kamloops this week: aboriginal day

www.kamloopsthisweek.com FRIDAY, June 20, 2014 v D1

AboriginalVoice

WHISPERING PINES

TK’EMLUPS

SPLATSIN

SKEETCHESTN

SEMPCW

SHUSWAP

NESKONLITH

BONAPARTE

ADAMS LAKE

“with teamwork we create action and pride”

tkemlups.ca

www.kamloopsthisweek.com D2 v FRIDAY, June 20, 2014

ABORIGINAL VOICE

They called him “Chief” in high school.

For Shane Gottfriedson, the nick-name has evolved into a political responsibility and an honour.

Gottfriedson has been chief of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc for over 10 years, elected for a fourth consecutive term in 2012.

He’s also the tribal chief of the Shuswap Nation and has served as a board member on several commit-tees throughout the region, including the B.C. Assembly of First Nations regional board of directors and as the B.C. Chiefs’ chair of the Assembly of First Nations economic development commit-tee.

“I think when you are a First Nations per-son, you’re born into leadership, you’re born to be able to protect your Aboriginal title and rights,” he said.

At 48, Gottfriedson is a practised Chief, maintaining that you don’t learn about poli-tics, you live it.

For the last 10 years, he has built a trust with his people.

His philosophy is driven by communica-tion and accessibility, but also that it’s the entire community — the council, the 135 employees and the 1,200 members — that make it one of the most progressive bands in Canada.

“It’s not one person that runs this organiza-tion,” Gottfriedson said.

“I would be selfish to say I’ve done this and I’ve done that.

“Honestly, I think that’s why I’m the chief, because I don’t claim to be an expert about everything,” he said.

For every strategy, whether it be financial, community or land-use planning, Gottfriedson said the focus is on the working with the com-munity.

The vision and core values of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc are, first and foremost, its people — to enhance commu-nity and member well-being from a social, economic, educational and physical perspec-tive.

Laws and jurisdic-tion, land, resources and governance also have defined goals, as laid out in the band’s strate-gic plan.

It aims to create strong governance, to restore, protect and pre-serve its culture while asserting its lands, titles and rights, to demon-strate fiscal responsi-bility and maximize financial resources and to create “operational excellence” and a “posi-tive corporate culture” to drive the success of the band’s business.

Protecting Aboriginal title and rights and pro-pelling socio-economic development are among Gottfriendson’s priori-ties.

But, a glaring truth seems to be the impor-tance he places on developing meaning-ful partnerships that will create long-term

sustainability for the Tk’emlupsemc — “peo-ple of the confluence.”

“There is some link-ing and weaving that we have to do through our partnerships that has made the Kamloops Indian Band a leading First Nation, by build-ing some positive rela-tionships,” he said.

“I think we’ve creat-ed a lot of friends over the years by running successful businesses and successful develop-ments with the friend-ships that we do have.”

Gottfriedson said he knows one thing is for sure — the First Nations aren’t going anywhere and nei-ther are the people of Kamloops.

He estimates the band brings millions of dollars into the local economy.

“I’m proud of the fact, it’s not just me as a chief, but the 11 chiefs before me that played that role, that Kamloops was an important place

for economic condi-tions,” Gottfriedson said.

He said money gen-erated from the reserve that goes back into the mainstream economy is “a real secret in itself.”

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc has built strong relationships with its partners off the

reserve and within the city that sits on tradi-tional Secwépemc land, and will only strengthen them over time.

“Our kids in the 21st century, they don’t know the colour of

skin when it comes to friendship,” he said.

In his role as tribal chief of the Shuswap Nation, Gottfriedson leads the chiefs of the nine member bands.

Formed in 1980, the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council is a political organization that works to advance the issues of

Aboriginal rights, with common interests and principles outlined as inherent rights and title, collective title, unity and nationhood, reve-nue and benefit sharing and access to resources.

“I think whether it’s the tribal chief, or the community chief, it’s always a honour to be considered for those positions,” Gottfriedson said.

Most recently, Gottfriedson has been urged to run for the vacant post of national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

The Assembly will hold its general assem-bly in July and decide upon an election date.

Gottfriedson said there’s much time to decide whether he will pursue the position and hasn’t

ruled out running. He certainly has

an idea for what he believes needs to hap-pen at the national level.

“I think there is a time of challenge right now,” he said.

