By Dylana Milobar

Day of Sucwentwecw honours Secwépemc community

Apr 5, 2019 | 4:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — School District 73 students took part in the day of Sucwentwecw today, celebrating Secwépemc culture and community. 

In the spirit of the day, Summit Elementary held a variety of Shuswap-inspired activites to give kids a taste of traditional arts and storytelling.

Now seven years into Sucwentwecw, Aboriginal Education Worker Debbi Lynn has helped teach students about Secwépemc culture and ideals during this event.

“It’s to honour the Secwépemc people. Just their culture, their land, and just their way of life.”

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

5h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

22h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

Dec 13, 2024

Also today, students from Kamloops Schools of the Arts planted a ponderosa tree in Peterson Creek Park to honour the value of nature highlighted in Secwépemc culture.

Explaining the significance of the tree-planting, KSA Teacher Carman-Anne Schultz says there is a lot to be learned from the people who first lived on the land in Kamloops.

“The tree gave to them, and they were grateful, and they never took more than they needed at any time. They lived peacefully and gently on Earth.”

Day of Sucwentwecw was proposed back in 2012, and has been teaching students about the Secwépemc people while growing their respect for local First Nations every year since.