Three Secwepemc Nation communities form society to take jurisdiction of child and family services
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TK’EMLUPS — Three communities within the Secwèpemc Nation have taken a step toward self-governance in child and family services.
Bonaparte First Nation, Tkʼemlúps te Secwèpemc and Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band have formed Yecwminte re Xqwllint, also known as the Take Care of Baby Basket Society.
According to a news release from the society’s Yecweminem (board of directors) issued Friday (Jan. 30), drafting of the final Secwèpemc Law of Stsmémelt and Kw’selkten to assert Indigenous jurisdiction over child and family services was completed in 2024. The board of directors says years of community engagement and research took place after the initiative began in 2009.
“This law was developed utilizing traditional stories that have been passed down through the generations,” said the Take Care of Baby Basket Society. “These stories contain teachings and provide guidance to the Secwepemc highlighting rights, responsibilities, and obligations to each other and our children and families. These teachings were examined and analyzed, and the core principles were used to draft the law, grounded in the wisdom of our ancestors.”
