Plan Your Visit
Where History Comes Alive!
Welcome to the Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park, where history comes alive!
Nestled in the heart of Secwépemc territory, our museum and heritage park offer a captivating journey through the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Secwépemc people. Immerse yourself in the stories, traditions, and artistry of this vibrant community as you explore our thoughtfully curated exhibits and beautifully landscaped heritage park. Our museum showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, providing visitors of all ages with a deeper understanding of Secwépemc history and culture. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the indigenous heritage of British Columbia, there’s something here for everyone. Plan your visit today and experience the beauty and resilience of this incredible culture. Come explore, learn, and be inspired at the Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park. We look forward to welcoming you!
Directions
Getting Here
To reach the Secwépemc Museum, located in the traditional territory of the Secwépemc people, follow these instructions. Once you reach the 4-way intersection on Yellowhead highway by Swelaps and the Petro Canada turn onto Shuswap Road then turn right onto Powwow Trail. Follow the road past Sk’elep School and the yellow road gate. Park at the Powwow Arbour. The museum entrance is through the gate on your right. Enjoy your visit and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Secwépemc Nation at the museum.
Exhibits
An Educational Experience
The Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park offers 3 galleries, an educational theatre space, as well as a tribute garden and nature park . The goal of the SMHP is to offer educational experiences that centre on Secwépemc history and culture while promoting the use of Secwépemctsín, our language. The exhibits we present are meant to offer insight into the rich history of the Secwépemc people both past and present and inspire pride and connection.
All public areas cared for by the museum are currently closed to the public as they undergo renovations or redevelopment. The SMHP will be excited to host you once our doors are again open. Please check in for any future updates.
Tours of the former Kamloops Indian Residential school are available
Hours of Operation
When are we open?
Mon – Fri: 8am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: By Appointment Only
Admission
Ticket Information
Collections
Artifacts and Archival Materials
The SMHP houses numerous belongings from or associated with the Secwépemc and Secwépemcúl’ecw. The purpose of the SMHP is to Preserve, Record, Perpetuate and Enhance contemporary and historic Secwépemc artifacts and archival materials. As such we currently house not only historic Secwépemc materials such as drums, baskets, harvesting and hunting tools, but also their contemporary counterparts. The SMHP also houses items relating to contemporary artists and knowledge keepers, the Kamloops Indian Residential School, and ranching and trading.
The SMHP is able to accept in person research appointments of our Archives. Please contact the museum for more information.
Connect with OUR Heritage
Our Tour Options
Discover the diverse range of tours awaiting you at the Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park in Kamloops, BC. Step back in time with our Kamloops Indian Residential School Tour, led by knowledgeable guides who will unveil the history and experiences within the school’s chapel, dining room, kitchen, boys’ dormitory, and gymnasium, shedding light on a crucial part of our nation’s past. Coming soon, our Pre-Contact Tour will immerse you in the rich Secwépemc culture before European contact, delving into clothing, hunting, fishing, tools, housing, and more. For those with a deeper interest in indigenous knowledge, our upcoming Ethnobotany Tour will explore traditional foods, medicines, and building materials, highlighting the enduring connection of the Secwépemc people to their ancestral lands. Join us for these captivating journeys of discovery and enlightenment.
Kamloops Indian Residential School Tour
Follow our guide through the Kamloops Indian Residential School (1923-1977). Our guide will take you through the chapel, dining room, kitchen, boys’ dormitory, and gymnasium sharing the history of what really took place at this school.
Pre-Contact Tour (Coming Soon!)
Walk through the museum galleries with our guide to learn about the rich culture of the Secwépemc before contact. Dive into topics like clothing, hunting and fishing, tools, housing, and so much more. This tour is great for all ages and is an excellent introductory tour for the other tours available.
Ethnobotany Tour (Coming Soon!)
Take a deeper dive into our knowledge of traditional foods, medicines, and building materials. Secwépemc roughly translates to “the people of the spread-out land” and our connection to the land has kept us here since time in memorial.