“We’re at a time when there definitely has to be a unified approach towards the national governing body because there is a division, and I think when you look at the challenges of First Nations with the Conservative govern-ment right now, it’s a little bit disturbing, but I think there’s a lot of opportunity for our people.

“If we could have Canada sit down at a government-to-gov-ernment level and talk about interest-based discussions instead

of a lopsided table, because that’s where it’s at and the frustra-tion is boiling over with treaty groups ver-sus non-treaty groups,” he said.

But he maintains the real work starts at home.

“I’m humble in my role here as a chief, I can say we’re never idle, we’re always working hard at devel-oping socio-econmic opportunities for our people by creating jobs, by creating part-nerships, by creating funds so our people can go to school and get education.

“When you really look at the work as well, a lot of the work happens at home and the real results come at home.”

”

Leading the people of the confl uenceShane Gottfriedson has been Chief of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc for over 10 years. Today he leads not only the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, but also the Shuswap Nation as tribal chief. As he considers the vacant role of national chief, he recognizes what has made Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc a leading First Nation.

Our kids in the 21st century, they don’t know the colour

of skin when it comes to friendship.


ABORIGINAL VOICE

Upon crossing the Highway 5 North bridge over the South Thompson River and onto the land of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), a billboard proudly pro-claims “open for busi-ness.”

Not only is the band open for business, it is strongly encouraging it.

Previously known as the Kamloops Indian Band, TteS is located east of the North Thompson River and north of the South Thompson River, adjacent to the City of Kamloops. The word “Kamloops” is the English translation of the Shuswap word “Tk’emlúps,” meaning “where the rivers meet.”

The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is a pro-gressive First Nation of approximately 1,200 members. The band has developed numer-ous opportunities in tourism, ranching, real estate and retail and was the 2008 recipient of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers Community Economic Developer of the Year Award.

The Kamloops Indian Band Development Corporation (KIBDC) is the corporate arm of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Chief and Council. The focus of KIBDC is to assist developers and potential partners who are inter-ested in doing business with TteS.

The KIBDC is dedicated to developing Band-owned businesses,

developing leased land and advancing opportu-nities for revenue gen-eration.

“I find this band to be very forward look-ing, innovative and incredibly flexible in order to really scoop up opportunities,” said KIBDC general man-ager, Leslie Lax. “I think that the potential is huge and very real.”

With ownership of some of the remain-ing prime real estate in Kamloops, the band is exploring a number of development opportuni-ties that will provide benefits to both the band and its partners.

The KIBDC is looking to extend the success of Tk’emlúps Petro Canada and the 350-tenant Mount Paul Industrial Park — one of the largest industrial parks in Canada and the first on a First Nations reservation — to the remaining land, while establishing a presence that reflects the iden-tity of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

The Chief Louis Centre lands, just northeast of the for-mer Kamloops Indian Residential School, are the KIBDC’s current focus in terms of devel-opment.

More than three hectares of serviced

land is on the verge of development, with the availability of long-term leasses.

The focus for the land will be business administration and retail: Firms and offices, the possibility of a sporting store, a grocery store, food outlets and more.

There is an emphasis on businesses that are

both First Nations-owned and non First Nations-owned, and a desire to serve both the immediate and broader community.

Four overarching pil-lars drive decisions for development: Financial viability, respect to the environment, positive social impacts and cul-tural sensitivity. Any project must meet all four thresholds in order to move forward.

The CLC Design Controls Package ties into traditional design and the local environ-ment ensuring that the architecture and landscape develop-ments are character-istic of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and provid-ing development cohe-sion and branding — a process that has already begun with the design of the Sk’elep School of Excellence and the All Nations Trust Company.

Rebranding has

played a role in the suc-cess of the Tk’emlúps Petro Canada, which has seen huge improve-ments in customer ser-vice and sales with its new management.

An added plus for the community is that 95 per cent of staff are First Nations.

“Employment for band members is always top of mind,” Lax said. “There is a strong focus on providing employ-ment opportunities and training.”

Although the Chief Louis Centre lands are currently a major focus, other developments include the Sagebrush Downs (close to 24 hectares in the Mount Paul Industrial Park) and the 7 Mile lands.

“We are exploring a number of opportunities related to developing the Sagebrush Downs land and at this point, we are refining the vision for that area.

