Location: The Secwepemc live in south-central British Columbia, Canada. The Secwepemc once occupied a large area of land, extending from the Columbia River valley to the Fraser River on the west and from the upper Fraser River in the north to the Arrow Lakes in the south.
History: The traditional Secwepemc were a semi-nomadic people, living during the winter in warm semi-underground "pit-houses" and during the summer in mat lodges made of reeds. They fished, hunted and traded for a living. The Shuswap ate fish, meat, berries and roots. In the 19th century, the arrival of fur traders, settlers and missionaries transformed Shuswap culture. White diseases took a toll in Secwepemc villages. The government took over Secwepemc communities and began schools and built Catholic churches for them.
Daily Life: The Secwepemc are now successful farmers, ranchers and other businesspeople. With recent movements toward improving community life among the Secwepemc, Secwepemc language, history and culture are returning to the area.
photo from: http://www.secwepemc.org/
