TḰEMLÚPS TE SECWÉPEMC / CITY OF KAMLOOPS (July 24, 2024) — On September 2, 2023, a member of the public reported human remains eroding from the bank of the South Thompson River. Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops collaborated to implement the appropriate cultural policy associated with the discovery, and analysis has confirmed that the human remains were of Indigenous descent with an estimated burial date of 1670 Before Present (BP). The site is designated as a sacred site by Tḱemlúps and is now registered as an archaeological site protected under the BC Heritage Conservation Act.
Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir states, “Here at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc we will always uphold our inherent jurisdiction, TteS heritage, cultural laws, and Secwépemc values. We take our responsibility in the highest regard and appreciate the collaborative efforts by all.”
Deputy Mayor Nancy Bepple states, “The City of Kamloops upholds the Letter of Understanding signed between us that respects the formalization of a cultural heritage protocol that we follow. We appreciate the work of our technical teams and Council values the process.”
Tḱemlúps would like to thank the residents of Kamloops and the RCMP for their support, as well as the City of Kamloops leadership and staff who continue to work with us to uphold our mutual commitment to respectful cultural heritage management.
We encourage the public to always report potential remains to the nearest RCMP detachment and Tḱemlúps. For more information, to report artifacts other than remains, or to seek further guidance concerning archaeological sites you can consult the City of Kamloops Archaeological Sites Bulletin or contact the B.C. Archaeology Branch.
On this National Indigenous Day 2024 and during Indigenous History Month, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, the Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Diocese of Kamloops, chose this date to share with you the Sacred Covenant they signed on Easter Sunday. The bilingual document is written in English and Chinook. Chinook was chosen as it is a trade language that was spoken from Northern California to Alaska and promoted by Fr. Jean-Marie Raphael Le Jeune, OMI and Tk̓emlúps and other Elders. Chinook became an important common language among First People and settlers arriving from many countries.
Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir stated that with the goal of fostering healing and reconciliation and countering targeted skepticism and denial, Tk̓emlúps chose to work with Catholics and allow Church leaders to publicly acknowledge past wrongs, particularly arising from the Catholic Church’s role in administering many of the Residential Schools. Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc remains steadfast in their sacred duty as guardians to and advocates for the children who died and were harmed while they were students at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. With dedicated staff focused on the multidisciplinary investigation as well as construction of a Healing House for Survivors, Kúkpi7 Rosanne is committed to ensuring Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors are supported on their healing path.
Archbishop Michael Miller, CSB, of Vancouver and Bishop Joseph Ngyuen of Kamloops, entered into a Sacred Covenant that conveys a deep commitment to truth and a desire to accompany the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc people on their journey. Archbishop Miller stated that Catholics should strive to understand the real and continued hardships faced by Indigenous people. As Canada was being colonized, there is no doubt that the First People lost land and livelihood and experienced systems that gravely damaged their family cohesion, language and customs. Acknowledging the deep hurt caused by government officials, corporate representatives and faith leaders is a critical first step towards building a mutually beneficial relationship that leads to lasting healing and reconciliation.
Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Archbishop Miller and Bishop Ngyuen encourage all Canadians to work towards deepening relationships between communities and finding ways to help Indigenous individuals and families negatively impacted by destructive policies, both current and historical. The Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Catholics in the region look forward to continuing the meaningful steps of walking together.
On Friday June 14 TteS Community Services hosted the official opening of C7i7elcmenten re Stsillen (a Place To Share Food). This event brought together community members to celebrate and uphold the traditional Secwépemc values of generosity and sharing.
The event began with a moving prayer by Elder Charlotte Manuel, setting a respectful and spiritual tone for the day. Following the prayer, Manager Priscilla Johnstone and I had the honor of delivering a few opening remarks. We were joined by community member Vicki Manuel, who shared the significance of generosity in Secwépemc culture, emphasizing the importance of sharing food and resources with our people.
After the opening remarks, attendees enjoyed a delicious BBQ, followed by a beautifully decorated cake. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, conversation, and a true sense of togetherness.