“There is a wonder-ful opportunity to part-ner with other investors in developing that loca-tion,” Lax said.

Developers working with TteS will find they benefit financially while TteS works to meet its goals.

“We are a leading First Nation in business development and look forward to continued partnerships on land development.

“We are open for business looking at the future. We are rich in land and offer the hand of partnership and friendship” said Shane Gottfriedson, chief of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

”

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc: open for business

The potential is huge and very real.

- Leslie Lax, Kamloops Indian Band Development Coportation general manager

Future development plans for Ttes land. Plans for the Chief Louis Centre lands, just north-east of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, include a commercial centre with retail and service businesses and offices. KIBDC photo

Rebranding has played a role in the success of the Tk’emlúps Petro Canada, which has seen huge improvements in customer service and sales with its new management.


ABORIGINAL VOICE

An effort by the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc to restore the language of the Secwepemc people is starting with the youngest generation. Since 2010, the Little Fawn Nursery has ran a 50 per cent language-immersion program that sees children learning about their culture and speaking only the Secwepemc lan-guage for half a day, five days per week.

The Secwepemc language is consid-ered severely endan-gered.

A 2010 report on the status of B.C. First Nations lan-guages showed out of 6,500 community members, only 249

were fluent speakers of the language.

Most fluent speak-ers are elders, and many have passed in the years since this study was conducted.

Nursery admin-istrator Jessica Arnouse explained that most of the flu-ent speakers live in other Secwepemc communities.

She said the last highly fluent speaker in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is in her early 80s. With the Little Fawn Nursery immersion program, the community is trying to revitalize the severely endan-gered language.

“This is so impor-tant for the com-munity to build the language and culture

back up. It’s a very important step for the community to take,” she said.

The program was developed by Janice Billy, who has a doctorate degree in education. She is the co-founder of the Chief Atahm School, which is a Secwepemc language-immersion school situated on the Adams Lake Band, near Chase.

It is the only full immersion school in the Shuswap nation.

Children come to Little Fawn Nursery at the ages of three and four, staying for either one or two years prior to enter-ing kindergarten.

The program that was developed for

the nursery is built around the seasons recognized by the Secwepemc people.

Before begin-ning at the nursery most of the children have never heard the language and know English as their first language. From the day they start, they begin learning basic commands and greetings.

Arnouse said there is an effort to maintain a rule that English is only spo-ken in the office and the entrance area.

Once in the class-room area, only the Secwepemc language is heard. Although there is a curriculum, the les-son plans adapt to cultural activities

that might arise. This year the

nursery spent the month of May at the heritage park, tan-ning buffalo hides.

Next year, they plan to do moccasin

making. “It’s never-ending

with the language and the culture, but if we can spend the time with them, teaching the lan-guage and speaking

in the language and giving them that opportunity to hear it, that’s our biggest goal,” Arnouse said.

Learning their language

See PROGRESS D5

Justice Ward (5) and Joan Heavenfire (5) practise counting in Secwepemctsin during their free time. Little Fawn administrator Jessica Arnouse said the chilren start responding to lessons after about a month of immersion programming. By the end of the year, they sing the songs and practise the language on their own.

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We Provide:• Activities and materials designed to enhance and encourage individual, emotional, physical and spiritual learning, thinking, playing and language• Secwepemc social cultural and 50% language, traditional songs and dances• Cooperative learning• Consistent routines and regulations based on equality and respect for self and others• Health and nutrition program - dental, hygiene and nutrition

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ABORIGINAL VOICE

From D4

Songs, stories, activities, games and an immense amount of specially designed teaching aids have been developed for the program.

Children are intro-duced to the alpha-bet, but the focus is on hearing the lan-guage and the letters, not writing. Arnouse said new students start responding after about a month of being in the language-immersion program.

“You know they’re listening once they start talk-ing to their moms and dads at home,” she said, adding that parents will quite often report the chil-

dren are beginning to use Secwepemctsin words at home.

The nursery has many resources for children and parents to use at home, as there is an effort to close the gap between the nursery and home life, even if the parents aren’t familiar with the lan-guage.

They try to send home language materials with children that show a keen interest in learning. With the amount of the immersion the chil-dren experience at Little Fawn, Arnouse said they are more than prepared for their cultural studies at Sk’elep School.

