Our Nation, Our Land, Our Future

Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw, the Little Shuswap Lake Nation, is a Secwépemc community located in the southern interior of British Columbia, near the town of Chase. Our territory sits where the sun’s rays first touch the land. That connection runs deep, across generations and into everything we do.

Our Nation & Territory

A Proud Secwépemc Nation

The Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw are part of the broader Secwépemc people, whose territory spans a vast area of British Columbia’s interior. Our community has lived on, stewarded, and drawn identity from this land since time immemorial.

The land around Little Shuswap Lake is not simply a location. It is the foundation of our language, our culture, and our way of life. The place names, the waterways, the forests, and the seasonal rhythms of this territory carry the knowledge of our ancestors and the responsibilities we hold for generations to come.

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Territory

Our Traditional Territory

We respectfully acknowledge that our community exists within the ancestral and traditional territory of the Secwépemc People. The land continues to be a source of culture, knowledge, identity, and responsibility.

Our History

Our Journey Through Time

For countless generations, the Secwépemc people have maintained strong cultural, social, and economic connections to the land. Our history reflects resilience, adaptation, and the enduring strength of our community.

Vision, Mission & Values

Guided By Purpose

Vision

Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw brings forward our ancestral teachings to instruct us in advancing our people, language, and culture, and protecting the environment. We take a proactive role to stimulate and lead the economy and protect Tmícw within Skwláxulecw as we move toward greater unity, self-reliance, and independence.

Mission

In pursuit of our Vision, and in alignment with our Values, we will:

  • Lobby for the full recognition and implementation of our Title and Rights, and their assertion within Skwláxulecw.
  • Ensure our members enjoy a high quality of life through service delivery and the benefits of a safe, healthy, and prosperous community.
  • Acknowledge that wealth generation, the stewardship of our lands and resources, and the advancement of our language and culture are foundational to our success.
  • Deliver effective communication, management, and governance for an efficient administration.

Core Values

We rely upon the wisdom of our ancestors, acting in the present and planning for the future.

  • We believe that equity, reliability, empathy, integrity, and compassion are critical to the establishment and maintenance of healthy relationships.
  • We are forthright in our dealings, embracing a philosophy of “do no harm” when engaging with others and the natural environment.
  • We role-model respect through healthy two-way communication, speaking directly and honestly, and staying true to oneself.
  • We are forward-looking, solution-oriented, and believe in the importance of collaboration and lifelong learning for achieving success.
Cultural Heritage

Our Language, Culture & Traditions

Culture is the foundation of who we are. Our language, stories, ceremonies, and teachings connect us to our ancestors and strengthen our community identity.

We are committed to preserving and revitalizing Secwépemctsín while ensuring future generations have opportunities to learn and celebrate our cultural heritage.

Secwépemctsín Language Recognition

The Secwépemc language is an essential part of our identity and worldview. We encourage members and visitors to learn common words, place names, and traditional teachings.

Features
  • Listen to Traditional Pronunciations
  • Language Audio Library
  • Cultural Learning Resources
Audio content available through the Member Portal.
OBJECTS
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Cultural Heritage

Meet Our Leadership

Our leadership is committed to preserving our heritage, strengthening our community, and guiding Sewepemc Nation toward a sustainable and prosperous future through responsible governance and collaboration.

Understanding Governance

How Our Governance Works

Good governance helps ensure accountability, transparency, and effective decision-making for all community members.

Chief Responsibilities

  • Provides leadership and strategic direction
  • Represents the Nation externally
  • Chairs Council meetings
  • Supports implementation of community priorities

Councillor Responsibilities

  • Represent member interests
  • Participate in policy development
  • Oversee assigned portfolios
  • Support community initiatives
  • Contribute to strategic planning
  • Establish governance policies
  • Approve budgets and major initiatives
  • Support community services
Looking Ahead

Building For Future Generations

Our Nation continues to invest in people, culture, economic development, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. By honoring our traditions while embracing innovation, we are creating opportunities that will benefit generations to come.

Contact Us

Together, We Shape The Future

Whether through culture, governance, education, or community programs, every member plays a role in strengthening our Nation.