Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions for Museum Visitors
Visiting
Q: Is the museum open to the public?
The museum is temporarily closed to the public while we undergo renovations. Tours of the former residential school are available on our tours page.
Q: Is the gift ship open?
As with the museum, the gift shop is also closed.
Q: Are the Archives still open?
The archives are open for research appointments. Please contact the museum to arrange for an appointment and complete required documentation.
Q: What are the museum’s hours?
The Museum’s hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.
Arrival
Q: Where can I leave my backpack and jacket?
Beside the gift shop, there are coat racks and cubby holes for backpacks. They are not permitted in the museum exhibition galleries. Be aware there is limited storage for personal items.
Q: Where can I park?
There is parking for museum visitors at the Powwow Arbour.
Q: Where do I buy admission?
Admission can be bought at the Reception desk in the museum.
Q: How much does it cost? Do I need reservations? Can I buy tickets online?
This feature is not yet available but it is in the works
Q: How can I pay?
You can pay by cash or by card.
Tkìemlúps te Secwépemc Band members have free admission, but not their guests
Q: Does the price include tax?
The initial price does not include tax. Applicable taxes will be added during the transaction.
Q: Are pets allowed in the museum?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the museum due to the nature of our exhibits. Its for their safety, and ours. Service animals are allowed in all parts of the museum.
Cultural Consideration
The Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Secwépemcúl’ecw, the people of the Secwépemc Nation. Furthermore, the museum is an archaeological repository for the Nation. Most importantly, the museum and the former residential school is ground zero for the Le Estcwicwéy̓ (The Missing) 215+ children that are on the complex grounds.
Please be respectful of our cultural heritage, our land, and our language.
Food
There are three options for food near the museum. There is a Tim Hortons on Powwow Trail along with Chester Chicken at the gas station. Across the Yellowhead highway there is the Sweláps Market.
Please note that food and drink are not allowed in the museum.
Photography
Q: Can I get copies of archival photographs?
You may get copies of archival photographs. There is a cost involved and you are responsible for determining the copyright and getting permission from the copyright holders. Remember that some photographs might not be able to be reproduced as they are restrictions placed on them.
Q: Can I take photos at the museum?
Photography is allowed in the museum. In some cases to protect the wishes of family members and the safety of our belongings certain exhibits will have photography forbidden. These exhibits or displays will be clearly marked.
Q: Can I get copies of archival photographs?
You may get copies of archival photographs. There is a cost involved and you are responsible for determining the copyright and getting permission from the copyright holders. Remember that some photographs might not be able to be reproduced as they are restrictions placed on them.
General
Q: Are there baby change tables at the museum?
There are baby change tables located in both bathrooms of the museum.
Q: Is the museum air-conditioned?
Yes the museum is temperature controlled throughout the year.
Q: Does the museum have Wi-Fi?
There is guest Wi-Fi available.
Q: I want to drop-off an item
We thank you for wanting to add to our collection, but we ask you to not leave a culturally or historically valuable item at the museum. If you want to donate an item, please contact the museum and we will outline the proper procedures needed.
Le Estcwicwéy̓ (The Missing) 215+
If you have questions about the Le Estcwicwéy̓ please contact: Jeanette.Jules@ttes.ca or Fred.Seymour@ttes.ca