National Aboriginal Day celebrates 20 years of strong vibrant cultures and traditions on June 21st. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis across the country.
Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the federal government chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day. For generations, many Indigenous Peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
Parks Canada works with more than 300 Indigenous communities across Canada in conserving, restoring and presenting Canada鈥檚 natural and cultural heritage. 聽Each year, one of the members of Jasper National Park鈥檚 Indigenous forum hosts Aboriginal Day festivities at the Information Centre.
On Saturday, June 18th, the Simpcw First Nation, part of the Shuswap Nation (one of 17 Bands who historically and currently live in the Thompson River Valley) will share their culture and traditions with visitors.
The Simpcw traditional territory extends from North of McLure to the headwaters of the Fraser River near McBride, and from T锚te Jeune Cache over to Jasper and south to the headwaters of the Athabasca River. In total, Simpcw Territory covers approximately five million hectares of land.
Traditionally, the Simpcw people were known for their hunting abilities; much of their culture centres on the gathering of local plants and animals for survival. In the summer months, hunting camps were established where they caught fish, primarily salmon, with nets, spears and weirs. They also hunted wildlife. The meat was smoked or dried for storage in order to have food for the winter months. Plant collection was common; food, medicines and technology were common uses for the vegetation they collected.
Simpcw people often interacted with other First Nations bands that lived nearby, as well. They actively traded with other bands throughout the area. There were disputes from time to time with other Nations from B.C. and Alberta, usually over natural resources and land.
Simpcw First Nation has nearly 700 members, many of whom live in the main village of Chu Chua, B.C. Many still practice and maintain traditional knowledge and customs, which are taught at the local school, along with the regular B.C. elementary school curriculum. The Simpcw people are also an active part of the modern workforce, with many business owners and professionals in the membership. The community remains close-knit, with community gatherings and other events. This is all part of living up to Simpcw鈥檚 mission statement, which states:
鈥淭he Simpcw are a culturally proud community, valuing healthy, holistic lifestyles based upon respect, responsibility and continuous participation in growth and education.鈥�
The Simpcw people speak the western dialect of Secwepemctsin from the Interior Salish language family, which has been passed down from generation to generation. The language ties them closely to the land and each other. The borrowed English alphabet was used to develop the Secwepemctsin alphabet, which consists of 43 letters.
The language is in jeopardy with the loss of elders and the residential schooling systems of the mid-1900s. The Simpcw people have been working to revive it through various methods and programs. The school incorporates language and culture into their everyday learning with a class taught five days a week, where the students learn various topics such as: family, weather/calendar, animals, stories, prayers, and traditional hand drum songs.
The Simpcw First Nation will be sharing some of this as part of a full day of activities at the Jasper Information Centre on Saturday, June 18th. 聽The day is based on the concept of a mini Pow-Wow with Simpcw songs and culture included. 聽Things get underway with a Grand Entry at 10 a.m followed by the Secwepemc Welcome song. 聽Hand drummers will take centre stage and then the intertribal portion of the festivities will allow everyone to dance. 聽Category dancing will occur just before lunch and continue again with fun dances in the early afternoon. 聽Simpcw hand drummers and dancers will appear again before the flags are retired for the day at 4 p.m.
Parks Canada is committed to developing a system of national heritage places that recognizes the role of Indigenous People in Canada鈥檚 culture and in the traditional use of these special places and Jasper National Park looks forward to welcoming all visitors as they discover more about the Simpcw First Nation culture and history.
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