Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc – April 21, 2025

On behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc we extend heartfelt condolences and collective prayers for the soul of Pope Francis. We honour his journey to be welcomed by the Creator. I offer prayers of comfort and much condolences to all those grieving at this time.

Pope Francis was the first Pope to formally recognize and apologize for the atrocities committed through the Indian Residential School system in Canada. I hold my hands up to him for his humility, courage, and commitment to reconciliation.

In 2022, I had the honour of joining a national delegation coordinated by the Assembly of First Nations to travel to the Vatican. Survivors, Elders, youth, leaders, and spiritual advisors came together to speak directly to the Holy See. We presented on four key areas: Residential Schools and unmarked graves, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Papal apology and visit to Canada, and the urgent need for healing and reconciliation.

We shared the deep and lasting impact of the Residential School system, our languages and cultures were taken, our children were lost. We called attention to the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action, including #58, which called for the Pope to apologize on Canadian soil. We also addressed the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

A key request we made was for Pope Francis to travel to Canada and offer a meaningful apology to survivors and their families. His apology delivered during his visit acknowledged the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse inflicted by the Church. He also denounced the Doctrine of Discovery and Terra Nullius. These steps, while symbolic, had profound emotional and spiritual impact for many.

Healing is an ongoing process. We made clear that apology must be followed by concrete actions: full disclosure of residential school records, funding for cultural revitalization, and direct collaboration between dioceses and First Nations to support community healing.

Here in Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, we have taken further steps. On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, we signed a Sacred Covenant with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Diocese of Kamloops at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School site. This historic agreement, publicly released on June 21, 2024 National Indigenous Peoples Day commits us to:

• Memorialization and honouring the lives of the children who never came home through ceremonies and permanent memorials.

• Truth Seeking while working together to identify missing children and bring answers to their families.

• Support Services and providing mental health and healing support to our community members.

• The Covenant also acknowledges the Church’s role in the residential school system and outlines a shared path forward based on reconciliation, transparency, and long-term healing.

Yesterday, on April 20, 2025, we marked the one-year anniversary of this Covenant, and for the first time, I shared a message from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to His Holiness Pope Francis. In his words, the Pope sent “cordial greetings” and prayers for all present. He reflected on his 2022 visit and reminded us of the need to “walk together, pray together, and work together.” Those words carry the power of unity and responsibility.

As we look to the future, we also reflect on the transition now underway within the Catholic Church. We are grateful for Pope Francis’ leadership and example. We now look to the next Pope to continue this journey with humility and action.

Needed is creating a clear mandate for all dioceses to work with First Nations, supporting reparations not only through words but through meaningful investment in language and cultural revitalization.  Addressing colonial structures such as the Papal Bulls and working toward true Land Back.  Working with us to repatriating sacred items and ensuring transparency in the acquisition. Continuing to support the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) with active commitment to revitalization.

We must also stand firmly against denialism and from the highest level as well as the deliberate distortion of truth meant to discredit survivors and perpetuate harm. It is our collective responsibility, including that of the Catholic Church, to call out and confront these harmful narratives.

This moment is not just about a single leader it is about the journey of all people and the shared responsibility of institutions, nations, and communities. I am proud to have walked this path alongside so many brave survivors, youth, and leaders.

Together, we have made history. And together, we will continue walking the path toward truth, justice, and healing.

Kukwstsetsemc,
Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir

On behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2025

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Airini on her appointment as the fifth President and Vice-Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University (TRU). We are encouraged and inspired by this significant step forward, not only for the institution but for the broader landscape of Indigenous education and reconciliation across Canada.

Dr. Airini brings with her a wealth of experience in advancing equity in education and working in partnership with Indigenous communities. As an internationally respected scholar and former Dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Work at TRU, she has already demonstrated a strong commitment to Indigenous engagement and inclusive leadership. Her return to TRU as President signals a renewed opportunity to strengthen relationships between the university and the original peoples of this land.

As Secwépemc, we have carried values and laws that guide us in how we build relationships—with the land, with each other, and with institutions like TRU. At times, that relationship has not been easy. The appointment of Dr. Airini gives us hope and we see a real opportunity. Her leadership reflects a shift—one where Indigenous voices are not just acknowledged, but respected, included, and uplifted. We are hopeful that this new chapter will bring deeper collaboration, where our ways of knowing and being are recognized as foundational to the future of education.

We look forward to working with Dr. Airini and TRU in good faith, building a relationship that honours the principles of respect, responsibility, and reciprocity. Her leadership is an example of what reconciliation in action can look like—one where Indigenous voices are not only heard but are central to shaping the future of post-secondary education.

This is a powerful and inspiring moment. With Dr. Airini at the helm, we are confident that great things lie ahead—not only for TRU, but for Indigenous students, learners, and communities. Her presidency stands as a model for other Canadian institutions to follow: a university grounded in collaboration, accountability, and respect for Indigenous peoples.

We raise our hands to Dr. Airini and wish her all the best in this important role.

