Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

REPORT BY KÚKPI7 ROSANNE

On Sunday August 25, Kúkpi7 Rosanne proudly represented Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc alongside Tkwenem7íple7 Nikki and Tkwenem7íple7 Dave at this year’s Pride Parade which aims to uplift, celebrate, and advocate for the 2SLGBT+ community. The turnout was incredible, reflecting the commitment we all have to supporting and honouring our members who identify with the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc was accompanied by TteS and Ask Wellness staff, TteS Elders, and TteS members, all united in showing our support and allyship. Participating in the parade and pride week represents an ongoing commitment to making all our communities a place that are more inclusive, while recognizing our existing diversity to create and promote pride in individuality.

We know that all of us that were present and participating will continue to acknowledge that this is one of many steps that we all will continue to support our friends and family of the LGBTQ+ and 2 spirited communities. We will always show up for our people and to support and encourage each of our members to be proud of one another, and to also be proud of ourselves. Our presence at the parade highlighted the importance of inclusivity and the strength of standing together in support of all identities.

KÚKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR

Primary Portfolio:
Public Relations & External Affairs/Legal (DS, DRI)

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, is strong and confident leader who leads by example for future generations; she also serves as Tribal Chief for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and as a Board Director for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. With 14+ years of service, she is committed to advancing community-driven initiatives that support self-determination, sustainable growth, and economic sovereignty. Kukpi7 Rosanne holds her hands up and acknowledges past and current leadership.

REPORT BY KÚKPI7 ROSANNE

I, Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir, along with Tkwenem7íple7 Joshua Gottfriedsen, Tkwenem7íple7 Dave Manuel, and Tkwenem7íple7 Nikki Fraser, were delighted to represent Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc at the 2024 Tsecwmíntlemt re Scwesét (Welcome to the Journey) Event, _Skú7pecen’s Journey Letter Of Commitment_, hosted by Qwelmínte Secwépemc on Saturday, August 24th, at MSG.

The communities were originally brought together under the Reconciliation Framework Agreement (RFA), which expired in April 2013. Seven communities signed the QS G2G Letter of Commitment (LoC) with BC in March 2019, and today we have nine. The LoC acknowledges that QS and BC work under the collaborative principle articulated in the Story of Porcupine.

Along with our Brother and Sister Secwépemc Communities, knowledge builders, and youth interns of Qwelmínte Secwépemc, we welcomed new signatories: Whispering Pines Clinton Indian Band – Kúkpi7 Ed LeBourdais, High Bar First Nation – Kúkpi7 Jamie Fletcher, and Ministry of Water, Lands & Resource Stewardship – Deputy Minister Lori Halls. This was also an opportunity to extend appreciation and honor former Kúkpi7 Daryl Draney as the former Responsible Official, while also welcoming Kúkpi7 Michael Christian as the new Responsible Official.

Kukwstsétsemc to Qwelmínte Secwépemc for hosting this part of the ceremony at TteS’s MSG. At TteS, we are proud of the work by the Team Sku7pecen model, as it upholds our collective values of passing knowledge and understanding to the next generations of Yecweninum stewards and caretakers. We will continue to uphold our Ancestors’ guidance to protect the next seven generations. We know that the BC Ministries have a role to play in transforming land and resource management on behalf of all British Columbians. Through the QS-BC government-to-government work, we as nine signatories will continue to strive for true reconciliation for the benefit of future generations.

KÚKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR

Primary Portfolio:
Public Relations & External Affairs/Legal (DS, DRI)

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, is strong and confident leader who leads by example for future generations; she also serves as Tribal Chief for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and as a Board Director for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. With 14+ years of service, she is committed to advancing community-driven initiatives that support self-determination, sustainable growth, and economic sovereignty. Kukpi7 Rosanne holds her hands up and acknowledges past and current leadership.

REPORT BY KÚKPI7 ROSANNE

Weyt-kp Le7 te sitq̓t, (Hello and good day). I, Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), along with Councillor Nikki, Skeetchestn Councillors Marshall Gonzales, Andrew Karas and SSN technical team met with The Honourable Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR), Murray Rankin, et el in Victoria, BC at the Provincial Legislature to provide updates on current agreements and what the succession would necessitate.

We also want to extend appreciation for MIRR, Murray Rankin’s commitment to reconciliation, upholding the foundation of the Declaration Act, and the friendship built on trust based on working in partnership. We wish you the best as you retire from public service.

KÚKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR

Primary Portfolio:
Public Relations & External Affairs/Legal (DS, DRI)

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, is strong and confident leader who leads by example for future generations; she also serves as Tribal Chief for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and as a Board Director for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. With 14+ years of service, she is committed to advancing community-driven initiatives that support self-determination, sustainable growth, and economic sovereignty. Kukpi7 Rosanne holds her hands up and acknowledges past and current leadership.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Chief and Council are concerned about the rising number of complaints from residents and local businesses regarding speeding on the Reserve. We urge you to remind your employees, contractors, and guests to adhere to the posted speed limits and obey all Stop (Estil) signs.

The speed limits in our business and residential neighbourhoods are posted:

• 30km/h
• 50 km/h

With the school year beginning after the September long weekend, we must remind you to take extra caution; be aware of the increased foot traffic of students who will be boarding or exiting school buses, as well as other pedestrians. A reminder that it is mandatory to stop when school buses have their red lights flashing and the stop arm is extended.

Community safety is a priority and we thank you in advance for your attention and cooperation with this important matter. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our offices directly.

READ LETTER ►

REPORT BY TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 DAVE

Truly amazing and very successful turn out this year for Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) Community BBQ that was held on Tuesday, August 20 at Full Circle Youth Centre.

Nice to see the Community Services Department and Secwépemc Child and Family Services work in partnership in supporting this year event for Youth, Elders and many of our TteS membership and staff able to enjoy eating hotdogs and hamburgers and fresh lemonade drinks winding up with some door prize draws and fun activities all ending up cheering and laughing together as TteS community.

Each time we as TteS membership attend this kind of Community gathering it is big part of our process for healing our Community spirit in beautiful way with happiness and love. Thank you tp everyone who took the time to attend our 2024 Community BBQ.

COUNCILLOR DAVE MANUEL

Primary Portfolio:
Community Services, Le Estcwicwéy̓

Secondary Portfolio:
Education/Language & Culture/Sk’elep

Alternate Portfolio:
Natural Resources/ Rights & Title

This is the second time Dave has been blessed to service and support the people of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc as Tkwenem7iple (Band Councillor). The first time on Band Council was 2006- 2009. Husband to Joyce Susan Fraser and very proud father of 3 children, Sherman Manuel, Nikki Fraser and Satinka Manuel.

REPORT BY TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 DAVE

Last Sunday August 11, 2024, I enjoyed getting out of the house on early Sunday morning to travel over to the Ḱwséltkten Farmers & Artisans Market initiative aiming at supporting First Nations and Indigenous growers, producers and artisans. The market is open from 8am to 2pm at the Kamloopa Powwow Arbour (345 Powwow Trail). This Sunday was extra special as I walked into the Arbour, greeted by the incredible music of our very own Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc member, Jeremy Kneeshaw. A talented songwriter and performer, Jeremy played his unique style of music throughout the event, his gifted singing voice blending perfectly with the beautiful sounds of his Riversong Guitar, made right here in Kamloops.

The Ḱwséltkten Farmers & Artisans Market is great way to helping to support local Indigenous Business and opportunity to spend time visiting with family and friends on Sunday morning.

COUNCILLOR DAVE MANUEL

Primary Portfolio:
Community Services, Le Estcwicwéy̓

Secondary Portfolio:
Education/Language & Culture/Sk’elep

Alternate Portfolio:
Natural Resources/ Rights & Title

This is the second time Dave has been blessed to service and support the people of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc as Tkwenem7iple (Band Councillor). The first time on Band Council was 2006- 2009. Husband to Joyce Susan Fraser and very proud father of 3 children, Sherman Manuel, Nikki Fraser and Satinka Manuel.

Take a moment to have a look at one of our sacred areas within our immediate community. The Language & Culture department have been actively taking back our ancestral gathering and ceremonial area Tḱemlúlpe (Indian Point).

We strongly urge our membership to make a presence known down there once again so outsiders are detoured from polluting and overtaking our lands.

Please refrain from drugs and alcohol in this area and enter at your own risk, going off of trails could heighten the possibility of poison ivy exposure during the spring and summer months.