The immersion

program at the nurs-ery is the only one of its kind for members of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

“It does start here,” she said.

“Four years of doing an immersion program, you start to see that they are learning, that our teachings are going somewhere.”

Catherine Billy, Cory Sampson and Rhonda Jules are teachers at the Little Fawn Nursery and all have training in early-childhood edu-cation. They are also all fluent speakers and accredited First Nations language teachers.

“Knowing the language, they are a very rare resource,”

Arnouse said. “To co-ordinate culture revitalization, you need the speakers.”

There is a close relationship with the neighbour-ing Secwepemc communities and Arnouse said the nursery often calls upon fluent speak-ers to help with the immersion program — whether it’s with translations, teach-ing skills or cultural events.

Progress starts here

(Above) Joan Heavenfire (5), Makis Holmberg (4), Secwepemc language teacher Cory Sampson, Kaiden Black (5) and Katara Manuel (5) sing in the language. (Below) Secwepemc language teacher Cathryn Billy and Setetkwe (5) Gottfriedson go over the months of the year, the days of the week and count during calendar and weather time.

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ABORIGINAL VOICE

Celebrating success in Aboriginal educationChief Shane

Gotffriedson said the progress he has seen in education is what he is most proud of when it comes to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc’s suc-cesses.

The organiza-tion has developed a focus on education and today there are more students gradu-ating high school and going on to university than ever before.

“It’s truly one of my most gratifying things to see our people take the tools of education and bet-ter themselves,” he said.

From 1996 to 2006, the percentage of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc with

post-secondary qual-ifications increased from 48 per cent to 56 per cent, accord-ing to Statistica Canada.

“We’ve got mas-ter’s students now. It’s getting better and better every year,” said Coun. Ed Jensen, whose pri-mary portfolio with-in the band is educa-tion. “There seem to be success gaining speed. Our system is really buffing up, we’ve ironed out the bugs and we’ve fig-ured it out.

“Moving forward, we want a lot more success,” he said.

The reserve popu-lation is doubling every 10 to 15 years and has the ability to fill a lot of gaps

where mainstream society will need educated workers in the future.

“Having our com-munities exploding that way we need to have the people that will be the doc-

tors and the lawyers, firemen and the carpenters, not only working in a low level capacity. We want them to be the ones who are doing the inspections and running the crews.

“There’s no rea-son why we can’t do it,” he said.

The education of First Nations people is improving, begin-ning with nursery and elementary schools. Integration

of culture has been established as a top priority. A new style of education is already prominent in the Sk’elep School of Excellence.

“It’s a long time coming,” Jensen

said. The Sk’elep

School of Excellence is one of the largest First Nations schools in B.C., with 99 per cent of the students being First Nations.

It offers elemen-tary grades, up to Grade 7. The origi-nal vision was to develop a commu-nity-based school that showcases both excellence in aca-demics and culture.

The goal of the school is to prepare students for their futures, but also help them have an under-standing of who they are and where they come from.

“I think by doing that, by showing

See CULTURE D7

Coun. Ed Jensen with students at Armor Creek


ABORIGINAL VOICE

From D6

and teaching societal ways of being, will also help them in terms of their social life, their health.

“They will have more pride in where they came from, the knowl-edge and the ties

to the land that they are being taught will increase their world-liness,” Jensen said.

“We’re very proud of our school and the leaps and bounds and the progress that is being made in such a short time,” he said.

Jensen said the

Ske’elep School has undergone some recent developments, including bringing in the new principal, Gary Gottfriedson.

As a community member, he brings an emphasis on cul-ture into the educa-tion of young First Nations.

“He is very pas-sionate about our culture and it shows in terms of what is going on there,” Jensen said.

For the first while, the focus at the Sk’elep School was on academics but, in the last couple of years, Gottfriedson has put a lot of effort in bringing culture into the curriculum.

Secwepemc lan-guage and culture is taught to all grades.

The linkage to the nursery and the language immersion gives students a good foothold on relearn-ing the language and Jensen said the flu-ency that is develop-ing in Sk’elep school is a direct result of that.

Jensen said the improvement of the students’ understand-ing of their language also has a direct

result on their aca-demic success.

“What thinking in two different lan-guages does for you is it wakes up parts of the brain that are otherwise dormant, so it’s showing on the academic side that it’s a good thing, it’s conducive to aca-demic excellence,” Jensen said.

