Similkameen Country facts for kids
The Similkameen Country is a special area in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. It's often called the Similkameen Valley or just The Similkameen. This region mainly follows the path of the Similkameen River.
Even though a small part of the Similkameen River flows into Washington state, the "Similkameen" region only refers to the part in British Columbia.
This area has a long history. It was one of the first places in British Columbia where people started looking for gold, farming, and ranching.
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What Does "Similkameen" Mean?
The name "Similkameen" comes from the Similkameigh Indigenous people. They lived in this region for a very long time. The name means "treacherous waters," likely describing parts of the Similkameen River.
A Look at Similkameen's History
The Similkameen Country has a rich past, especially with mining. Many years ago, people found lots of gold and other valuable metals here.
Gold and Other Mines
One famous event was the Tulameen Gold Rush in the 1880s and 1890s. People came from all over to search for gold.
Other important mines in the area included:
- The Nickel Plate Mine near Hedley, which mined gold.
- Coal mines in places like Blakeburn and Coalmont.
- Copper mines at Allenby and Copper Mountain.
Most of these mining towns were close to Princeton.
Farming and Ranching Begin
Farming and ranching have always been important in the Similkameen. In 1864, a man named Francis Xavier Richter started growing fruit trees in Keremeos. He planted 30 acres (about 12 hectares) of fruit trees.
His farm was one of the very first fruit orchards in British Columbia. Another early orchard was started by the Oblate Fathers in the Okanagan region. These early farms helped create British Columbia's fruit-growing industry.
Similkameen Today
Today, the Similkameen Country is still known for its farms and ranches. It's also becoming famous for something new: wine!
Growing Wine and Tourism
The region has a growing wine industry. Many vineyards are now producing delicious wines. Because of its sunny weather, the Similkameen is also a popular place for recreation. More and more people are buying homes here for vacations or to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Major Towns in Similkameen Country
Here are some of the main towns you'll find in the Similkameen region:
First Nations People of Similkameen
The Similkameen Country is mostly the traditional land of the Similkameen people. They are a part of the larger Okanagan (Syilx) Nation.
Local Bands
There are two main First Nations bands in the region today:
- The Upper Similkameen Indian Band, located near Princeton.
- The Lower Similkameen Indian Band, located near Keremeos.
The upper parts of the Similkameen River and its smaller rivers, like the Tulameen and Pasayten Rivers, were also traditional lands for the Nlaka'pamux people, specifically a group called the Scw'exmx.