READ UPDATE [PDF] ►

REPORT BY KÚKPI7 ROSANNE

Myself and TteS Council members welcomed the New Gold Board of Directors (BOD) to the TteS Council Chambers. We were thrilled to learn that this was their first visit to the Kamloops area and to have the opportunity for them to meet with leadership from Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. The Board’s fundamental objectives are to enhance and preserve long-term shareholder value, ensure reliable operations, and uphold safety. Together with SSN, we are engaged with New Gold and have established a long-term relationship.

Our discussions with the Board of Directors included topics such as the relationship, good governance, and decision-making regarding our lands and resource management. We also addressed our role as yecwmín̓men (stewards), focusing on economic development, health and safety, cultural heritage, intellectual property, and the British Columbia Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (the Declaration Act), which requires fulfillment to achieve free, prior, and informed consent.

KÚKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR

Primary Portfolio:
Public Relations & External Affairs/Legal (DS, DRI)

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, is strong and confident leader who leads by example for future generations; she also serves as Tribal Chief for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and as a Board Director for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. With 14+ years of service, she is committed to advancing community-driven initiatives that support self-determination, sustainable growth, and economic sovereignty. Kukpi7 Rosanne holds her hands up and acknowledges past and current leadership.

REPORT BY TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 NIKKI

I am happy to share that we have a new Natural Resource Department (NRD) Manager that will be starting in August. Aaron Gillespie is a Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc member and brings 25+ years of knowledge & experience in the Natural Resource sector to his new role at TteS. As the primary portfolio holder for NRD, I’m excited to work on revitalizing the Cultural Resource Management component and Stewardship. We are very lucky to have Aaron join the team to bring his wealth of knowledge to TteS.

I’d like to thank our previous NRD Manager and Assistant Manager Jim McGrath and Barry Bennett, who have moved with our Forestry to our new business arm, Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). Both Jim and Barry have seen though successful major projects with TteS NRD like Trans Mountain Expansion Project and on now they will support the forestry business with SEDC.

COUNCILLOR NIKKI FRASER

Primary Portfolio:
Natural Resources/Rights & Title

Secondary Portfolio:
Housing

Alternate Portfolio:
Lands, Leasing & Taxation

Nikki is a grassroots member of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), with strong ties to both the Fraser and Paul Grassroot families. Nikki is proud mom to Trey, Aiyana, and Nipiy. She has worked for TteS in many different capacities since she was 15 years old. Nikki brings experience, knowledge and tools from her volunteer elected roles at BC Native Women’s Association, Native Women’s Association of Canada and the United Nations Youth Envoys office. Nikki is honoured to server her community & membership and continues her passion advocating and upholding TteS Rights and Title.

REPORT BY TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 NIKKI

Monday July 29, 2024 TTES welcomed New Gold CEO, New Afton General Manager and New Gold Board of Directors. This is the first time the full board has sat down with SSN and TteS. We held a ceremony with Knowledge Keeper Ed Jensen a smudge and brushing off. Kúkpi7 Rosanne, Tk̓wenem7íple7 Dave, Thomas, and I were in attendance, as right holders we shared the knowledge of being Yecminme7.

Happy to share that Archeology is now their own department, I would like to uplift manager Leslie LeBourdais and her crew for the hard work when it comes to protecting our cultural heritage resources.

Kukpi7 Rosanne, Archeology Portfolio holder, Archeology Department Manager has done a media release for membership and the public updating everyone on the ancestral remains that were found fall 2023,the remains were of Indigenous descent and estimated burial date was approx. 1670. TTES has designated the area, where our ancestor was found, as a sacred site & is now registered as an archaeological site under the BC Heritage Conservation Act.

READ MEDIA RELEASE ►

Kukwstsetselp to Language & Culture Department for supporting the Archeology Department with this important responsibility.

COUNCILLOR NIKKI FRASER

Primary Portfolio:
Natural Resources/Rights & Title

Secondary Portfolio:
Housing

Alternate Portfolio:
Lands, Leasing & Taxation

Nikki is a grassroots member of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), with strong ties to both the Fraser and Paul Grassroot families. Nikki is proud mom to Trey, Aiyana, and Nipiy. She has worked for TteS in many different capacities since she was 15 years old. Nikki brings experience, knowledge and tools from her volunteer elected roles at BC Native Women’s Association, Native Women’s Association of Canada and the United Nations Youth Envoys office. Nikki is honoured to server her community & membership and continues her passion advocating and upholding TteS Rights and Title.