Secwepemc Culture

Secwepemc (Indigenous) culture and medicines are at the root of the work that I do at Up the Hill at Loakin Botanicals.

I was very fortunate to participate in a Swemec celebration over the past weekend. This gathering brought together Indigenous Secwepemc people and guests from all of Secwepemc Nation - from the south, north, west, and east communities.

I was very happy to meet new people and to see and get warm hugs from Elders and friends whom I have not seen since summer. I had a long chat with an Elder who now lives in Kamloops because of health reasons. I asked her where she was from, who her family was. It was exciting to find out that we were related through my nephew who had dated a girl from her home community. She told me stories of her community and her life. She chatted about her best friend of 60 years. I am still blown away by that.

It is a happy gathering where we celebrated culture, song, games, a family dance and just seeing each other.

I am grateful to have attended.

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