Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is one of the 16 First Nations affected by the Secwépemc Nation State of Emergency (CFJC Today/File photo).
State of Emergency

Secwépemc Nation declares State of Emergency due to wildfires

Jul 20, 2021 | 3:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Chiefs from the 16 communities of the Secwépemc Nation declared a State of Emergency due to the wildfires within the territory Monday (July 19) evening.

According to a release by Secwépemc Nation Tribal Council, the Chiefs have identified the State of Emergency as a drastic measure to ensure the continued safety of, and to reduce the threat to, vulnerable populations. This includes elders, immuno-compromised members with pre-existing and chronic health conditions, babies and young children.

The autonomous communities have their emergency plans in place, although Secwépemc Nation stated they will work together to exercise their collective rights and sacred responsibilities for the health, safety and well-being of all Secwépemc within Secwepemcul’ecw (Secwépemc Territory).

The Secwépemc Nation is currently working to establish an effective and efficient Emergency Response Center to coordinate activities in response to the 2021 wildfires.

The 16 communities affected are:

  • Sexqeltqín – Adams Lake
  • St’uxwtéws – Bonaparte
  • Tsq’éscen – Canim Lake
  • Stswécem’c/Xgat’tem’ – Canoe/Dog Creek
  • Esk’étemc – Alkali Lake
  • Llenllenéy’ten – High Bar
  • Tk’emlúps – Kamloops
  • Sk’atsin – Neskonlith
  • Simpcw – North Thompson
  • Ts’kw’aylaxw – Pavilion
  • Kenpésq’t – Shuswap
  • Skítsesten – Skeetchestn
  • Xats’úll – Soda Creek
  • Splats’in – Spallumcheen
  • T’éxel’c – Williams Lake
  • Stil’qw/Pelltíq’t – Whispering Pines/Clinton

The state of emergency will remain in effect until Oct. 19, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.