The celebration concluded with draws for some wonderful door prizes, adding an element of excitement and fun to the event. The joy on the faces of the winners was a testament to the community spirit of the day.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Community Services staff for their hard work and dedication in hosting this wonderful event. It was inspiring to see the team come together, demonstrating a shared commitment to making tC7i7elcmenten re Stsillen a huge success.
Here’s to many more gatherings at C7i7elcmenten re Stsillen, where we will continue to share food, stories, and our enduring spirit of generosity.
COUNCILLOR DAVE MANUEL
Primary Portfolio:
Community Services, Le Estcwicwéy̓
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.
Weyt-kp xwexwéytep Le7 te sitq̓t, Hello Everyone and Good Day to the Graduates of 2024. On behalf of Tk̓emlúps Council, we are excited to extend and say Yerí7 re sxexé7 (congratulations) to all the TteS Graduates of 2024. We honour your hard work and dedication that you have demonstrated to get you to this very important milestone – GRADUATION. High school presents its ups and downs, and we all can relate. Anything worth accomplishing in life is never easy. But as long as you let your passion lead the way and your inner courage light the path, you will always end up exactly where you were meant to be. The young people of our generations hold so much knowledge and power of the next direction we should be going in. Never be afraid to speak up for what you love and what you believe in. As you move through this world, know that at times it can be scary, but remember, its is a beautiful and precious opportunity to live life to the fullest and we do not do this alone.
Today and everyday, we must hold our hands up to the major supports that helped you get her today: Elders, kíke7ce (Moms), qéqtse7 (Dads), Aunties, Uncles, and len xpé7e lu7 (Grandpas) , kyé7e (Grandmas) Teachers, Counsellors, and Coaches, mentors and your fellow grads have all played a role in your journey, and I encourage you to take a moment to connect with those that have guided and supported you and make your gratitude known. Going through school we all learned the value of creating friendships; know that as you go to university and the workplace and make your marks in this world know that we all lift you up and carry these relationships with you wherever you go.
As you move forward in life, we also want you to carry with great pride your identity as Tk̓emlúpsemc. Never forget your roots and the importance of culture, language, and traditions. These values are what links generations to generations. The recognition of the interconnectedness of all, and respect for our lands, water, medicines, plants, and each other, will help guide you towards a successful future. Try to maintain balance in your life to create health and happiness. Here are the words I live by: “Know your Passion, Visualize your Plans, Collect your Resources, and always be Determined to Succeed!” I practice those values in both my personal and professional life and share that with all of you as you continue with your journey, whatever that may be.
Again, on behalf of Council and all of us at TteS, we truly wish you so much success today and in the future!! You are our future and leaders. Congratulations to all the Grads of 2024!! You did it and we wish you success in all your endeavors. Le7es ke7s w7ec wel me7 yews (we wish you the best forever/always).
Yours truly,
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir (Chief)
I would like to thank leadership of manager Dessa Gottfriedson and her staff at TteS Education Department for hosting amazing community event on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Moccasin Square Garden. I was very blessed to be able to witness the event firsthand watching so many of TteS students stand together and get honoured after school year of hard work.
Nice to see so many of the family and friends show up to event to support our TteS students just tells me that it takes whole community to support academic success for each student.
Having the Language and Culture Department there to support the event with singing welcome song and honour song and having Elders doing prayer for opening and food blessing only adds to pride of what it is to be apart of TteS community spirit. I would also like to say great job to Tkwenem7iple Nikki Fraser for stepping in last minute to be the Master of Ceremony for the event you did wonderful job.
I truly believe each time we gather as people of TteS it is part of developing and healing of our TteS spirit, I will keep doing my best to support theses kind of events like this to gather and stand up our people in beautiful way.
COUNCILLOR DAVE MANUEL
Primary Portfolio:
Community Services, Le Estcwicwéy̓
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.
Summer Fun Awaits at the Full Circle Youth Centre!
