ABOUT
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
Meet the Host Nation – that is situated in the traditional and unceded ancestral lands of the Secwepemc Nation.
We are honoured to partner with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc to host GOV 2025 on their territory that is situated within the unceded ancestral lands of the Secwépemc Nation. We are grateful for their knowledge and guidance as we plan our next youth conference and work to incorporate their language and culture every step of the way.
“Kamloops” is the English translation of the Shuswap word “Tk̓emlúps” meaning “where the rivers meet”.
This is the home of the “Tk’emlupsemc” , which means “people of the confluence”.
The History of Tk̓emlúps
At one time the Secwépemc (suh-Wep-muhc) people occupied one large territory that covered approximately 145,000 square kilometers. The traditional Secwépemc lived as a self-governing nation grouped into bands. Although each band was independent, a common language and a similar culture and belief system united them. Before the smallpox epidemic of 1862 there were 32 Secwépemc bands with four Secwépemc dialects.
Traditionally, the Secwépemc depended on the natural resources of the land. Each band usually spent the winter in its own village of pit houses. During the rest of the year, most Secwépemc people moved from place to place, as foods became available in different areas.
After European contact, the colonial government divided the Secwépemc people into 17 distinct groups with specific parcels of land designated to each.
The Kamloops Reserve land base was established in 1862 under the direction of Governor James Douglas. It is located east of the North Thompson River and north of the South Thompson River, adjacent to the City of Kamloops.
Pit house picture by John Biehler
St. Joseph’s Church, built by Catholic missionaries and the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc in the late 19th Century, is the oldest church in Kamloops.
River Photo Credits: Candace Hansma
KAFS
The local Friendship Centre is the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS). They provide culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of Urban Indigenous people so they can become healthier physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.