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Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Media Contact:

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

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF

On behalf of Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) many of us are wearing pink to stand up for our commitment to choose kindness and remind everyone of our shared responsibility to treat one another with compassion, understanding, and respect.

We have all seen and experienced bullying in workplaces, on social media, and within communities. It truly has rippling effects that are hurtful and for those who are already marginalized. We need to be role models for future generations.

Denialism is a violent form of bullying that has risen since the announcement of unmarked graves, and I extend my heartfelt appreciation to allies that uphold the collective history and the impacts that Survivors have lived.

Denialists are those who willfully misrepresent well documented, historical facts to promote hate against Indigenous people and more specifically with the intention of targeting Survivors, families, and communities.

We all need to continue supporting change; we have seen real progress, so we must continue to call out all forms of bullying so that everyone feels united and respected. Building inclusive communities is the vision we should all want: a community supported by all of our neighbours, lifting each other up, and where everyone feels safe.

We recognize that bullying and division are sometimes fueled by those in power who seek to distract from the real issues impacting Survivors, communities, and the public.

Today on this Pink Shirt Day, let’s send a powerful message: bullying and denialism will not be tolerated. We stand for kindness, empathy, solidarity, and respect. From all of us at TteS, take action by wearing pink and giving kindness; it goes a long way and embraces real change.

DOWNLOAD LETTER ►

REPORT BY KÚKPI7 ROSANNE

Congratulations to Dr. Garry Gottfriedson and Professor Tory Handford, on the launch of their new book, Dangling in the Glimmer of Hope. We also extend a heartfelt kukwstsétsemc to the publishers, family, and faculty at Thompson Rivers University who played a role in bringing Dangling in the Glimmer of Hope to life. This book is more than a collection of words; it is a powerful testament to truth, resilience, and the ongoing work of decolonization and reconciliation.

At a time when these conversations are more important than ever, this work offers both insight and inspiration. It was an honour to celebrate this achievement at Thompson Rivers University alongside Tkwenem7íple7 Boyd Gottfriedson, Tkwenem7íple7 Daylin Malloy, and Tkwenem7íple7 Nikki Fraser, surrounded by those who believe in the strength of Indigenous voices and the necessity of these discussions.

This creation of this book took dedication and collaboration. Dangling in the Glimmer of Hope is a meaningful contribution to the path forward, a reminder that change happens when we come together with honesty, courage, and a shared vision for the future generations.

REPORT BY KÚKPI7 ROSANNE

Weyt-kp xwexwéytep, on behalf of TteS, I was honored to witness, participate in, and celebrate the incredible work of artist Ed Jensen, Tk̓emlúps Traditions, as he presented a one-of-a-kind ceremonial Mace to Thompson Rivers University (TRU). This handcrafted piece will hold deep significance in TRU’s Convocation Ceremonies, serving as a lasting legacy that educates and supports the importance of reconciliation.

TRU honors its relationship with Tk̓emlúps and shares in the pride of our Band member, Ed Jensen, a local and world-renowned artist. The university hosted a Mace Ceremony on February 13, 2025, to recognize Ed’s contributions. His beautiful design, crafted from juniper and jade, is supported by a grandfather rock. The juniper pole features hand-carved Secwépemc pictographs representing our people, while the jade embodies Sk’elep, the storyteller in our culture. Every element of this piece was created using traditional Secwépemc carving techniques.

We hold our hands up to Ed for upholding and sharing our culture in such a good way. It was an honor to provide a welcome, share words about Ed, and sing the welcome song alongside our people. His family was there to support and share in this proud moment, and he is apprenticing two of them to help carry forward the work of Tk̓emlúps Traditions, ensuring that this important knowledge continues for generations to come.

Re xyemstéms te tnk’we7 re xyemstéms xwexwéyt te swet – the honour of one is the honour of all.

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

The BC First Nations Justice Council has been working hard to establish 6 new Indigenous Justice Centers (IJC) that have now recently opened across the province. Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc is pleased to be the home of a brand-new Indigenous Justice Centre, where our communities can seek legal aid alongside wrap around services in an environment that feel culturally safe. We extend our appreciation to the BC First Nations Justice Council and The Province for addressing and working towards better systems of justice for Indigenous peoples. The relief, safety, and support this centre brings will ripple through our community with positive effects.

The new locations of Indigenous Justice Centres are Kamloops, Williams Lake, Cranbrook, Port Hardy, Burns Lake, and New Hazelton. On February 6, 2025, we gathered at the Kamloops IJC alongside members of the BC First Nations Justice Council, IJC staff, and the Honourable Nikki Sharma, Attorney General, to tour the space and celebrate this accomplishment. We honoured our Secwépemc protocols as the Language & Culture department sang the welcome song and the honour song. We also began and ended with a beautiful prayer from our Elder, Freda Jules.

This new IJC is a product of our communities working together to create and ensure that the highest level of services are offered to our people. We acknowledge the gaps in our justice system, and we have trust that this IJC will address and support those seeking legal supports in an integral and dynamic way.

