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“While Teit divided the Nlaka’pamuxwterritory into Upper and Lower divisions, the tribe had a cohesive structure that was made clear to Indian Reserve Commissioner Sproat in 1879 (Sproat 1879). Originally, the Nooaitch Indian band was integrated and considered a part of the Lower Nicola Indian Band tribes (ibid). The Nlaka’pamuxwand their neighbors shared many resources. Tribal boundaries were well-understood (York 1993, BC DOE 1966) but important gathering areas like the Stein Valley were used by a number of groups. Salmon, an important resource, was believed to have been the impetus for many intertribal relations between the Nlaka’pamuxwand their neighbors, particularly the Lytton, Fraser and Lillooet bands (Cannon 1992).
Obsidian were obtained in trade with other neighboring tribes (Carlson 1994), signifying a wide trade network that likely extended back to prehistoric times (Galm 1994). Nicola Lake was a site of social gatherings (Coop 2006). These intertribal relationships, knowledge, and ties to the land are often preserved in oral tradition and mythology (Hanna 1995; Sterling 1997).
The Upper and Lower Thompson shared a common identity and language and shared kinship ties. The Lower Thompson was more likely to have contact with the Northwest Coast groups, while the Upper Thompson interacted with their neighbors, the Secwepemc and Okanagan (ibid). The Lakes and Lillooet also made up the Interior Salish group (Wickwire 1978). The traditional territory of the Nlaka’pamuxwPeople extended into the Similkameen, Nicola Valley, and to the Fraser from Foster’s Bar to Spuzzum (Wade 1907). The hunting territory of the Nlaka’pamuxweven extended into the United States (ibid). Interaction with the Upper Stolo was made difficult by the difficulties of foot travel over steep terrain between the Coast and the Interior (Duff 1952b). The Tait were the closest Stolo neighbors, though their fishing grounds were likely well defined from those of the Lower Thompson (ibid). Sawmill Creek was their uppermost village, seven miles from Spuzzum (Laforet 1998).”
[1] Shellfish was also found at archaeological sites in the Nicola Valley (Lindsay 2003).
The Nooaitch People are a part of the foundation of our Nations. The People are the citizens of Nations that share language, creation stories, community history and family relationships. They form self-defined and self-governed communities and together they hold collective memories. When individuals gather themselves as communities, they are making intentional, political statements about their past, present and the possibilities of their future.
On IR#10 there is the main Band Office and Community Hall at the south end of the reserve. There is an area of industrial land north of the Band Office, formerly occupied by Eagle Nest Homes. Recently a Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society Satellite trailer Office was placed close to the Band office to provide on-reserve health services. The old Anglican Church is located on Lot 55 south of the Band Office.
“First Nations Leaders must work with Children, Families, and Communities to tackle the unacceptable social and economic circumstances of our People, including the loss of our Language. If we provide our Children with Opportunities for success today, It will reap dividends in our Communities in the future.”
Grand Chief Edward John