Statement from Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir
August 25, 2025
115 years ago – on August 25, 1910—Sir Wilfrid Laurier visited Kamloops.
That day, Secwépemc, Syilx, and Nlaka’pamux leaders gathered at the Odd Fellows’ Hall to deliver what is now called the 1910 Laurier Memorial. It was a declaration of our title, rights, and responsibilities to our lands and waters. While Laurier listened, no meaningful action followed. Yet our ancestors’ words marked the first time a Canadian Prime Minister heard directly from our leaders, on our own lands.
Today, the plaque in downtown Kamloops reminds us of that meeting, our responsibilities to our territories, and the vision our ancestors held. Our ancestors practiced yiri7 re stsq’ey’s-kucw, our Secwépemc law, by welcoming and sharing with those who came into our territories. They offered an equal relationship, sharing “half and half, in land, water, timber, and so on,” supporting one another to “be great and good.”
As you all know, this is not the relationship that developed historically, nor the one many of us have lived through. Our territories have been exploited, decisions made without consent, and reciprocal responsibilities ignored. That is the past.
Today reminds us that we remake history together, walking and working together. Through partnerships like our government-to-government relationship with the City of Kamloops, we are taking real steps toward the vision of our ancestors, Chief Louis Clexiclehen, and all who came before us. This plaque is a symbol of hope and a reminder of a more just today and a more prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc embraces our government-to-government relationship with the City of Kamloops. Unveiling the Sir Wilfrid Laurier plaque together is both symbolic and monumental. I am proud of what we have accomplished, what lies ahead, and how this moment carries forward the vision our ancestors held in 1910.
We want our future generations to look back on the last 115 years of progress and see that, moving forward, we chose the path of real economic reconciliation with all levels of government. Together, we will continue to make strides that reflect the significant changes of the path we walk – side by side.
For more information, visit: 1910 Laurier Memorial