Mark your calendars, parents! Full Circle Youth Centre Summer program 2024 is just around the corner, and registration opens on June 12th.
This program runs from June 24th to August 23rd and is the perfect opportunity for youth aged 5-12 to explore, learn, and create unforgettable memories. With only 15 spots available, don’t miss your chance to secure a place for your child.
Activities include:
Sports and recreation
Arts and crafts
Outdoor adventures
Interactive workshops
Community engagement
The online registration form will be live and available for sign-ups starting on June 12th at 12:30 PM. Act fast, as spots are limited!
A Message From The Chief: D-Day 80th Anniversary Reflection
Today marks the 80th Anniversary of D-Day – a day when we remember and honour the Indigenous Veterans who contributed bravery and sacrifice as they fought alongside Canadian soldiers. Today and always, we honor all of you and your families. We know that our Veterans overcame many challenges: learning new languages, leaving the place they called home, disenfranchisement, and inequality regarding benefits offered to the Canadian soldiers who served.
We acknowledge all First Nations, Inuit & Métis veterans who are heroes in our communities, families, and Nations. This Anniversary is an important day to recognize the many contributions and sacrifices that Indigenous Veterans have made and continue to make. You are forever in our hearts and we hold you with high respect, sincere honour, and much gratitude.
Indigenous Canadians have been part of our military history for over 200 years. We must never forget the sacrifices and accomplishments of Indigenous Veterans, especially as we move forward in our journey of healing, reconciliation, and a renewed relationship between Canada and it’s First Nations Peoples.
Let us all take a moment to remember those who sacrificed and fought for the peace and safety for our community, our Nation, and for Canada.
To the Indigenous Veterans of our community, Xyemstsít (we honour you) and hold our hands up to you for your service and bravery.
May 23, 2021, marks the day that preliminary ground penetrating radar was completed on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc observes it as a day of reflection. We encouraged our members to be with family and support each other.
The 2021 decision to share the news about the preliminary investigative work came about because the findings were being spread like wildfire. To maintain the integrity of the investigation, to uphold truth and counter rumour and misinformation, Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc Council made the hard decision to share the news publicly. We knew it would be heart wrenching for our membership as well as for Indigenous People across Canada as virtually all live with firsthand or intergenerational impacts of Indian Residential Schools.
Today, May 27, 2024, marks the third anniversary of the day that preliminary finding went public. On this day, we choose to reach out directly to you – Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc membership, community members and allies. Thank you for how you rallied around us in support of our findings and continue to walk with us. Thank you to our dedicated Le Estcwicwéy̓ Department, staff dedicated to completing the investigation as well as building a Healing House for Survivors and intergenerational Survivors.
At the same time, we knew that there would be a backlash. There have always been those who target Indigenous People in Canada, with systemic racism and white supremacy as foundational to Canada as the very federal laws that ripped our children away from home, in cattle trucks and police cars, to bring them to the residential schools.
That said, three years later, we remain steadfast in our sacred duty as guardians to the missing children from the Kamloops Indian Residential School. From the beginning, we have articulated and exercised our jurisdiction. The investigation continues to be carried out in compliance with Secwépemc laws, legal traditions, worldviews, values, and protocols. We are taking steps to ensure the investigation is carried out in a way that does not preclude and will not interfere with potential future legal proceedings.
With all the misinformation and targeted denialism, allow me to remind you of key facts:
Elders and survivors have always spoken of children dying and disappearing while at the school. Men speak of, as boys attending Kamloops Indian Residential School, being woken in the middle of the night, and asked to dig holes that seemed like graves, in the dark, and not being told why.
In May 2021 with the assistance of a Ground Penetrating Radar, Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc was able to narrow down the location of probable unmarked burial sites on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS).
Tḱemlúps immediately took responsibility for the children, who we call Le Estcwicwéy̓ (the Missing). This includes the responsibility to care for them and to seek justice for them.
We remain committed to working with the many other communities and Nations whose children were taken to the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Over 128 communities and 32 Nations had children at the school.
