Indigenous Culture and Experiences in Kamloops

Kamloops offers a powerful opportunity to engage with Indigenous history and culture. Indigenous-run businesses, markets, cultural sites, and heritage events shape much of the region's present-day life. With insights into the traditions of the Secwépemc people and the stories of survival and resilience tied to the Kamloops Indian Residential School, each experience invites visitors to learn and participate in a shared history.

Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park

The Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park, located on the lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc, preserves centuries of history and tradition. Its indoor exhibits display traditional tools, art, and oral histories, giving insight into how the Secwépemc have lived for generations. A storytelling station shares the legends of the Secwépemc people, helping visitors understand a worldview shaped by the land.

The Heritage Park expands the experience outdoors. Trails follow the banks of the South Thompson River, where visitors encounter reconstructions of ancient pithouses, once homes to the Secwépemc people. Interpretive signs explain how the surrounding plants and landscapes supported the community's needs. Ethnobotanical gardens feature traditional plants still used for food and medicine today.

The museum also offers tours of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, which has become a national site of reflection on Canada's history of cultural erasure. Guided tours help visitors understand the history and long-term effects of the school. Survivors and historians explain how residential schools aimed to assimilate Indigenous children, with long-term trauma still felt in communities today. The site has become both a space for mourning and a platform for educating others on the importance of reconciliation and restorative practices.

McAbee Fossil Beds Heritage Site

The McAbee Fossil Beds hold fossils dating back over 50 million years to the Eocene epoch. Managed through collaboration between the Bonaparte First Nation and local heritage groups, this site is one of the most significant fossil deposits in Canada. Fossilized plants, insects, and fish are displayed at visitor centres, providing a scientific understanding of ancient ecosystems.

Tours incorporate Indigenous knowledge of the land, which situates the fossil beds within a broader cultural and historical context. Visitors learn how First Nations have long interacted with and interpreted geological features. The McAbee Fossil Beds blend both ancient natural history and traditional stories, reflecting how people and place remain connected.

Kamloopa Powwow

The Kamloopa Powwow is an annual event that brings together Indigenous nations across the region. Dancers in traditional regalia perform competitive and honour-based dances, including the men's fancy dance and women's jingle dance. Drumming circles and singing echo throughout the grounds, creating an atmosphere charged with meaning and pride.

The event is as much about ceremony as it is community. Visitors are welcomed to witness the grand entry procession, which showcases the many nations represented at the powwow. Vendors offer handmade crafts, clothing, and food that highlight Indigenous craftsmanship. Kamloopa serves as a cultural and social gathering that emphasizes heritage through song, dance, and storytelling.

4 Generations Creations

4 Generations Creations is a family-owned Indigenous business in Kamloops. The shop features handmade items, including beadwork, moccasins, and ribbon skirts. Each item reflects cultural practices passed down over multiple generations. The owners share the stories behind their products, making the experience both educational and personal.

The business is a gathering place for the local community. Workshops teach traditional art forms, like beading and quillwork. Visitors can purchase authentic Indigenous art and apparel while gaining an understanding of the effort and significance behind the craftsmanship. 4 Generations Creations offers a tangible way to support Indigenous artisans and their cultural knowledge.

Sweláps Market

Sweláps Market was created to provide greater access to groceries for the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc and the broader Kamloops community. This grocery store offers departments for fresh produce, dairy, meat, seafood, and baked goods. Its focus is not just convenience but improving food security for local families.

Community-focused initiatives are central to the market's operations. Educational programs highlight traditional foods and healthy eating. The market is also a meeting place where people gather to share stories and experiences. Sweláps Market is more than a grocery store; it plays a role in sustaining both food traditions and local connections.

Kekuli Cafe

Kekuli Cafe serves Indigenous-inspired cuisine with a focus on bannock, a staple in many First Nations communities. Bannock, a simple fried bread, is offered in many variations, from sweet options with jam and whipped cream to savoury sandwiches filled with bison and wild berries. The cafe is known for balancing tradition with modern flavours.

The owners prioritize cultural representation through both their menu and decor. The walls display Indigenous art, and the space fosters conversation about food traditions. Kekuli Cafe is part of a growing movement to showcase Indigenous food culture while offering an inviting space for all diners.

Conclusion

Kamloops offers numerous opportunities to connect with Indigenous experiences. Cultural sites such as the Secwépemc Museum and Residential School tours provide historical education, while events like the Kamloopa Powwow celebrate Indigenous pride through performance and community. Businesses like Kekuli Cafe, 4 Generations Creations, and Sweláps Market foster cultural continuity through food, art, and social gathering.

These experiences are an invitation to learn, reflect, and support Indigenous communities. Kamloops is a place where the stories of survival, resilience, and renewal continue to shape both Indigenous and Canadian identity.