About Tsq̓éscen̓

Our Vision

Tsq’escném’c me7 westes re xwexweyt re stem he cqweqwlúteus ell reswecs

Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation: A politically and financially independent, healthy community, rich in Secwepemc tradition and culture.

Our Nation has always been rooted in our cultural traditions, language and spirituality. Education, family, accountability, equality, community involvement, respect for others and the environment and self determination are very important values we hold as a Nation. Formerly known as Canim Lake Band, we are proud of our accomplishments while supporting and encouraging individual achievements and collective growth and wellbeing. We are committed to building a healthy sustainable community and believe wholeheartedly in the leadership of our people.

Our Values

Xyemsteten re Secwepemc7ulecw, ell re Secwepemc

I honour the Secwepemc Territory and Secwepemc People

Me7 xyemstwecw-kp

Respect one Another

Me7 knucwentwecw-kp

Help one another

Me7 yegwyuwt-k ell me7 yegwyuwt ke7 pusmen

Keep healthy and strong in body and mind

Me7 tsexemstec te7 syecwmenstut ell ta7 me7 stunc k swet re syecwmintst

Know how to take care of yourself

Md7 elkstemc re7 s7elkst re sle7s xwexweyt re swet

Do your share of the work for the good of all

Me7 yecwmentwec-kt ta7 ke swet mes t’icwells

Care for the good of all; cooperate

Secwepemc-kt ell kweselknews-kt

We are Secwepemc and we are all inter-related

Our People

The Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation (TFN) is the proud home of the Tsq’escném’c (The People of Broken Rock), we belong to the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation which consists of 17 Nations that form Secwepemcúĺecw. We have always been known as the lakes people due to our relationship with the lakes and lands surrounding them. We have lived in this territory for time immemorial and historically known as great hosts to All Our Relations.

The Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation are progressive people, striving for self-sufficiency through education, economic development, social development, and overall management of its lands and resources. We have a strong leadership in Council as well as within the community, nation and province overall. We are a proud nation, with a rich heritage and culture. We have a unique position within the surrounding community and its economy. We are integrating our historic past and ways of being with the modern technological present to meet our needs to thrive, grow and succeed for generations to come.

Our Language

Le7 te sitq̓t! Weytkp! Good day! Hello to all!

The Secwépemc language encompasses the nomadic lifestyles of the people before European contact. Secwépemc people studied: the existence of the animal kingdom; medicinal plants; technology plants. The mountains were places to train individuals to hunt large game for food, fish the lakes, rivers and streams; study healing effects of the plants, shrubs and trees and to become doctors or “Tk̓wilc” as they are referred to, depending on the length of stay in the mountains by the individuals. The Secwépemc language was mastered at a very early age without difficulty.

Although we still practice much of the same activities, we are currently relearning the Secwépemc language during those activities. Due to colonization, the language barrier created by past injustices toward the Secwépemc people’s language and cultural practices requires healing and restoration. As we begin rebuilding and connecting the past teachings within the language to our future generations. By relearning the language, true expression among the people will re-emerge and teachings that have been lost due to disconnection to our language will assist us to heal and grow.

Continued documentation, research and learning of language and culture will continue and TFN continues to support the revitalization of our language and cultural practices and traditions.

Our Territory

Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation is part of the the Secwepemc Nation and are Interior Salish People. The Salish People cover the area from the Coast (Coastal Salish) from Northern BC from Washington State to the Cariboo Region. The Tsq’escenemc are part of the lakes people of the Northern Secwepemc, using the vast number of lakes in the region to maintain our sustenance.

The main village and administration buildings of the Nation is situated in the South Cariboo area, approximately 30 kilometers east of 100 Mile House on the Canim-Hendrix Lake Road.

Our traditional territory expands beyond the borders of the "Indian Reserves" as defined by the Indian Act of Canada, which equates to only 19.5 square kilometers of land. In contrast, our traditional area spans across 21, 260 square kilometers in the Cariboo, BC with some overlapping areas with our sister Secwepemc Nations. We have lived in this territory for time immemorial and have never agreed to give up our title and rights to the land and resources in this area. We continue to work to care for, preserve, protect and conserve due to the traditional uses and teachings that we receive from the land. When the land is not well and resources are depleted without concern for the future, this affects All Our Relations and we have a responsibility to ensure we are aligning our stewardship practices with the well being of the land and resources for long term sustainability.

Traditionally, we are known as great hosts, hosting National gatherings in what is now colonially known as 100 Mile House, Lac La Hache and Green Lake for relations from all across Turtle Island.