Shelley Witzky, an Adams Lake Band Councillor, and Sutra Brett, with the Shuswap Trail Alliance, examine some of the preliminary models for the Secwépemc Landmarks and Trail Sign project. The first landmark will be placed near the wharf at Marine Park in Salmon Arm. (Tracy Hughes/CSRD photo)

By Kevin Rothwell

14 carvings and 100 trailhead posts

Secwépemc Landmarks Project receives funding

May 20, 2021 | 3:05 PM

The Secwépemc Landmarks project partners have received approval of $296,000 in grant funding for phase two of the project.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) committed $170,000 in funding, and the Unique Heritage Infrastructure stream of the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program awarded $123,000 for Phase two of the project. The funding was announced by the province on May 4, 2021 along with 13 other projects in the TOTA region.

The purpose of the effort is to highlight Secwépemc stories, voices, and relationships with the landscape from past, present, and future generations.

A series of eight sculptures and interpretive panels were designed and will be installed around Shuswap Lake in the Pespeséllkwe caretaker area of Secwepemcúlecw.

In addition, 100 trailhead posts were carved by youth from five classes: three in School District No. 83, and two from Shihiya and Chief Atahm schools.

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Phase two of the Secwépemc Landmarks Project will work with the Secwépemc Lakes Elders Advisory Committee for advice on six additional sculptures in and around, Enderby and Chase.

Financial support was provided by the Neskonlith, Adams Lake, and Splatsín First Nations, the City of Salmon Arm, the Province of British Columbia, the Shuswap Trail Alliance, and Shuswap Tourism.