Within the last year the school has been conducting the DIBELS test-ing which measures grade level.

Jensen said the first round of test-ing showed students were, on average, performing below grade level.

Since then there have been a number of programs brought into the school, including programs focusing on literacy, read well and read-ing mastery. From

September to April, Jensen said students have shown dramatic improvements.

“It’s proving that our system is working,” Jensen said. “It’s due to the vision of not only Mr. Gottfriedson, but the leadership of the day,” he said. “The progression towards culture is getting stronger and stronger and we’re seeing results.”

“What I see today it’s very enriching and it feels really good for me as a leader,” he said.

Moving forward Jensen said the band has a middle-term vision of developing a middle school and a long-term vision of establishing a high school that prolongs the cultural pri-orities of the Sk’elep School.

Jensen said the

band has given root to a new style of teaching in the last few years and would like to see the young students see that style of education through to gradua-tion.

“We’re hoping that dream will come to fruition one day because what I anticipate is those learners, by the time they hit Grade 7, will be a bit advanced and they are going to have a different look at the way their learning the various subjects,” he said.

“In the long term, it’s all about pro-ducing students of excellence, ones that will excel not only in life, but in the busi-ness world, in the post-secondary and academic world and trying to get them ready for those tran-sitions, too.”

Incorporating cultureCoun. Ed Jensen with students at Armor Creek

zimmerautosport.com

ABORIGINAL VOICE

From D6

and teaching societal ways of being, will also help them in terms of their social life, their health.

“They will have more pride in where they came from, the knowl-edge and the ties

to the land that they are being taught will increase their world-liness,” Jensen said.

“We’re very proud of our school and the leaps and bounds and the progress that is being made in such a short time,” he said.

Jensen said the

Ske’elep School has undergone some recent developments, including bringing in the new principal, Gary Gottfriedson.

As a community member, he brings an emphasis on cul-ture into the educa-tion of young First Nations.

“He is very pas-sionate about our culture and it shows in terms of what is going on there,” Jensen said.

For the first while, the focus at the Sk’elep School was on academics but, in the last couple of years, Gottfriedson has put a lot of effort in bringing culture into the curriculum.

Secwepemc lan-guage and culture is taught to all grades.

The linkage to the nursery and the language immersion gives students a good foothold on relearn-ing the language and Jensen said the flu-ency that is develop-ing in Sk’elep school is a direct result of that.

Jensen said the improvement of the students’ understand-ing of their language also has a direct

result on their aca-demic success.

“What thinking in two different lan-guages does for you is it wakes up parts of the brain that are otherwise dormant, so it’s showing on the academic side that it’s a good thing, it’s conducive to aca-demic excellence,” Jensen said.

Within the last year the school has been conducting the DIBELS test-ing which measures grade level.

Jensen said the first round of test-ing showed students were, on average, performing below grade level.

Since then there have been a number of programs brought into the school, including programs focusing on literacy, read well and read-ing mastery. From

September to April, Jensen said students have shown dramatic improvements.

“It’s proving that our system is working,” Jensen said. “It’s due to the vision of not only Mr. Gottfriedson, but the leadership of the day,” he said. “The progression towards culture is getting stronger and stronger and we’re seeing results.”

“What I see today it’s very enriching and it feels really good for me as a leader,” he said.

Moving forward Jensen said the band has a middle-term vision of developing a middle school and a long-term vision of establishing a high school that prolongs the cultural pri-orities of the Sk’elep School.

Jensen said the

band has given root to a new style of teaching in the last few years and would like to see the young students see that style of education through to gradua-tion.

“We’re hoping that dream will come to fruition one day because what I anticipate is those learners, by the time they hit Grade 7, will be a bit advanced and they are going to have a different look at the way their learning the various subjects,” he said.

“In the long term, it’s all about pro-ducing students of excellence, ones that will excel not only in life, but in the busi-ness world, in the post-secondary and academic world and trying to get them ready for those tran-sitions, too.”

Incorporating cultureCoun. Ed Jensen with students at Armor Creek


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ABORIGINAL VOICE

The natural resources department of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is working towards establishing a guide and outfitting area, based on a five year pilot project that concluded in 2010.

From 2005 to 2010 the South Thompson Wildlife Stewardship pilot project raised over $400,000, with 70 per cent going back into wildlife restoration.

