Knúcwentwecw: Dr Mary Thomas

A new exhibit dedicated to the woman known as Mother Nature

Dr Mary Thomas was an Elder, honoured in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities for her knowledge and love of the world around us. She was affectionately known as “Mother Nature”. The Switzmalph Cultural Society recognizes the life and work of Dr. Mary Thomas with these words:

“Mary left a legacy of love for her culture and for the environment. She lived her entire life in the Shuswap and Okanagan regions, raising her sixteen (16) children and foster children. Mary was an expert and beloved teacher on traditional knowledge of the Secwepemc culture including Stories, Place Names, Plant Names/Uses, Language, Indigenous Food systems, Health care and Family Values.”

Knúcwentwecw: the bridges built by Dr. Mary Thomas is a new exhibit at the Salmon Arm Museum at R.J. Haney Heritage Village, 751 Highway 97B NE. The exhibit opens on National Indigenous Peoples Day – Tuesday, June 21st 2022, Salmon Arm, with a special blessing at 7 pm. This is a free event, and there will be coffee and cookies. 

Click here for more on Dr. Mary Thomas and Switzmalph

An excellent story on Dr. Mary Thomas and Secwepemec use of plants