Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

Weyt-kp xwexwéytep (hello to everyone)

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Chief and Council extend their warm wishes to each of you; Lé7es ke7 sw7ecs ne Xyum te Sitq̓t ell ts7écwes re tsítslem te swucwt (Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a joyous New Year).

During this special time, we encourage everyone to take care of one another. As we enter this holiday season, remember that each of us may be navigating something different. Let us check in on one another, share kindness, and make space for light and laughter. Le7es k sw7éc-emp ne sqilqélt te sw7ec (Be well on this holiday to you all).

We extend our spirit and kindness to you and your families this holiday season. As we reflect on 2024, we can all be proud of the accomplishments, celebrations, and connections we have built and created with one another. The road ahead looks promising, and we look forward to an even brighter 2025.

May we continue to walk this path forward together.
Qilqéltes k sw7éc-emp (Happy Holidays to you all).

Yours Truly,
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
Kukpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir
On Behalf of Council

REPORT BY KÚKPI7 ROSANNE

On December 6, 2024, TteS Chief and Council participated in governance training session led by Dan George. As we explored the vast topic of First Nations governance, we explore many important themes and leading principles such as ethics, effective leadership, and accountability. The discussions were full of learning from one another as well as sharing perspectives that are specifically relevant to TteS and our goals as a community and organization. By working with one another, we deepen our understanding and strengthen our shared commitment to working together in a good way. Aligning and being guided by our Secwépemc values will always be at the forefront of our collective approach to leadership.

By grounding our efforts in strategic and succession planning, we ensure that our actions are aligned with long-term goals and the well-being of our community. This training reinforced our dedication to fostering a governance structure that reflects our values and supports our people. Together, we move forward with a renewed focus on collaboration, trust, and the shared vision of a strong and resilient future.

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

On November 29, 2024 Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, Kamloops Fire Rescue and the City of Kamloops came together for the firetruck push. This event was to commemorate our TteS symbol being added to all of the firetrucks that serve our communities daily. The gathering brought together TteS Chief & Council, City Council, our Elders, and community members to celebrate this meaningful collaboration.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to safety, inclusion, and unity. A special thank you goes to the Fire Chief and Kamloops Fire Rescue staff for their hard work and dedication in serving our communities.

Emergency management and preparedness remain key priorities for Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. Having our community’s symbol proudly displayed on all fire trucks is a powerful gesture of solidarity and respect. Today’s event showcased the strength of our relationships and our dedication to protecting and serving both communities. Seeing everyone come together was truly inspiring. On behalf of TteS and our Fire Chief Youth Representative, Tyson Peters, we extend our appreciation to everyone who participated and attended the firetruck push.

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

National Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony took place on November 8 and Remembrance Day Ceremony took place on November 11.

National Indigenous Veterans Day holds immense significance in Canada as a day dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous veterans in the country’s military history. These courageous men and women, from diverse Indigenous communities, have long served alongside their fellow Canadians in times of conflict, demonstrating unwavering dedication and resilience. National Indigenous Veteran’s Day serves as a crucial platform for fostering a deeper understanding of the Indigenous experience. It’s a poignant reminder of the profound respect and gratitude owed to these Indigenous veterans who have made significant sacrifices to uphold the principles of peace, freedom, and democracy.

TteS Council members joined me in welcoming many special guests. The ceremonies featured heartfelt contributions from our community, Elder Russell Casimir started off in a good way with opening prayer, Elder Freda Jules singing the Bear Honour Song, and Jackie Jules singing O Canada in Secwepemctsín. We thank our many guests joining us in honouring members who served in the WWI, Boer War, WWII, Home Guard, Iraq Conflict (USA), and those killed in Action. We also acknowledge our 2 surviving veterans who fought for our freedom along with a community member who is currently serving. War Veterans: Irene Campbell and I’sha Jules, and Madison Marissa Jules George. Angelina Christina Campbell, a leading aircraft Woman, served in the Airforce in peace time for 3 years; I’sha Jules, a Sargent that served in the Iraq Freedom Conflict, served in the Army for 9 years; and Sailor Second Class Madisson Marissa Jules George who is currently serving on the HMCS Regina-Frigate Ship as a Naval Combat Information Operator in the Combat Department.

We are proud of them, their services, and their contributions. Kukwstsétselp to those who attended and contributed to these ceremonies. And the biggest and most heartfelt kukwstép-kucw to our Indigenous and non-Indigenous Veterans for their dedication and sacrifice.

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.

With the passing of Mazina Giizhik (Honourable Murray Sinclair) we grieve the loss of a formidable Anishinaabe warrior who forged ahead with bravery, intelligence, and kindness.