“The idea was to harvest a ram that we sold and the money would go back into stewardship pro-grams,” said Barry Bennet, the assistant manager of the natu-ral resources depart-ment of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

Over the five years, five California Big Horn Sheep were sold.

Of the $460,000 in revenue, $277,000 was deposited into the res-toration account. It sup-

ported many programs including, an ogling noxious weed herbicide program, range burns, habitat assessment work, sheep population inventories, sheep trans-plants, wetland restora-tion and the purchase of capture equipment.

The project also sup-ported research through Thompson Rivers University, including a bighorn sheep habitat research project and a moose radio col-lar research project. A permanent $20,000 endowment fund and two $500 bursaries were created through the Thompson Rivers University Foundation.

“At the end of the day the project, in stakeholders minds, it was a huge success,” Bennett said.

The project was initiated by the mem-bers of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and the regional Ministry of

Environment staff who recognized the South Thompson sheep herd could sustain a small harvest. The herd ranges over 50,000 acres, with two thirds of the popu-lation ranging on Band land or private lands owned by the Band.

“It’s pretty unique because not many Indian Bands let people come onto their land to do this hunt,” Bennett

said. In 2005 a com-

mittee was struck to oversee a five-year pilot project, with represen-tatives from multiple stakeholder groups, including the Kamloops Fish and Game Association, the B.C. Wildlife Federation and the Guide Outfitters Association of B.C., among others.

The committee

agreed that a guided hunt would be sold annually and a third party guide and outfitter was permitted annually to guide the hunt. The hunt authorization was made available to hunt-ers through the regular limited entry hunting process.

The project over-view indicates the guided hunts were sold through a bid system

for an average price of $89,000.

The profits were split between a restoration fund and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, with 70 per cent allocated to the fund and 30 per cent to the Band.

“It’s a really neat program, the first of its kind in B.C. as far as we know,” said natural resources manager Jim McGrath. “No one else has ever committed 70 per cent back to its habitat.”

Over 300 resident hunters took part in the lottery for the one resi-dent authorization every year. Hunters typically targeted the older sheep that were no longer contributing to the breeding population. 80 per cent of the time, the meat was kept at the Band and used for com-munity functions.

Although the hunt ended in 2010, the res-toration account and the committee still exist

today. The committee is currently in the process of developing recom-mendations for the future.

The Band wants to pursue the program again, with more of a guide outfitter model but still with steward-ship programs as a pri-mary focus.

“We’re in discussion with the province of B.C. to move forward on a guide outfitter ter-ritory that focuses on a co-management basis to still generate funds for habitat,” Bennett said.

McGrath said the process of developing a permanent program is at the regional level. The committee has submit-ted a letter acknowl-edging that it wants a guide outfitter area and various agencies drafted letters of support.

“It would be a simi-lar program, just more formalized,” Bennett said.

Hunting to support wildlife stewardship

Natural resouces assistant manager with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Jim McGrath and outfit-ter Abe Dougan with the first California Big Horn Sheep that was harvested through the South Thompson WIldlife Stewardship pilot project. Photo contributed

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ABORIGINAL VOICE

Kamloopa Powwow has grown into one of the largest celebrations of First Nations culture in Western Canada.

The Kamloopa Powwow repre-sents many years of stories and events of Aboriginal culture, celebrated over three days at the Secwepemc Powwow grounds alongside the South Thompson River, running this year from Aug. 1 to Aug. 3.

The Shuswap Brothers and Sisters Society held the first Kamloopa Powwow in 1979. In 1993, in conjuc-tion with the Canada Summer Games, the Tk’emplups Arbour was built.

Upon the retirement of the Shuswap Brothers and Sisters Society in 2000, the Kamloopa Powwow Society was created.

The first powwow organized by the new non-profit organization was held in 2001 and Delyla Daniels became president of the Society in 2002.

The society is organizing its 14th powwow this year but the 35th Kamloopa Powwow since the event’s inception.

Daniels, who is still president of the Society, began her involvement with Kamloopa Powwow at the age of 11 in the early 1990s. Beginning with concession work, she later learned about the legwork behind the pow-

wow at age 14. “The powwow is literally organized

by a handful of people and it’s all done by volunteers,” Daniels said.

At the first powwow in 1979, there was one drum and maybe 20 dancers.

