Simpcw First Nation
The Simpcw are part of the Secwepemc, or Shuswap, Nation - one of 17 Bands who historically (and currently) lived in the Thompson River Valley. , Simpcw First Nation' s700 members live in Chu Chua, the location of the main village
The Simpcw are part of the Secwepemc, or Shuswap, Nation – one of 17 Bands who historically (and currently) lived in the Thompson River Valley. Simpcw’s lands covered an area of roughly 5,000,000 Ha: from North of McLure to the head waters of the Fraser River at McBride; to Jasper in the East and South to the head waters of the Athabasca River. Archaeological surveys have found winter sites and food cache pits throughout the region, including finds in Finn Creek, Vavenby, Birch Island, Clearwater, Little Fort, Chu Chua, Barriere, Louis Creek, Tête Jeune, and Jasper.
Traditionally, the Simpcw people were known for their hunting abilities; much of the Simpcw culture centres on the gathering of local plants and animals for survival. In the summer months, hunting camps were established above the North Thompson and upper Fraser Rivers, where Simpcw people caught fish, primarily salmon, with nets, spears and weirs. They also hunted wildlife that lived in the forests and fields, and smoked or dried the meat for storage, so they would have food for the winter months. Plant collection was common; food, medicines and technology were common uses for the vegetation they collected.
Simpcw people often interacted with other First Nations bands that lived nearby, as well. They actively traded with other Secwepemc bands, as well as other Nations throughout the area. Sometimes, they fought with other Nations from BC and Alberta, usually over natural resources and land.
Currently, Simpcw First Nation has nearly 700 members, many of whom live in Chu Chua, the location of the main village of Simpcw First Nation.
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PO Box 220, Barriere, BC V0E 1E0
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(250) 672-9995
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https://www.simpcw.com/
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