An information website dedicated to our efforts in regaining land governance through our proposed Land Code Read more
About Stswecem'c Xget'tem First Nation
Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation (SXFN) is a northern Secwepemc First Nation government located in a semi-remote area of the Cariboo region of British Columbia, approximately 85 kilometers southwest of Williams Lake and 58 kilometers northwest of Clinton.
Yucwmenúl’ecw refers to the responsibility to take care of communal resource-producing lands.
In addition to political chiefs who were political stewards over tracts of Secwepemcul’ecw, the Secwepemc also had appointed caretakers or monitors of resources. The term for “to take care of something” is yucwminem, and for “to take care of the land”, the term is yucwmenúl’ecw. Both refer to the looking after, or stewardship of resource-producing land, including animals, fish, plants and everything else on it, with respect and with a notion of preserving the sustainability of all things.
Yucwmenúl’ecw was, and is, the responsibility of the caretakers of communal resource-producing territory. The Secwepemc had, and in the traditions of Elders and even younger generations, continue to have to this day, designated “caretakers” who were put in charge of resources, such as game, fish, berry-patches, trails and other important resources and avenues to resources.”
Canoe Creek
Dog Creek
Fish Lake
Our History
We were once two distinct bands: Canoe Creek and Dog Creek, located about 36 kilometres from each other. The population of both our communities saw a dramatic decline in the late 19th century, due to a smallpox epidemic. In the late nineteenth century, the two bands were joined together and referred to as Canoe Creek. Years later, we changed our name to Stswecem’c Xget’tem.
Our Guiding Principles
-
Respectful in our internal and external dealings
-
Provide quality service to our members
-
Accountable to members and funding sources
-
Cultural incorporation in daily practice
-
Open communications and transparency
-
Cooperative work with other First Nations, as well as federal and provincial governments
Through our Land Code, we will remove our reserve lands out from under the control of the Indian Act.
We will be recognized across the country as a government with real legislative authority.
Canada will no longer have authority to overrule or cancel any laws or decisions made by us for our lands.