Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is being recognized as a statutory holiday in B.C. for the first time this year. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, the day of recognition is based on a grassroots campaign founded by Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School near Williams Lake. September 30 is a day to honour residential school survivors, acknowledge the damage caused by the residential school system, open up the dialogue about reconciliation and to celebrate Indigenous culture.

After careful consideration and consultation with our community members, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc has made the decision not to host a public event this September 30. This decision was made to create a safe and intimate space for our band members directly impacted by the legacy of Residential schools. Our primary goal is to honor their experiences, provide support, and foster healing within our community.

While we understand the significance of sharing this day with the broader public, we believe that this more focused approach will allow us to better address the unique needs and sensitivities of Residential School Survivors and Day Scholars. We remain committed to the ongoing process of truth and reconciliation and will continue to engage in meaningful dialogue and education with the public throughout the year.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc appreciates the understanding and support of the public as we make this important shift in our approach to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We believe that by prioritizing the needs of Survivors and Day Scholars, we can contribute to a more meaningful and healing experience for our community.

We thank you for the continued support and we wish everyone the best in their personal journey towards reconciliation.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, BC — August 27, 2023 — The Secwepemctsín Language Conference 2023 is set to convene from November 3rd to 5th at the Coast Hotel and Conference Centre in Kamloops, British Columbia. This pivotal event, dedicated to revitalizing and nurturing the Secwepemctsín language, is now open for sponsorship and vendor participation.

The conference represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to safeguard and celebrate the Secwepemctsín language. As the cornerstone of the Secwepemc Nation’s cultural identity, the language stands as a testament to the rich heritage and history of its people. The three-day conference will serve as a platform to exchange insights, innovations, and methodologies for both learning and teaching the Secwepemctsín language.

The organizing committee extends a warm invitation to potential partners and sponsors to join hands in supporting this commendable initiative. Financial contributions from partners and sponsors will play an instrumental role in ensuring the success of the conference. All proceeds generated from the event will be channeled towards funding various activities aimed at the revitalization and advancement of the Secwepemctsín language.

Vendors are enthusiastically encouraged to partake in the conference by exhibiting and vending their unique products. This offers an exceptional opportunity to engage with a diverse audience of language enthusiasts, educators, community leaders, and cultural advocates, all united by a shared commitment to preserving and promoting Indigenous languages.

For detailed information regarding sponsorship packages and conference particulars, interested parties are encouraged to contact Gabe Archie via email at gabriel.archie@ttes.ca. Gabe Archie, a dedicated representative of the conference organizing team, is readily available to address inquiries and provide comprehensive details.

Stay tuned for forthcoming announcements with more comprehensive information about the conference, vendor engagement opportunities, and a deeper look into the transformative impact the Secwepemctsín Language Conference 2023 aims to achieve.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Media Contact:

Rosanne Casimir, Kúkpi7
250-819-2255
kukpi7.rosanne@ttes.ca

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Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc is soliciting proposals from interested individuals or consulting firms experienced in community planning to develop a community-driven Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP). Priority will be given to qualified TteS members, however, submissions from independent consulting firms or joint proposals from a TteS member and a consultant are welcomed and encouraged.

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Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Chief and Council extend their sincere gratitude to all those willing to contribute and volunteer in support of those displaced by the wildfires. At this time, Tḱemlúps is not accepting financial or physical donations directly. Instead, we encourage you to donate to reputable charities actively assisting in British Columbia’s wildfire response. Your generosity will enable access to essential provisions such as food and emergency shelter for those who are affected. For a comprehensive list of trustworthy charities, please visit:

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/donate-to-charities-responding-to-the-british-columbia-wildfires/

Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) Chief and Council are working with the City of Kamloops and the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) on the current emergency situations. Secwépemc Health Caucus is also coordinating how to support communities within Secwepemcúl’ecw.

TteS Chief and Council express much gratitude for all those who want to donate and volunteer to support those displaced from wildfires. Currently, Tḱemlúps is not taking financial or physical donations.

TteS encourages all those who have been evacuated to follow the orders from their First Nation, city, regional district and the Province of BC.

For all those who have been evacuated, please:

• Locate all family members and register at McArthur Island Park Reception Centre
• The TteS arbour is open for RVs and trailers. Evacuees are more than welcome to set up their trailers at the arbour and then proceed to register at MacArthur Island for updates and important information on resources available

TteS supports the Provincial State of Emergency order restricting non-essential use of temporary accommodations (hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds). These restrictions will support access to accommodations for evacuees and personnel providing critical services and keep the roadways clear for emergency responders.

TteS Emergency Planning Coordinator is Shane Wardrobe who can be contacted at 236-597-9844.

Our prayers continue for all those who are impacted by these wildfires.

Knucwentwécw (helping one another collectively),

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc
Kukpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir

On behalf of Council

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August 16, 2023 – The Province of BC announced Level 5 drought conditions on August 3rd, based on historically low river levels in the North and South Thompson River Basins. Drought Level 5 is the most severe level of drought and indicates that adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are almost certain.

As a way to help conserve water supply and protect the environment Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc will be implementing enhanced water use restrictions aimed at reducing community-wide water use by 25%, effective August 16, 2023.

Water Restrictions in effect include:

1. A ban on outdoor watering and irrigating, with the exception of hand-held, spring-loaded nozzles.
2. Irrigating by use of sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems is not permitted.
3. Washing of vehicles and boats will only be permitted at commercial wash locations unless washing for safety purposes.
4. Pressure washing for aesthetic purposes will not be permitted.