Today, the powwow plays host to around 20 drums, hundreds of dancers, awards over $77,000 in prize payout and attracts upwards of 20,000 attendees.

“Our people historically have always travelled and shared song and dance,” Daniels said. “In our eyes, we are wel-coming the visitors to our territory.”

Powwow is a gathering of First Nations and many are celebrated across North America. Kamloopa Powwow attracts people from many places, primarily from across B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Washington and Idaho.

This will be the fifth year for the drumming contest, which pays out $30,000 in prize money to five drum-ming groups.

This year the host drum, the first drum you see when you enter the pow-wow grounds, will be a well known southern drumming group from Oklahoma, YoungBird.

This will be the first time Kamloopa Powwow will host a southern drum.

Kamloopa Powwow celebrates 35 years

See CULTURE D11

Dave Matilpi from the Kwakiupl nation dances in The 28th Annual Pow Wow Grand Entry. KTW file photo


ABORIGINAL VOICE

“We have world-class sing-ers coming,” Daniels said.

“We honour having them at our powwow.”

Categories include tradi-tional, chicken, jingle, grass, fancy feather and fancy shawl for adult, teen and junior.

In addition to the regular dances, there is a selection of specials, which are hosted by families.

This year there will be a coming-out special, which introduces young members of the community.

Chief and council host spe-cials each year, which signifies council recognizing visitors.

Miss Kamloopa also hosts a special every year.

A grand entry takes place everyday, at 7 p.m. on the opening night and then at 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Throughout the Powwow many representations of First Nations culture can be seen.

“You’ll be able to tell a dancer by their outfit and where they come from by the different designs and the dif-ferent moccasins they wear,” Daniels said. “Over the years, you get to meeting all these people. They become your family.”

The Powwow also wel-comes non-First Nations peo-ple to partake, learn and enjoy.

Kamloopa Powwow is known for its special competi-tion that invites non-Aborigi-nal people to try the traditional dances.

Each year the master of cer-emonies will collect donations and a special will be hosted for non-First Nations people, where each dance is demon-strated before they have the opportunity to try it out.

Daniels called it one of the highlights of the powwow.

“We are open to having all people come and attend and witness this celebration,” Daniels said. “We do encour-

age non-Aboriginal people to attend and ask questions.”

Kamloopa Powwow has gained a reputation as being one of the best and most well-run powwows of its kind.

The Kamloopa Powwow Society is a charitable orga-nization and it costs around $130,000 to organize the event.

“Without our sponsors the powwow wouldn’t be pos-sible,” Daniels said.

Culture, tradition, celebrationFrom D10

KAMLOOPA POWWOWNicole Aquash of Coquitlam, and originally from the Potawatomi/Ouibwe Walpole Island First Nation, dances in the teen girl’s jingle dance during the Kamloopa Powwow in 2011. KTW file photo

THETHE

Continuing with festivities honouring First Nation’s culture:

From June 27 – 30, 2014 hosted by The Working Pow-Wow society at the Neskonith Community Pow-Wow Grounds and Arbour approximately 7 kms west of the Village of Chase. Admission and camping are free.For directions or more information please contact Lucille Martin on

250-679-8098 or 250-819-1508.The Little Shuswap Lake Band is hosting the Skwlax International Pow-Wow

July 18 – 20, 2014 in a valley by Little Shuswap Lake at 1886 Little Shuswap Road, Skwlax. Camping is included in the price of Admission.

For more information please contact Joan Arnouse or Barb Callihoe at 250-679-3203 or by email at [email protected]

Continuing with fes

From June 27 – 30, 2014 hNeskonith Community P7 kms west of the Villag

Congratulations from the Village of Chase on celebrating the

35th Annual Kamloops PowWow!


“Wellnewí7s-kucw, re New Gold, re Skítsestenemc ell re Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, me7 knucwentwécw-kucw es lé7es

es w7ecs wel me7 yews”

“New Gold, Skeetchestn and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Indian Bands,Working Together for a Stronger Future”

New Afton would like to recognize Aboriginal Day on Saturday, June 21st, 2014 and hopes that the event is filled with sunshine and celebration.

New Gold is proud of its relationship with Skeetchestn Indian Band and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. With 23% Aboriginal Employment, New Afton celebrates our joint success with training and sustainability initiatives and look forward to continuing to build a stronger relationship in the future.