At this time, we are deep into the investigative work. Our approach is multidisciplinary and includes the following:
Archival and documentary research and analysis
Wenecwtsínem (truth telling) with KIRS survivors
Archaeological and anthropological surveys and studies
Potential DNA and other forensic methods
Our investigative findings (and investigative steps) are currently being kept confidential to preserve the integrity of the investigation. Our investigators’ findings to date are consistent with the presence of unmarked burials. When we reach our next milestone, we will be sure to update you.
Thinking of our own thorough process, I also reflect on all the other communities grappling with their findings regarding Missing Children at other former Residential Schools. We grieve with you and stand with you as you continue with your own investigations.
You may be asking – how can you help? Did a member of your family attend Kamloops Indian Residential School? We are working with Survivors to learn what they recollect from their experience as it relates to the missing children. However, we are not looking to stir up bad memories. We are looking for insight that may assist in our research. Please reach out and be assured that this is a trauma-informed and confidential process.
As an ally, to refute the very real harm caused by denialists, we encourage you to speak out and organize. Truth about the realities of Residential Schools and the Missing Children must be upheld. There are so many tools to help educate people about Residential Schools.
I would like to end with what I shared in July 2021 and remains very true today. I want to acknowledge Indian Residential School Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors. No words are sufficient to express the comfort and love we wish to convey to you. We see you, we love you, and we believe you.
On May 27, 2021, it was with a heavy heart that Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc confirmed an unthinkable loss that was spoken about but never documented by the Kamloops Indian Residential School. With the help of a ground penetrating radar specialist, the stark truth of the preliminary findings came to light — the confirmation of 215 anomalies were detected.
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc offices will be closed Thursday, May 23 in honour of these findings.
For many of us, this announcement has been a stark reminder of a painful chapter in our history. It serves as a starting point for many to learn more about the dark realities of residential schools and the lasting impacts they have had on Indigenous communities. While the number “215” has become a symbol of the children lost at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, it’s important to recognize that it represents far more than just a numerical figure. It stands for the countless spirits of children who never had the chance to return home from residential schools all across Canada. It signifies the enduring connections they had to their communities and the profound impact their loss continues to have across generations.
Chief and Council are designating this day as a Day of Reflection. We urge everyone to set aside time for introspection, learning, and being with loved ones. As we pause to reflect and honour the memory of Le Estcwicwéy̓ (the missing) and all those affected by the residential school system, let us also recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of reconciliation and healing.
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc thrilled to announce that Sweláps Market has achieved not just one, but two awards at this year’s BC Economic Development Association Awards. The BCEDA Awards honor outstanding contributions to local economies and communities, recognizing those who’ve gone above and beyond in fostering economic growth and community development.
Sweláps Market proudly accepts the following awards for 2024:
Community Project Award (community less than 20,000 population):
The BCEDA Community Project Award recognizes an organization that has implemented various economic development initiatives that provide economic benefits to a community or region.
Winner: Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Business & Economic Development — Sweláps Market
People’s Choice Award:
BC Economic Summit delegates were asked to vote for one of the award winners as the People’s Choice and the selected project was Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Business & Economic Development for Sweláps Market.
We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the entire Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc community, our dedicated staff, and the leadership of Kukpi7 and Council. This achievement is a testament to our collective effort and commitment to driving positive change.
Thank you to the many people that played a part in this project, a special recognition goes to our Ec. Dev Team, VisionQuest Advisors, BIRD construction and Kara Stokes, along with the incredible staff at Sweláps Market. Your hard work and dedication have turned the dream of a community-owned grocery store into a reality.
Let’s celebrate this achievement together and continue our journey of making a meaningful difference in the community.
Economic Development Team Members Nova Sekhon & Bala with Roly Russell, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development and Dale Wheeldon, President and CEO of BCEDA.
We were joined by community member Vicki Manuel, who shared the significance of generosity in Secwépemc culture, emphasizing the importance of sharing food and resources with our people.