Do it for the Fish
The Secwepemc Fisheries Commission is urging water conservation measures to mitigate for mortality caused by extreme drought conditions that threaten salmon and other fish populations due to the reduced streamflow and increased temperature within rivers and streams.

Kukwstsetsemc,
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
TteS Drought Response Team

TteS Bylaws and water restriction are implemented by Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, not the provincial government.

All British Columbians are responsible for the sustainability of water and aquatic ecosystems. All water users in drought-affected areas are asked to cooperate and contribute to the goal of conservation.

Tkek Yeel Stem Day Camp runs August 5 – 25 for children between the ages of 7-15. Tkek Yeel Stem is run and overseen by the Language and Culture Department at Tk’emlups te Secwepemc. This year will be the second year that we will be running the Tkek Yeel Stem camp. The campers will be able to learn Secwepemctsin and learn cultural ways of being, as well as being able to be outside with plenty of activities and games.

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Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc Chief and Council are taking a strong stance that illicit drug dealers are NOT WELCOME on Tḱemlúps reserve.

Chief and Council and our entire membership are concerned about the illegal trafficking of drugs and how that is hurting our members and further traumatizing our families. We see drug traffickers as individuals who are criminally negligent.

Chief and Council will continue to work with the Tk’emlúps Rural Detachment to identify and remove illicit drug dealers on reserve. Anyone caught dealing drugs on Band lands will be immediately banished from reserve. Anyone caught selling drugs out of Band owned homes, will be evicted, as per the Housing Policy section and the Housing Rental Agreement.

Tḱemlúps Chief and Council’s highest priority is to ensure the health and safety of our membership and community. We continue to be committed to explore every avenue possible to address the opioid crisis in our community.

We urge you to join us in taking action. If you see any illegal or suspicious activity, please report it to the Tk’emlúps Rural Detachment at 250-314-1800. The anonymous Crime Stopper Tip line is 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit any information via the Kamloopscrimestoppers.ca website.

Chief and Council want to continue to support our members that may be struggling with addiction. Please reach out to our Community Services team member Rachel Kilback, TteS Mental Health and Addictions Navigator, at 250-320-4327 or Jay Roque, TteS Wellness Coordinator, at 250-571-3512.

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TK̓EMLÚPS te SECWÉPEMC – At the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Closing Ceremony in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the NAIG Council announced that the 2027 games were awarded to Calgary, Alberta.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Calgary were competing to host these games that are expected to attract over 6,000 athletes and attendees. The NAIG are held every four years and showcase the skills of indigenous youth athletes aged 13-19 years, competing in 16 sports, who represent over 750 nations across North America.

Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir said, “While we are disappointed that Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc was not successful in their bid to host the 2027 NAIG, we would like to very sincerely congratulate the City of Calgary on their success. We, at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, look forward to cheering on our members and other athletes from BC as they compete in the wonderful city of Calgary. I would also like to extend a huge Kukwstép-kucw (on behalf of all of us, we thank you all) to all those that supported Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc in the development of the bid: City of Kamloops leadership and staff, Premier Eby, Minister Popham, staff from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, I-SPARC and the many, many local organizations that participated in our community and provided letters of support. A special thank you to the Kamloops Sports Council, Kamloops Airport, Pacific Sport, TRU, Tourism Kamloops and Niki Remesz. We had an awesome team working with us and we should all be proud of the teamwork and what we accomplished.”

“I share with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops their disappointment at not being chosen to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games,” said Premier David Eby. “I know their heartfelt efforts will be rewarded in future. Congratulations to Calgary on a successful bid. We will be cheering competitors from B.C. at what we hope are a very memorable and successful Games.”

Mayor Reid Hamer Jackson commented that “the City of Kamloops is, of course, disappointed that Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc was not chosen to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games. The bid, site visit and final presentation were excellent. We worked together to showcase the incredible cultural opportunities and amenities we offer, but it was not our time to host. We congratulate Calgary on their successful bid and wish them an awesome Games in 2027”.

“Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc developed an outstanding bid for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games and I am proud of how the community and province was showcased. The leadership to bring this bid together with many partners was significant, impressive and unprecedented,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We look forward to future opportunities to support events and programs that develop the skills and talents of Indigenous athletes. Congratulations to Calgary for being chosen to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games and best of luck to the athletes who will be representing Team B.C.”

For more information on the North American Indigenous Games visit www.naigcouncil.com

—30—

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Media Contact:

Rosanne Casimir, Kúkpi7
250-819-2255
kukpi7.rosanne@ttes.ca

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From the OFFICE OF THE CHIEF –

On March 12, 2023, Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir of the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Colleen Erickson, Board Chair of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), announced that there was $12.5 million in federal funding towards the construction of a new healing centre at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc.

TteS wants to be clear that the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc “House of Healing” is there to meet the needs of everyone who have been impacted by the Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS). Anyone who attended KIRS or any other Indian Residential school as a student, day scholar, or is an intergenerational survivor, will be able to have access to healing programs at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc “House of Healing”.

The “House of Healing” located at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc will be a safe space that incorporates trauma informed programs to support individuals and their families in their spiritual, mental, emotional and physical healing journey.

Secwépemc cultural values and teachings will be shared through a lens that is land based and trauma informed.

Tk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc are yecwemínem (caretakers and stewards) of the sacred sites. Secwépemc Indigenous law determines the sustainable use of this land for the harmony and balance of all our relations.

The programs and services at the “House of Healing” located at Tḱemlúps te Secwepemc will help to create the healing foundation for many generations to come.