2014 Aboriginal Day

New Afton welcomes your feedback Call us at 250.377.2100 or email us at [email protected]

www.newgold.com


ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW AND EXCITING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND PARTNERSHIPS.

• Real Estate Development• Joint Ventures/Partnerships

• Natural Resources• Leasing - Contact Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Lands and Leasing Dept.

• Forestry/Agriculture - Contact Jim McGrath, Natural Resources Department Manager• Business Development - Contact Leslie Lax, General Manager, KIBDC

TKEMLUPSBUSINESS.CA 200 - 330 CHIEF ALEX THOMAS WAY • (250) 828-9802

Discover the incredible diversity of First Nations languages in BC and

the groundbreaking work underway to keep them alive. Visit the new

feature exhibition and learn to say “welcome” in one of 34 languages.

Get tickets at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/languages

NEW EXHIBITION OPENS JUNE 21

Proudly supported by:

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Carved staff attributed to Jimmy John (1877-1988), Mowachaht-Muchalaht

Uni ed, self-governing, prosperous Secwepemc communities guided by Secwepemc values, language and culture and sustained by the

resources of Secwepmecúl’ecw

Proud supporter of Aboriginal Day!

680 West Athabasca St., Kamloops ~ 778-471-8200Visit our website for detailed information & event listings

shuswapnation.org

SHUSWAP NATIONTribal Council

Like us on Facebook!


ABORIGINAL VOICE

The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park is a place to expe-rience the cultural his-tory of the First Nations people of this area.

“If you don’t know your history and your culture, you don’t know where you’re from,” said museum manager

Dan Saul. The museum exhib-

its incorporate the oral history and legends of the Secwepemc people, along with historical photographs, illustrations and artifacts.

Also on display are birch canoes, a summer mat lodge and exhib-

its on hunting, fishing, clothing, games, food gathering and cooking.

Saul said artifacts in the museum are up to almost 10,000 years old.

The museum is also used as a repository and has hundreds of arti-facts discovered through archeological digs.

A powwow exhibit is currently begin designed by elder Helen Sandy.

Saul said they are also planning to rearrange areas to include more contemporary ways of life, to contrast the past to the present.

“It’s just to introduce people and to educate people on the culture of the First Nations people in this area,” Saul said, adding many history books include historical information on nations in other areas, such as in the east or in the south, but the Secwepemc Museum tells the story of the local First Nations community.

He said it’s impor-tant for the history to be portrayed by the Secwepemc people.

“It’s representing how we see it and that way people learn things they

didn’t realize before,” he said.

The heritage park is located on the banks of the South Thompson River on a 12-acre prop-erty and is a complement to the museum.

A one-kilometre stretch of trail leads visi-tors through the remains of a 2,000-year-old Shuswap winter village site, four reconstructed winter pit houses and a summer village.

The village features a tule mat lodge, hunting lean-to, fish-drying rack, fish trap, smoke house and traditional plant foods.

The heritage park also features the Secwepemc Ethnobotanical Gardens.

The gardens are divid-ed into five zones, each representing a different ecosystem found within

the Secwepemc territory. Interpretive signs

located at each garden describe the ecosystem in which the plants grow naturally.

The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park welcomes visi-tors from across the globe, including Europe, Australia and the U.S.

The museum has a contract with the Kamloops-Thompson School district, with each school visiting the muse-um for tours and cultural presentations.

Secwepemc Museum educator Jackie Jules does cultural presenta-tions in the museum and at schools on traditional foods, plants, fishing, homes, residential- school history, transpor-tation, tools, technology and more.

Discover the history of the Secwepemc people

www.kamloops.ca

City of KamloopsO�ce of the Mayor

Mayor Peter MilobarCouncillor Donovan CaversCouncillor Ken ChristianCouncillor Nelly Dever

Councillor Tina LangeCouncillor Arjun SinghCouncillor Marg SpinaCouncillor Patricia Wallace

National Aboriginal DayOn behalf of my colleagues on City Council, we join you in celebrating National Aborginal Day. We are proud of our long-standing relationships with both the local First Nations bands and the Kamloops and area Metis.

We look forward to a day of celebration and recognition on June 21st.

Sincerely, Mayor Peter Milobar

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June 21, 2014Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Arbour

2 pm - 10 pmFashion Show 5 pm

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