Simpcw First Nation

The Simpcw are a division of the Secwepemc, or Shuswap, who occupied the drainage of the North Thompson River upstream from McLure to the headwaters of Fraser River from McBride to Tete Jeune Cache, over to Jasper and south to the headwaters of the Athabasca River. Archaeological studies have identified winter home sites and underground food cache sites at a variety of locations including Finn Creek, Vavenby, Birch Island, Chu Chua, Barriere River, Louis Creek, and Tete Jeune.

Many ancestors of present band members lived in villages or camps located on land which is now the reserve of the Simpcw First Nation. Evidence of life in earlier times can still be found at these ancestral village sites.

The Simpcw traditionally were noted for their hunting ability. In the summer months much of their time was spent in hunting camps in the mountains above the North Thompson and upper Fraser Rivers. Both river systems provided salmon, which were caught in weirs, nets and by spear. Both meat and fish were smoked or dried then stored for consumption. Numerous plant foods were also collected and preserved for winter use. There was active trading, and sometimes warfare with the Sekani and Cree people. Presently Simpcw people practice many of their traditions while learning and working in modern society.

Now, the Simpcw First Nation has a membership of nearly 700 people who are a culturally proud community, valuing healthy, holistic lifestyles based upon respect, responsibility and continuous participation in growth and education.

Chief Nathan Matthew

Chief Nathan Mathew

Nathan Matthew is a member of the Simpcw First Nation, the eldest son of Ida and Louis Matthew, and grew up in the First Nation community of Chu Chua. He graduated from the Barriere Secondary School in 1966 and attended the University of British Columbia, where he graduated with a bachelor of recreation education degree in 1972, then went on to earn another bachelor's degree, education professional, in 1978. He earned an Education Masters degree in 1990.

Nathan was first elected Simpcw chief in 1976/77, then served in that position again for the period 1985-87, and then again took office for a 17-year period, from 1989 to 2006. During his tenure as chief, the council on which he served undertook many community capacity building activities, such as community planning to direct the band council priorities, promoting the establishment of community-based programs for education, health, fire prevention and housing.  Economic opportunities were developed in forestry and financial flexibility was made possible through successive five-year financial agreements. During this period the number of band employees expanded from about six to over 50. Nathan provided leadership in the development of forest licenses, and agreements with a heli-skiing operation and pipeline company, for Simpcw First Nation. 

He has served as chair of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, New Relationship Trust, School District #73 First Nations Education Council, and advisor to various provincial and national First Nations education organizations.

Since stepping aside from his political roles in 2006, he has continued to deal with First Nations education issues, particularly in negotiating and advising within the BC First Nations education jurisdiction agreements and legislation initiatives. He currently holds the position of Executive Director, Aboriginal Education, Thompson Rivers University.  He was again elected chief of Simpcw First Nation on May 8, 2011.