Description
The Nicola people are a First Nations and are mostly located in the Nicola River valley around the area of Merritt and are an alliance of Scw'exmx, the local branch of the Nlaka'pamux (Thompson) people, and the Spaxomin, the local branch of the Syilx or Okanagan people. The combined population of the communities composing the Nicola people is approximately 3,492, with around 1,250 of these members living on-reservation. The name Nicola is not a derivation of Nlaka'pamux or its variants, but is taken from the usual English name of the chief who forged the alliance, Nicola (Hwistesmexte'qen, "Walking Grizzy Bear").
Language
Nicola is an extinct Athabascan language
Culture
The Plateau tribes were semi-nomadic. They moved from place to place throughout the year to gather edible vegetables and fruits. The gathering of these plants is still a traditional way of life among many of the people of these tribes today. Fishing was very important to these tribes. They caught salmon with nets and spears. Salmon are still an important part of their cultures. Some fishers prefer to catch salmon with traditional nets and spears on platforms. Many fishers also use fishing boats and nets or fishing poles now. The Plateau tribes hunted many types of animals. They used these animals for food, clothing and other items. They hunted using a bow and arrow or traps. Today, hunting is still an important activity for Indians and many depend on the meat they get to feed their families.