Secwepemc Cultural Education Society facts for kids

The Secwepemc Cultural Education Society (SCES) is a group that helps keep the Secwepemc people's language, culture, and history alive. It's a non-profit organization in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. Leaders from thirteen Secwepemc communities and the Secwepemc Elders Council guide the society.

SCES was founded on September 22, 1983. Its main goal is to protect and share the language, culture, and past of the Secwepemc First Nation. Besides creating learning materials and running other programs, SCES also manages the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park in Kamloops.

How SCES Began

SCES officially started in 1983. Back then, it mainly focused on researching the Secwepemc language and helping with communication. By the late 1980s, SCES had grown to include six main areas. These were a resource center, a team for creating school lessons, a research and archives program, and cultural gatherings. They also offered workshops and a language program. The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park was also part of their work.

Many early projects focused on making audio and video materials. They also worked on saving important records and teaching workshops. These workshops helped people learn about using the internet, email, and communication skills for jobs. In 1986, SCES offered its first course for adults.

SCES Today

Over the years, SCES has grown and now offers 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 fluently. They also look at how many adults and students are learning the language. Recently, SCES received money for a project to research Secwepemc Rites of Passage. These are special ceremonies that mark important stages in a person's life.

SCES has also held many workshops. These have covered topics like managing money, planning for the future, and understanding business and job laws. They also teach study skills for adults going back to school.

The Language Program has created many helpful tools for learning the language. These include posters, diagrams, and charts. They have also made beginner and advanced books, "talking books," audio CDs, videos, and DVDs. Teachers can use their guides, and there are computer lessons to go with the books.

SCES has also started new programs. These include the Leadership and Resiliency Program and the Adult Literacy Program.

Main Programs and Projects

Language Department

The SCES Language Department works to keep the Secwepemctsin language strong. They do this through various projects and programs.

Adult Education Department

The Adult Education Program helps learners gain knowledge and skills. These skills help them become more independent and proud of their culture. The program also prepares them for jobs or for going to college or university.

Leadership and Resiliency Program (LRP)

This program helps Aboriginal students who attend Four Directions school. It offers support both during and after school hours. The goal is to help young people build their inner strengths and ability to bounce back from challenges. It also aims to reduce their involvement in violence or other unhealthy choices.

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 might not be comfortable learning in a regular classroom. APAL offers free, one-on-one tutoring in a relaxed setting. The APAL Coordinator tries to match tutors and learners who share hobbies or experiences. This helps learners feel more comfortable. The program aimed to help about 15 learners each month.