Next Meeting - in September 2008 to be hosted by the Skeetchestn Indian Band

Structure of Secwepemc Elders Council

Mission Statement
“We are the Secwepemc;
We are the Keepers of Secwepemcul’ecw (Mother Earth);
We will recognize / respect our Elders as our teachers to share their knowledge and wisdom with all Secwepemc.”

Primary Objectives
1) To unite all 17 Secwepemc bands
2) To share the oral history of the Secwepemcul’ecw
3) To preserve and promote the Secwepemc language
4) To preserve and document the history of each community, i.e., genealogy
5) To preserve and promote the Secwepemc traditions, culture and spiritual values
6) To bring youth to all meetings
7) To help each other out

Community Representation
• Open to all 17 Secwepemc communities
• Maximum of 2-3 representatives per community for voting purposes but all meetings are open to Secwepemc elders to attend
• The more elders in attendance the better, as everyone brings knowledge
• Continue to look at ways to bring out elders and keep them informed of meetings
• Important to bring the youth as they will be the next holders of the knowledge

Frequency of Meetings
• Rotate meetings throughout the communities or alternate between northern and southern areas to equally accommodate all members
• Hold meetings as often as possible and feasible throughout the year
• Less meetings during winter (due to travel conditions) and summer (busy with cultural events) months

SCES Involvement
• Chairperson – Richard Billy, alternate TBA
• Fax minutes to Secwepemc Elders (c/o Bands) – SCES
• Send meeting notices(bands to provide), agendas (bands to provide), general information, c/o bands - SCES