Land and People

The Traditional Territory of the Secwépemc People

We acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the traditional territory of the Secwépemc People.

The Sun Peaks community (municipality) and Sun Peaks Resort (ski area) are located within the traditional territory of the Secwépemc (Shuswap) Nation, known in the Secwepemctsín language as Secwepemcúl’ecw. We are grateful to be able to live, work, and play on these lands.

Secwepemcúl’ecw — meaning “the land of the Secwépemc People” — encompasses a vast Indigenous territory stretching south from Prince George, east to the Rocky Mountains, west to Williams Lake and Cache Creek, and south to the Arrow Lakes.

Historical and Modern Relationships

In 1993, the Province of British Columbia and Sun Peaks Resort Corporation entered into a Master Development Agreement (MDA), establishing the legal framework that allows for the operation and long-term development of Sun Peaks Resort on Crown land. The MDA outlines the terms, conditions, and responsibilities governing resort development, including environmental stewardship, land use, and regulatory compliance. As the foundational agreement guiding all development at Sun Peaks, it provides the structure through which planning, permitting, and consultation processes, inclusive of Indigenous engagement and archaeological oversight, are carried out.

In 1997, Sun Peaks Resort Corporation and Nippon Cable entered into a Shared Protocol Agreement with eight Chiefs of the Secwépemc Nation, reflecting a commitment to building respectful and mutually beneficial relationships. The agreement established a shared intention to work together based on mutual respect and trust for the long-term benefit of their communities and the regional economy.

With the creation of the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) in 2010, community to community discussions with the local First Nations are led by the municipality and supported by Sun Peaks Resort.

In 2015, the Master Development Agreement was formally amended to reflect changes in ownership and corporate structure, from Sun Peaks Resort Corporation to Sun Peaks Resort LLP. This modification ensured the continuation of the original agreement’s obligations while aligning the governance framework with the Resort’s current operating entity.

Archaeological Assessments and Cultural Stewardship

Sun Peaks Resort recognizes the deep and enduring cultural connection the Secwépemc People hold with this land. As part of our commitment to respectful stewardship, archaeological assessments are conducted prior to any development to identify, understand, and protect sites of cultural and historical significance, in alignment with provincial requirements.

These assessments are a regular component of how land use decisions are made at Sun Peaks, ensuring development is guided by cultural respect, environmental responsibility, and ongoing engagement with the local First Nations.

Understanding the Archaeological Assessment Process

Archaeological Overview Assessment (AOA): An initial study that evaluates the likelihood of archaeological sites being present within a proposed development area. AOA’s combine environmental data, historical records, and Indigenous land-use knowledge to identify areas of archaeological potential.
Preliminary Field Reconnaissance (PFR): A field-based survey that visually inspects areas identified in the AOA. This step helps confirm and refine archaeological potential and identify specific locations, known as Areas of Archaeological Potential (AOP’s) - that may require protection or further study.
Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA), when required: A more detailed investigation, including subsurface testing, undertaken when development cannot avoid areas of archaeological potential. This stage determines how sites are protected, avoided, or carefully managed.

This staged approach ensures that development proceeds thoughtfully, with a clear understanding of potential impacts and appropriate mitigation measures in place.

What this means in practice?

These assessments play a direct role in shaping how development occurs:

Areas identified with archaeological potential are avoided wherever possible
Project designs may be adjusted to protect sensitive sites and landscapes
Indigenous representatives and knowledge holders are included in fieldwork and review processes
Where avoidance is not feasible, additional permitting and detailed assessment is required before work proceeds

Even in areas where no visible archaeological sites are present, landscapes may still hold cultural significance. Through this process, features such as proximity to water, level terrain, and traditional travel routes are recognized as indicators of potential past use and are treated with care and respect.

The following reports provide examples of historical agreements and archaeological assessments completed to support responsible development in Sun Peaks:

Master Development Agreement (1993)
Shared Protocols Agreement (1997)
Creation of the Municipality (2010)
Master Plan (2020)
AOA – Parcels 34, 35, 36A, 70 & Associated Roads (2018)
AOA – Parcels 27, 56, 57, 68 (2022)
PFR – Parcels 12, 27, 55, 57, 58, 67 (2022)
PFR – Nordic Trails (2024)
AOA – DL6440 (2026)

Resort Initiatives Supporting First Nations

Sun Peaks Resort is pleased to support First Nations access to recreation with the following programs:

Sponsorship of the Skwelk̓wélt Indigenous Snowsports Team
Hosting Secwépemc and other First Nations children’s groups with complimentary lift tickets, lessons, and rentals
Complimentary mid-week lift, lesson, and equipment rental for First Nations youth, and discounted weekend access
Deeply discounted season passes, or a set quantity of complimentary day passes, for neighbouring First Nations communities

Sun Peaks Resort is committed to upholding and facilitating Indigenous access to these lands. In accordance with our commitment to cultural heritage protection, all development projects undergo appropriate archaeological assessments.

Sunset over a hillside with red wildflowers and distant mountains.

Ongoing Commitment

Together, these efforts reflect a long-term commitment to responsible land stewardship, balancing thoughtful development with the protection of cultural heritage.

At Sun Peaks Resort, this commitment extends beyond land use and archaeological processes. It includes supporting Indigenous access to the land, creating opportunities for youth participation in recreation, and building respectful, ongoing relationships with Secwépemc communities.

By integrating archaeological science with Indigenous knowledge, partnership, and lived connection to the land, Sun Peaks Resort aims to ensure that the stories, significance, and integrity of this landscape are respected and carried forward for future generations.

Resources for Further Learning

To facilitate continued learning and understanding, we’re providing a list of external resources that highlight Secwépemc history, language, and culture. From here, guests can gain insight and educational information through materials from local bands, regional historical societies, and organizations dedicated to reconciliation and cultural awareness. These resources are intended to deepen appreciation for Secwépemc culture.