Lodge Pole Frame
Pole Frame for a Summer Lodge

Since the Secwepemc had to move to strategic locations to gather foods such as as berries, roots and fish during the warmer months, they needed a home that was easily constructed and light enough to carry from site to site.

These homes were made of tule or bulrush mats with a framework of long, thin poles readily found in gathering areas. Sometimes the Secwepemc used a simple lean-to made of poles and mat coverings with either a square or rectangular shape. These were sometimes covered with bark when plentiful. Because the Secwepemc were adaptable to their environment they used what was available.

Most structures were built with practicality in mind. For instance, hunters might rig up a small frame structure and cover it with poles, mats or other brush found in the area. Trappers might build a more secure housing structure to use for a longer period of time, but again using available materials that did not require much work and served the purpose.

 


Activity: Building

It is always fun to build a fort to play in. To build the summer lodge of Secwepemc people you will need to collect the following materials: several long, thin poles, leaves and bark. Place the poles in a lean-to structure and secure them together with some rope. Place the leaves and bark on the outside. Then have fun playing in your summer home.
If the weather is not good you can make a diorama of a summer village.

Important Information to Remember:

  • The Secwepemc people built homes that were easily constructed and easy to move.
  • They used materials from the natural environment that were light weight.