Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

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 TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 NIKKI FRASER

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) Natural Resource Department (NRD) Manager, Aaron Gillespie, took the boat out to fish in Kamloops Lake. Lyle Paul, Wyatt Camille with Language & Culture (L&C), Steve Basil with Community Services (CS), Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir and myself join. We were able bring home 48 Chinook salmon. This catch was processed by NRD team, L&C,CS, community members and nursing students from TRU.

I want to hold my hands up to Aaron, Steve, Dan, Lyle, Wyatt, Rob, Jason & Family & Kúkpi7 Rosanne for helping and processing this catch. Aaron taught us all how to clean and fillet the salmon. This catch will be handed out in the TteS annual winter hampers for TteS Membership.

Lots of hard work went into this and I’m so thankful Aaron creates opportunities for interdepartmental collaboration and community members to learn and support community. Next fishing season there are plans in the works to have a fishing camp.

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 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 TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 DAVE

I was truly honored to attend the International Overdose Awareness Day event on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Moccasin Square Gardens, “To Honour Our Loved Ones Lost.” The event featured a tribute naming board, a drumming circle, a brushing-off ceremony, and a lunch.

Throughout the event, there was an open mic where attendees shared their personal experiences. A resource table was also set up, offering harm reduction information and supplies.

It was great to see the partnership between Interior Health, the First Nations Health Authority, and Qwemtsín Health Society in supporting the work of Sam Riozzi, Mental Health & Addictions Navigator for the Community Services Department of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.

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

On beautiful bright blue sky sunny morning on Thursday August 29,2024 I was able to attend and witness the opening of the new Fulton Field park – home of the Jennifer Casey Memorial — near the Kamloops Airport.

This deeply emotional event brought together many people to honor Captain Jennifer Casey. Captain Casey had served as the public affairs officer for the CF-18 Demonstration Team since November 2018 before joining the Snowbirds 431 Air Demonstration Team. On May 17, 2020, shortly after takeoff, her aircraft lost power and crashed on the north shore of Kamloops, tragically taking her life and seriously injuring pilot Captain Richard MacDougall.

This development of the new Fulton Field park is for honour of Captain Jennifer Casey, her service, and the mission of Snowbirds.

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

On the afternoon of Monday, August 26, I was able to chair a meeting with RCMP to address on going concerns that are taken place within TteS community. There was many topics of discussion during the meeting starting with updating the Letter of Expectation,(LOE) renegotiated Community Tripartite Agreement (CTA) then start attending the quarterly Community Consultative Group meeting as advisory board to hold up our CTA. We need to work on crime reduction and violence, Speed watch program, Community safety plan, Neighborhood watch program, Mental Health and addiction asking for Car 40 support needing to work on better communication strategy between TteS and RCMP.

I would like to thank Community Services department Staff (Priscilla Johnstone, Annie Leonard, and Geoff Morris), RCMP staff (Jeff Pelly, Mark Janus, Darwin Robbins and Steve Newport) along with Tk̓wenem7íple7 Nikki Fraser for attending the very important meeting.

Went we work to together we will get much better results for community safety this will be ongoing strategy to address community concerns.

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 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.