Description
The Nlaka?pamux or Nlakapamuk, also previously known as the Thompson, Thompson River Salish, Thompson Salish, Thompson River Indians or Thompson River people, and historically as the Klackarpun, Haukamaugh, Knife Indians, and Couteau Indians, are an Indigenous First Nations people of the Interior Salish language group in southern British Columbia. Their traditional territory includes parts of the North Cascades region of Washington. The Nlaka?pamux of the Nicola Valley, who are all in the Nicola Tribal Association reserves refer to themselves as Scw?exmx and speak a different dialect of the Thompson language. Together with the Spaxomin people, a branch of the Okanagan people (Syilx) who live in the upper Nicola valley and also belong to the Nicola Tribal Association, they are collectively known as the Nicola people, or Nicolas.
Language
The Thompson language, properly known as Nlaka'pamuctsin, also known as the Nlaka'pamux ('Nthlakampx')
Culture
The Nlaka?pamux were the object of both Anglican and Roman Catholic missionary efforts in the nineteenth century, resulting in the vast majority belonging to one of the two denominations by the beginning of the twentieth century. Fishing is the lifeblood of Nlaka’pamux Nation. Our children and Elders are the Nation’s greatest resources. We pass traditions and culture on through our stories. Nlaka’pamux laws are grounded in our stories. These laws guide the exercise of our jurisdiction, which is the source of our control over our lives, land and resources. Nlaka’pamux produced and wore elaborate and diverse clothing, reflecting their concern for adornment. Men, women and children wore ornamented headbands, caps, hats, and headdresses.