Element 1 – Tmícw

Physical Element

Tmícw in Secwepemctsin means land, and we use it as an example to refer to the larger physical element, because for the Secwepémc People, everything is related to the land. The physical element encompasses much more than just the land, including physical fitness and tangible objects that provide sustenance – like food, water and shelter. A cḱuĺtn interpretation of the physical element for purposes of this exploration will focus on the physical element of tmícw. Land is much more than knowing boundaries of respective territories and how to interpret typographical mapping. For Indigenous Peoples, land also means a relationship and connection, where the people are charged with caretaking in exchange for the wealth that the land provides. When Indigenous Peoples live off the land often following a seasonal harvesting cycle,  land takes on a more central importance. Change in elevation brought different food sources and shelter. In this way, travel and migration to and from the mountains and river valleys developed a means to sustain life. To connect with tmícw and the physical element of the land, we will learn about the land where Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law is located and the larger area of Secwepemcúl’ecw, the territory of the Secwepémc People.