The Splats'in: Stewards of the Secwepemc Territory

The Splats’in Nation is part of the larger Secwepemc Nation, located in the interior of British Columbia near Enderby. With ancestral lands extending along the Shuswap River and deep connections to the surrounding forests and waters, the Splats’in have long upheld a culture rooted in sustainability, oral history, and community-centered governance. Their traditional knowledge systems reflect a rich legacy of seasonal harvesting, land stewardship, and spiritual practices tied to place.

Struggles Against Resource Extraction and Jurisdictional Barriers

The Splats’in have long faced challenges related to environmental degradation from logging, mining, and hydroelectric development in their territory. These activities have impacted salmon runs, disrupted sacred sites, and threatened the integrity of traditional ecological knowledge. Additionally, navigating complex layers of federal and provincial policy has made it difficult to assert jurisdiction over their lands and protect treaty rights, especially in the absence of full legal recognition of title.

Revitalization Through Indigenous Governance and Innovation

In recent years, the Splats’in have emerged as leaders in asserting sovereignty and cultural renewal. They have established Indigenous-led education programs, language revitalization initiatives, and sustainable housing projects grounded in traditional values. Their successful collaboration in constructing and operating a community-run railway crossing to protect children from harm has become a model of Indigenous innovation in safety and self-determination. Through resilience and vision, they continue to strengthen cultural identity and reclaim stewardship of their lands.

Stories

 

New parking lot would destroy historic fishing and village site in Southern B.C.

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