Shuswap Band (Kenpesq’t) is a member of the Secwépemc (pronounced Sec-wep-mec) Nation, who traditionally occupied a vast area in the south-central part of British Columbia, Canada since time immemorial. The Secwépemc Nation holds one of the largest territories and caretaker areas in the province. Shuswap Band’s primary community is located on its reserve near Invermere, BC, on the east bank of the Columbia River, though many of our members live throughout Secwépemcúl’ecw and beyond. Shuswap Band has close family ties to the neighbouring Ktunaxa Nation, and several members are from both communities. Though the Kenpesq’t family is the first documented Shuswap family in the area, the pit houses that cover the valley’s landscape attest to Secwépemc historical occupation for thousands of years before the Kenpesq’t migration.

Shuswap Band members are proud, healthy, and striving to create a respectful, prosperous, and self-sufficient community. We honour our culture, language and traditions in ways that promote economic prosperity, as well as opportunities for education and employment. We value our lands and work in ways that enhance our connections to the land. Indigenous people have always been keepers of the land, using its bounty to sustain our way of life. Our culture hinges on the belief that the land responds positively to care and respect; those who nurture the land will receive back from it tenfold.

Our people are our strength; our children are the future.