Skeetchestn Indian Band

The Skeetchestn Indian Band has nearly 500 members, and 7969 hectares of land that is sectioned into 3 areas in the Deadman's Creek and Thompson River area.

Many Skeetchestn band members are involved in the annual rodeos, pow wows, and other social and sporting events. Skeetchestn hosts healing gatherings and living skills workshops as well. The large attendance at these events attest to the organizational skills and dedication of the community. Both social and spiritual well being is promoted by such gatherings.

Another Band initiative toward future self-reliance has been the development of Quiq'wi'elst (Blackstone) School officially opened in 1996. Its goal is to incorporate a quality education program with Secwepemc language instruction and First Nations awareness at the elementary level. Building confidence of identity for our youth will insure qualified decision making and fiscal responsibility within and outside the community in the future.

Chief Rick Deneault

Chief Rick Deneault

Chief Rick Deneault of Skeetchestn Indian Band, elected in December 2008, is serving his first term as chief. His main priority is the extensive economic development of his community which he hopes will pave the way towards higher employment rates, better health services, and self-sufficiency.

Currently Chief Deneault serves on the following committees on behalf of the Skeetchestn community:

• Shuswap Nation Tribal Council
• Secwepemc Cultural Education Society
• Kenuc’entnec Development Corporation