Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw
Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw (SteS) is more than just a community - it's a vital part of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation, spanning over 7,000 acres of reserve land in the Central Interior region of British Columbia, Canada. At the heart of it all is our main reserve in Chase, British Columbia, nestled on the picturesque shores of Little Shuswap Lake and known as Quaaout.
Here, we've built a close-knit, supportive community that honours our heritage and culture while embracing progress and innovation. From our stunning natural surroundings to our rich history and traditions, Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw is like no other. We're proud to call it home and invite you to experience it yourself.
About the Community
Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw (SteS) is a community with a clear and ambitious goal: to become a self-reliant and culturally-rich community that creates economic opportunity and sustainable development strategies for all its members. Their approach is guided by a deep respect for their heritage and a vision for a balanced and productive future.
Over the years, Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw has proven its ability to drive economic growth and development in the region through successful initiatives in recreation, construction, resource development, and hospitality. These achievements are a testament to their commitment to progress and the vision of a prosperous and vibrant community.
Looking ahead, Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw remains focused on creating lasting impacts for all their members while remaining true to their cultural roots and traditions. Their dedication to sustainable economic development and a balanced future will inspire many and drive positive change in the region.
Traditional Territory
Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw, renowned for their exceptional stewardship of the land, is dedicated to the protection and enforcement of rules and regulations within their traditional territory. Nestled within the esteemed "World's Richest 300 acres," Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw's connection to the Adams River Salmon Society has played a pivotal role in this distinction. The significance of the World's Richest 300 Acres lies in its role as the spawning ground and egg-laying site for salmon within SteS's Traditional Territory.
Each year, a dominant salmon run occurs in SteS Traditional Territory, with a particularly grand spectacle transpiring every four years, captivating audiences from around the globe during the Salute to the Sockeye celebration. Tsutswecw Park, formerly known as Roderick Haig Brown Park, has become the esteemed venue for this celebration, co-hosted by BC Parks. This event showcases the largest Sockeye Salmon run in North America and serves as a testament to the unique nature of the Scotch Creek Salmon Run—one of the region's few remaining early Sockeye runs.
Through collaborative efforts with Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw, the Province and BC Parks are united in their unwavering commitment to preserving the natural and cultural integrity of the area. This joint endeavor ensures that future generations can continue to cherish and appreciate this land for years to come.