Shackan First Nation facts for kids
The Shackan Indian Band (called Sx̣íx̣nx in their language) is a First Nation group. They are part of the Nlaka'pamux people. Their home is in the Nicola Country area of British Columbia, Canada.
The Shackan Indian Band is a member of the Scw’exmx Tribal Council. This council is one of three groups that help connect different Nlaka'pamux communities.
The main community and offices for the Shackan Indian Band are located west of Merritt. Merritt is a town in the Nicola Country region.
The name Shackan comes from the word Sxe'xn'x (Sx̣íx̣nx). This is their name in the local dialect of Nlaka'pamuctsin, also known as the Thompson language.
Contents
Meet the Leaders
The Shackan Indian Band has a Chief and Councillors who lead their community.
- Chief: Arnold Lampreau
- Councillors:
- Yvonne Joe
- Lindsay Tighe
A Look at Their History
The Sxe'xn'x people, whose name means "Little Rocks" in their language, have lived in the Nicola Valley for a very long time. They have been there since "time immemorial," which means for as long as anyone can remember.
Before people from other countries arrived, the Nlaka'pamux people carefully managed the land and its resources in the Nicola Valley. They used the land for their homes, gathering food and medicines, hunting, fishing, and raising horses. They also trapped animals for fur and traded with other groups.
Around 1857, the Sxe'xn'x people started to try new ways to make a living. They began gold mining and farming.
After more non-Native settlers came to the Nicola Valley, special areas called Indian Reserves were set aside for First Nations. In August 1878, a person named Gilbert Sproat helped create these reserves. One reserve was made near a village called "Kapatci'tcîn." Sproat described this place as "Potatoe Gardens" or "Skachin."
In the same month, two other reserves were also created nearby:
- Papsilqua (now Reserve #13): This land was used for growing hay and for horses to graze. It also had access to water for farming.
- Soldatquo (now Reserve #12): This land was mainly used for horses to graze.
The Shackan Indian Band and the Nooatich Indian Band were formed in the early 1950s. They were created after splitting from the larger Lower Nicola Indian Band.
Community Numbers
The total population of the Shackan Indian Band is 131 people.
How They Earn a Living
The Shackan Indian Band is involved in several economic activities. They manage forests, which means they take care of the trees and land. They also have a sawmill that they operate together with the Lower Nicola Indian Band. They are also part of other joint projects with different groups.
Their Lands and Reserves
The Shackan Indian Band has control over three reserves. These are special areas of land set aside for their community.
- Shackan 11
- Soldatquo 12
- Papsilqua 13
See also