His contributions to our society are almost immeasurable, from being Manitoba’s first Indigenous judge, to his visionary leadership of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Residential Schools, to his service as Senator to name some of the remarkable roles he held as a changemaker.

Our deepest condolences to his family, community, many colleagues and all he touched through his life.

We will honour his legacy by continuing to bring truth to light in our quest to honour the missing children of the Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Yours truly,
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir (Chief)

DOWNLOAD LETTER ►

In the lead up to the 11th annual Orange Shirt Day and the 4th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir interviewed Keely Chow, a Tahltan-Tlingit Artist about turning an orange shirt day fundraising idea into reality, and then donating the proceeds to

Kamloops Indian Residential School commemorative activities. Keely worked on the design for the orange shirt with her grandfather Dempsey Bob, a Tahltan-Tlingit artist and master carver of world renown. Although Keely and her grandfather have wrapped up the fundraiser — their decisions serves as a good reminder as to what to look for when you purchase an orange shirt. Keely’s frank discussion as to why she loves working with her Grandfather Dempsey Bob may cause you to feel like there is someone chopping onions next to you in the best possible way!

The Toronta International Film Festival (TIFF) highlights Canadian perspectives to the world. TIFF is also a platform for underrepresented voices and truth telling, a significant outlet for Indigenous voices and realities.

Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir and Le Estcwicwéy̓ Manager Jeanette Jules were delighted to accept Tanya Talaga’s invitation to the TIFF screening of her documentary series, “The Knowing” which also the same title for her newly published book. Tanya made it clear that her journey began with covering the breaking news about Le Estcwicwéy̓ (the Missing Children of Kamloops Indian Residential School). Tanya brings to light significant parts of Canadian history, her lived experience from covering what took place at Tk̓emlúps, while the primary focus is about all that was involved in locating her great great grandmother.

Tanya Talaga has offered to host a screening of “The Knowing” in community and we are finalizing the details. We look forward to sharing more about it soon!

REPORT BY KÚKPI7 ROSANNE

Music for the People is an event that comes from Rod Little Sky Bandura’s dream—bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities together to create incredible music. On Sept 8, here at our Arbour I was honored to start this memorable event off with a our Secwépemc prayer in our language, our traditional Welcome song and offer welcoming remarks on the significance of reconciliation. We offer our deepest appreciation to his wife, Marjit Bandura, for hosting this concert in his honour and continuing to foster unity through music.

It was wonderful to be apart of a night of music and relationship building. On behalf of the entire TteS community, we express our sincere condolences for the passing of Rod Little Sky Bandura this past year. It is with gratitude and respect that we celebrate his enduring vision of harmony and reconciliation through music. On behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, we extend our thanks to all that came out to connect.

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

On September 6 we hosted members of the Legislative Assembly for an important meeting. Tkwenem7íple7 Thomas, Le Estcwicwéy̓ team Jeanette Jules, Fred Seymour, Racelle Kooy, attended to join me in welcoming Legislative Assembly representatives Speaker Raj Chouhan, Clerk Kate Ryan-Lloyd, and Principal-Bella Concepts, Tanya Corbet. We began with respective historical context of truth telling and echoed the importance of contributing and providing feedback to meaningful ways to support the Assembly’s first Reconciliation Action Plan. The focus was on immediate actions such as education and training for MLAs, a Legacy Project, and future visits. Feedback was provided by Chief, Council, and TteS technical teams on making the Legislative Assembly initiatives more inclusive and better informed of the priorities and needs for Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia. We appreciate the work that has been done to date; we also acknowledge that there is much more to be done through action that reconciles and honours all experiences.

Speaker Raj Chouhan kindly gifted me a Cedar Feather, a symbol and marker of this important day. We gifted a Tk̓emlúps Meeting of the Rivers Pendleton to honour the work he has committed himself to; we hold our hands up to him for his commitment to ongoing Truth and Reconciliation while recognizing the Legislative Assembly’s role in reconciliation as a whole.

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

On September 4, I gathered with fellow leadership to discuss the Final Agreement on Long Term Reform of the First Nations Child, and Family Program. Attendees included myself and Tkwenem7íple7 Dave, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Reginal BC Chief Terry Teegee, and Secwépemc Leadership from across the Nation. This meeting was an opportunity to discuss the agreement with National Chief Cindy Woodhouse as well as address and questions or concerns fellow Leadership may have,

We always appreciate taking the time to deeply dive into proposed legislation that will shape the future of our Nation. We regard the work we do for our children and future generations with diligence, respect, and care. Kukwstsétselp to everyone that showed up at the meeting for an important discussion.

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.