TLKemchEEnmnhh is the heart of the Nlaka'pamux Territory. This area has been inhabited and stewarded by our ancestors for time immemorial.

​

Our ancestors travelled across rivers, valleys, and mountains to access the resources they need to sustain their livelihood. They hunted deer, moose, elk, marmot, black bear, and grouse. Fished for salmon and trout, foraged, gathered, and settled in pit houses for warmth and protection during the winter. We lived off the resources of the rivers and land while trading with neighbouring nations.

​

Salmon was an economic, cultural, and spiritual centre point for our people. Basket-making was and is important to Nlaka'pamux Cultural identity, drawing on knowledge mainly transferred down through generations of women. Basket-making is central to Nlaka'pamux cultural identity, signifying the role women as cultural bearers. The craft is a tangible expression of Nlaka'pamux culture and embodies historical memory. This is one reason why baskets are featured in Lytton First Nation's community identity.

​

Before European contact brought about the removal of our people from their traditional settlements, we lived in villages ranging in size from just a few families to several hundred people. Village autonomy was strongly valued, and chiefs were recognized based on achievement or through heredity lines.

​

The discovery of gold in our territory in 1858 brought a wave of speculators and interest in our land. The Nlaka'pamux resisted the influx of miners searching for gold in the Fraser Canyon, a conflict that led to what became known as the Fraser Canyon War of 1858.

​

During this period of hardship, including the death of many due to the smallpox epidemic in the 1860's, we saw our lands taken by settlers and other governments. New rules on accessing the natural resources we had relied upon for time immemorial were imposed by colonial governments. Our ancestors adapted to the new ways of life that were being introduced to our lands, taking on new livelihoods such as farming, ranching, and working in railroad construction.

​

Today many of us still carry out traditional activities, such as mushroom harvesting, berry picking, fishing, and hunting. Many members are working to keep our nle?kepmxcin language, and the roots of our culture alive and healthy.​