Kamloops Aboriginal Experiences
Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park, Tourism Kamloops photo
The Secwepemc Nation, more commonly known today as the Shuswap Nation, has a longstanding cultural and historic relationship with the city of Kamloops; In fact, the name "Kamloops," is the English translation of the Shuswap word "Tk'emlups," meaning "meeting place." Experience this rich cultural relationship today at the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park exploring its extensive photograph and artifact collection, at the annual Kamloopa Pow Wow enjoying traditional First Nations' performances and art, or at St. Joseph's Church, a national historic site.
Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park
The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park, located on the north side of the South Thompson River near downtown, and next to the Yellowhead Highway (5A) features historical photographs, illustrations, and artifacts, as well as displays on traditional Shuswap hunting, fishing, clothing, games, food gathering, and cooking.
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Below the museum are a series of trails winding through the archaeological remains of a 2,000-year old Shuswap winter village site. Walk into reconstructed winter pit houses and a summer village, complete with a tule mat lodge, hunting lean-to, fish drying rack, fish trap, smoke house, and traditional plant foods. The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park features a live archeological site still under excavation during the summer months.
Kamloopa Pow Wow
Every summer, the Kamloopa Pow Wow brings together 1,300 performers, competitors, arts and crafts people, and more than 15,000 spectators to this three-day annual First Nations event in Kamloops. Organized by the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc, the powwow is one of Canada's most unique cultural experiences and a whole lot of fun, combining athletic competitions, singing, dancing, and food as more than 30 bands from Western Canada and the Northern US gather for the event. The powwow, held on the August long weekend, is set in a large, wooden, circular open-air stadium arbor next to the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park.
St. Joseph's Church
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. Today a Canadian heritage site, the church has been completely renovated, and artifacts restored, including a gold-gilded altar. St. Joseph's Church is located on the Tk'emlups band lands, near the industrial park, and is open (along with the adjacent cemetery) during summer months.
Stop by the Kamloops Visitor Centre for more information on the area's First Nations' culture and heritage sites.
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