Contact an IJC:

• Call (toll-free) 1-866-786-0081
• Drop in Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm

Kamloops IJC: 440 Victoria St, Kamloops, BC
Williams Lake IJC: 59 1st Ave S, Williams Lake, BC
Cranbrook IJC: 44 -12th Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC
Port Hardy IJC: 6990 Market St, Port Hardy, BC
Hazelton IJC: 4125 River Rd, Hazelton, BC
Burns Lake IJC: 310 Highway 16, Burns Lake, BC
Fort St John IJC: To be announced April 2025
Kelowna IJC: 275 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna, BC
Nanaimo IJC: 17 Church St., Nanaimo, BC
Surrey IJC: 13041 108 Ave., Surrey, BC
Vancouver IJC: 510 Beatty St., Vancouver, BC
Victoria IJC: 794 Yates St., Victoria, BC
Merritt IJC: 1999 Voght Street PO Box 2310 Merritt, BC
Prince George IJC: 511 George St Prince George, BC
Prince Rupert IJC: #200 – 515 3rd Avenue West, Prince Rupert, BC
Chilliwack IJC: 46140 Yale Rd #201, Chilliwack, BC

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 February 1, 2025, Secwépemc Child and Family Services Agency (SCFSA) offered the 6th annual Winter Gathering Powwow. This was a special event for families and communities to connect, celebrate, and share in our traditions. It was great to see everyone enjoying the dancing, drumming, and time spent together. The turnout was excellent, and the energy was positive throughout the day. Events like this remind us of the importance of gathering; when we do so, we get to connect through our culture and traditions, and it truly is a beautiful thing. Thank you to SCFSA for their hard work and dedication for serving and supporting our families. We appreciate the work you are doing to ensure our relationships in the community are well tended to and full of love.

Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and helped make this powwow a success. Your presence and good energy made it a meaningful gathering. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

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

TteS Chief & Council held a strategic planning session that took place over two days led by Four Directions, Dan George. We were grateful to be joined by senior staff and managers; their input and perspectives supported teamwork and collaboration. Strategic Planning also served Council an opportunity for orientation into TteS’s organizational goals. We want a sturdy and promising foundation for the term ahead.

The two-day planning session included key areas with governance, pain points, a Comprehensive Community Plan update, and, of course, shared key organizational goals that will shape our strategic plan.

It was productive and appreciated to have departmental management, executive staff, key administrative staff, and leadership sharing perspectives that shed light on the commonalities we share in our hopes and goals for TteS while breaking down silos. A reminder that we all contribute to the success of community priorities that is for the long-term benefit of community and the people we all serve.

Internally, organizational priorities included: language and culture revitalization, land use, stewardship, title and rights, infrastructure, economic self-sovereignty, education, health, and wellness. We have also identified and highlighted a commonality around communication and ways to improve customer service and communicating effectively with all membership.

We believe in our people and the TteS organization team that will continue working to provide and enhance services and opportunities that benefit our community as we move forward. We look forward to sharing our overarching strategic plan with all of you in the late spring.

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

January 29, 2025 marks Indigenous Blazers night. This event brought our people together to enjoy the hockey game with everyone to cheer, laugh, and connect. Garrett G. Gottfriedson designed the jerseys that the Blazers wore. He is an incredibly talented artist that created the design which reflects Secwépemc culture and ways. Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development Corporation sponsored the jerseys which is the beginning of an exciting relationship between the Blazers and Sc.wén̓wen. The Blazers played the game in the jerseys and wore them with pride.

Sun Ridge Contracting and TteS sponsored the game in collaboration to highlight Indigenous Night. It was a pleasure to drop the puck and start the game off in a good way. We were joined by Council, TteS Members, Elders, and staff to cheer on the Blazers, and enjoy a night together.

Thank you to the Blazers, Sc.wén̓wen, Sun Ridge Contracting, and our dedicated community for making this night a memorable experience that we were all able to enjoy together and cheer for our favourite hockey team!

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.

JOINT REPORT BY TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 VICKI AND KUKPI7 ROSANNE

On January 15, 2025, Chief & Council toured the new AgeCare Sun Rivers facility. This visit allowed us to connect with the addition to the Sun River’s Community, offering insights into daily life for residents and staff. We were delighted to share a meal of salmon and break Bannock together allowing ample time to get to know our new neighbour in the community, Salimah Walji-Shivji, CEO of AgeCare. We have learned of many opportunities of mutual benefit.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, providing meaningful insight that highlighted the importance of Elder care. It’s reassuring to know that residents are being well cared for in a supportive environment that welcomes family, tours, and opportunities for cultural and educational experiences all while providing care and support for Elders to live their best lives. A highlight of this day was getting to connect with our Elder, Delores Jules.

Tk̓wenem7íple7 Vicki looks forward to sharing many upcoming opportunities and your TteS Chief and Council team look forward to building relationships with them to learn and utilize some best practices as we move forward to building our own Elder’s Lodge.

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.