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 Keith Matthew

Chief Keith Mathew

Chief Keith Matthew is a member of the Simpcw First Nation and was elected to his current three-year term in April, 2009. Chief Matthew’s passion is in setting up relationships with not only business, but with other communities in the North Thompson Valley in the central interior of BC.

“Our future as First Nations people is in working with other businesses, communities, federal and provincial governments if they choose to work with us to further our goals as a distinct people within this valley,” states Chief Matthew. “We no longer have the option of sitting back and expecting people to come to us. We have to be proactive and deliberate in developing those relationships as needed.”

Currently Chief Matthew serves on the following committees on behalf of the Simpcw community:

• First Peoples' Heritage, Language, and Culture Council
• The Secwepemc Cultural Education Society
• The Shuswap Nation Tribal Council
• Community Futures Development Corporation for Central Interior First Nations
• The First Nations Confederacy of Cultural and Educational Centres
• Secwepemc Economic Development Corporation
• Aboriginal Business Service Network
• Simpcw Heritage Trust and Simpcw Resources Ltd.
• The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources
• First Nation Technology Council

He also chairs the Simpcw First Nation chief and council and serves on several community based committees.