“Esk’etemc Declaration of Title & Rights – English”
“We, the Esk’etemc, of the Secwepemc Nation are the Original people of Esk’etemcúlucw. Esk’etemc hold collective title and rights to Esk’etemculúcw, no elected governments have authority to infringe our title lands or on our communal rights.
As a sovereign and self-governing People, Esk’etemc declares our right to self-determination. We have never ceded, surrendered or given up our sovereign title and rights over the lands, waters and resources within Esk’etemcúlucw, nor the exercise of our laws on the lands. Our rights and responsibilities are laws, which were given to us by the Tkel Kukpi7 to protect, maintain and enhance the lands, waters and resources within Esk’etemcúlucw for future generations.
We declare our ancient laws of respect, reciprocity, and balance, to be the law of the land. Our laws are exercised through our harvesting and stewardship practices, through our language, and through our ceremonies.
We will continue to exercise our rights and responsibilities within Esk’etemcúlucw, and in relation to one another, our ancestors, those generations not yet born, and all living things. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples reflects fundamental human rights of Peoples, and Esk’etemc declares and upholds the principle of free, prior and informed consent applies to our Esk’etemcúlucw.
Developments taking place within Esk’etemcúlucw requires our free, prior and informed consent, and must respect our laws. This is respect which will build positive, healthy and healing relationships.
Esk’etemc looks forward to a reconciled future where, with guidance from the Tkel Kukpi7, our ancestors, and through the unity of our kw’selkwtn (relatives) and all respect for our laws, we can strengthen and share our culture, our governance, and our stewardship within Esk’etemcúlcw for the benefit of 7 generations of all Peoples and life, who make our lands their home.COPYRIGHT © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2020 ESK’ETEMC“
Links to Information Managed by Esk’etemc Band Administration
About the Esk’etemc: https://www.esketemc.ca/about-us/
Esk’etemc Traditional Knowledge & Research Ethics Policy – Link Access being updated as of March 25, 2024
For inquiries regarding the Esk’etemc Traditional Knowledge & Research Ethics Policy document and other Lands & Natural Resources related information, contact Esk’etemc Lands & Natural Resources Department.
Planning to Visit Esk’etemc? Know Before You Go!
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