Indigenous Experiences
Kamloopa Powwow
Mary Putnam
Tk'emlúps
Tk̓emlúps [teh kamloops]
Kamloops is located on the ancestral lands of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. The Tk'emlúpsemc, or “the people of the confluence” have lived here since time immemorial. They have been caretakers and stewards of these living lands. Enjoy your experience in Tk'emlupsemcúl̓ecw.
Visit Tk'emlupsemcúl̓ecw with respect and take part in authentic Indigenous experiences. From tours to cuisine and artisan markets, there are many ways to honour and embrace their culture—and broaden your understanding of their values, traditions, and lived experiences.
Kamloops Indian Residential School – Le Estcwicwéy' (The Missing)
In May 2021, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc confirmed the presence of 215 unmarked graves on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School which operated from 1893 to 1977.
The Missing Children are refered to as Le Estcwicwéy̓ (The Missing). This is a name given by the 13 Grassroot Family Advisory Group of TteS, and translated by the fluent Elders of Wumecwílc re Secwepemctsín.
This work took months of pre-planning and organization. It was carried out by Ck̓ul̓tenéllcw-kt ell Le Q̓7es te Tsúwet ne Secwepemcúl̓ecw (the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park) under the management of C7élksten̓s re Secwépemc ne Ck̓úl̓tens ell ne Xqwelténs (Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Language and Culture Department), with the support and guidance of ceremonial knowledge keepers, Natural Resources Cultural Manager, and Chief and Council. A Specialist who worked with ground penetrating radar technology found only a fraction of more than 4,100 children who died while attending residential schools across Canada.
Connect with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc
The name Kamloops is an anglicization of the word Tk̓emlúps, which means “where the rivers meet,” in Secwepemctsín. Learn about their rich and resilient culture and uncover every chapter of their story.
TNRD/Nat Anfield
Mary Putnam
Mary Putnam
Seek authentic Indigenous experiences
4 Generations Creations
Discover unique Indigenous treasures at 4 Generations Creations, Sahali Mall's newest gem owned by Tk̓emlúps Band Member, Ashley Michel. Explore a diverse collection of apparel, stickers, and meticulously handcrafted items like ribbon skirts and beaded jewelry. Ashley's passionate support for Indigenous businesses and artists makes it the perfect place to shop consciously and pick up the perfect local gift.
Sweláps Market
Support local at Sweláps Market, the newly opened grocery store of Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc. Enjoy fresh, quality products while contributing to their vision for sustainable employment, food security, and positive local development. Browse through a selection of Indigenous goods, supporting cultural preservation and community economic growth with each purchase.
The Kamloopa Powwow
The annual Kamloopa Powwow, held in the summer months, is one of the largest Powwows in Western Canada, celebrating Indigenous People. This major gathering stands for encouragement, rejuvenation, and understanding of Indigenous cultures and welcomes over 20,000 spectators and well over 600 Powwow dancers, singers, drummers, vendors throughout the weekend.
Kekuli Cafe
The Kekuli Cafe is a locally-owned Indigenous restaurant serving up authentic Indigenous cuisine like bannock, flatbread, and more. The Kekuli Cafe is located in downtown Kamloops across from the hospital.
Kweseltken Farmers' and Artisan Market
The Kweseltken (or "my relations") Farmers’ and Artisan Market is a community market that showcases local crafters, producers, and agricultural growers. This Indigenous market is hosted seasonally on Sunday mornings at the Kamloopa Powwow Arbour from July to October.
Ck̓ul̓tenéllcw-kt ell Le Q̓7es te Tsúwet ne Secwepemcúl̓ecw
(Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park)
Closed for Renovations
The Secwépemc Museum displays incorporate the teachings, material culture, and oral history and legends of the Secwépemc. The Museum is projected to reopen fall of 2024.
Kamloops Indian Residential School Tours
Pre-book a tour of the Kamloops Indian Residential School (1923 – 1977) and learn the truth about the purpose of these schools and what they were really like. This tour can be made age-appropriate for students in Grade 4 and above. Please be aware that as this is a historic building, you must be physically capable of climbing 4 flights of stairs since no mobility accommodations have been added.
McAbee Fossil Beds Heritage Site
The McAbee Fossil Beds is a heritage site east of Cache Creek. These ancient fossil beds were deposited in a lake during the Eocene Epoch, over 50 million years ago. The site is open during the summer months and offers a series of interpretive hiking trails with scenic viewpoints.
