The goals of the Salmon Arm Métis Association – SAMA – are to build a sense of community amongst its members and to increase their knowledge of their history. John Sayers, Ken Bell and Irvin Cork initiated the association in the mid-1990s so they could share their knowledge. Currently there are 539 members living in Revelstoke, Sicamous, Enderby, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, the group has built a Red River Cart, made drums, and hosted jigging, fiddling and beading courses. Members have also participated in Louis Riel Day and National Indigenous day.
SAMA wanted to help Métis youth be able to pursue their post secondary education, so they chose to establish the Salmon Arm Métis Association Bursary Fund with Shuswap Community Foundation. Income from the fund will be disbursed to School District #83, which will award two bursaries annually to Métis students who have registered in a post secondary educational or vocational program at an accredited institution.