Studies

People

Traditional Lifestyle

Introduction

The Shuswap or Secwepemc (pronounced suh-Wep-muh) people occupy a vast territory of the interior of British Columbia. The word Shuswap is an English version of Secwepemc. This traditional territory stretches from the Columbia River valley along the Rocky Mountains, west to the Fraser River, and south to the Arrow Lakes. Most Secwepemc people live in the river valleys.

The traditional Secwepemc lived as a self-governing nation grouped into bands. Although the bands were separate and independent, a common language and a similar culture and belief system united them. Before the smallpox epidemic of 1862 there were thirty Secwepemc bands. Today, there are 17 remaining bands that make up the Secwepemc Nation. There are three Secwepemc dialects depending on what part of the Nation you are in.

Traditionally the Secwepemc depended on the natural resources of the land. Each band usually spent the winter in its own village of pithouses. During the rest of the year most Secwepemc people lived a nomadic lifestyle. They moved from place to place, as foods became available in different areas. They developed a unique culture that was totally self sufficient.

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