Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

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.

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 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.