over the years, SCES has developed many different programs and projects. The Resource Centre is now managed by the Secwepemc News. This is a monthly newspaper that shares news and events from the Secwepemc Territory. The Research Program has been busy studying how many people speak the Secwepemc language. They also look at how many adults and students are learning it. SCES recently received money for a project to research Secwepemc Rites of Passage. These are important ceremonies that mark big changes in a person's life.

The society has held many workshops. These have covered topics like managing money and planning, business laws, and budgeting. They also offered study skills for adult students. The Language Program has grown a lot. It has created many learning tools. These include posters, diagrams, charts, and books for beginners and advanced learners. They also have talking books, audio recordings, videos, teacher guides, and computer lessons.

SCES has also added programs for Leadership and Resiliency, and Adult Literacy.

Main Programs and Projects

SCES offers several important programs and projects to support the Secwepemc community.

Language Department

The SCES Language Department works to protect and share the Secwepemctsin language. It does this through various projects and programs.

Adult Education Department

The Adult Education Program helps learners gain knowledge and skills. The goal is to help them become more independent and proud of their culture. This can lead to jobs or further education at colleges and universities.

Aboriginal Adult Industry Training (AAIT)

This program helps adults get training for different jobs and industries.

Leadership and Resiliency Program (LRP)

This program helps Aboriginal students who attend Four Directions school. It offers services both during and after school hours. The program aims to make young people stronger and more resilient. It also helps them avoid unhealthy choices and behaviors.

Aboriginal Partner Assisted Learning (APAL)

The APAL program is a team effort between SCES and Thompson Rivers University (TRU). It was created to help adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills. Many adults might not feel comfortable in a regular classroom. APAL offers free, one-on-one tutoring in a relaxed setting. The APAL Coordinator tries to match tutors and learners based on shared interests. This helps learners feel more comfortable. The program aimed to help about 15 learners each month.

Secwepemc Newspaper

The Secwepemc News is a monthly newspaper for the people and communities of the Secwepemc Nation. The Editor's main tasks include:

• Finding and interviewing elders and young people for inspiring stories.
• Putting the newspaper online on the SCES website.
• Visiting places in Kelowna and Vernon to check on how the newspaper is given out.
• Getting advertisements from big car dealerships in Kamloops.
• Covering events and stories happening in the Secwepemc area.