Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

REPORT BY TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 NIKKI FRASER

I’m honoured to be supporting the work our Language and Culture (L&C) Department team this term as the Primary Portfolio holder.

Most recently I’m happy to participate in the song sharing circle, this circle is a safe space to learn our songs in a good way. We have many talented singers in our community and happy they are in the circle to share songs. The Song Sharing Circles are hosted every Tuesday night, a light dinner and drinks provided. We had over 20+ members join the circle. What is really heartwarming is seeing and listening to our youth take a lead in our songs. The first few sessions we learned the Welcome Song and Honour song, now we are currently learning the Pitt house song. I encourage all members to come and participate in the Song Sharing Circle.

The L&C team are creating education videos for members to access. The most recent educational video L&C recorded was a meat processing video. Our Culture Assistant Manager, Greg Ferguson, showed our youth how to process a deer. The youth helped process and package the meat. I went to support this education workshop and see how engaged our youth were in this workshop. I just want to acknowledge the L&C team for creating space to pass on traditional knowledge to young people.

COUNCILLOR NIKKI FRASER

Primary Portfolios:
Natural Resources / Rights & Title / Language & Culture / Archaeology

Secondary Portfolio:
Lands, Leasing & Taxation / Sc.wén̓wen

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 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.

REPORT BY TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 NIKKI FRASER

I first want to acknowledge the significance of this infrastructure that literary bridge the connection to both communities. This bridge had a lot of historical significance to our people. There was a time when our people needed written permission to leave the reserve, and the Red Bridge was the connection our ancestors used to cross with written permission from an Indian Agent. The Red Bridge was a pathway of connection to Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) Mount Paul Industrial Park and to the City Of Kamloops (COK) Downtown. Community was hurt and shocked by the news, there were a lot of heavy feelings, our Knowledge keepers, elders, and TteS Language & Cultural Department held ceremony for the Red Bridge to help those hurt and sadden by the loss.

Early morning of Thursday Sept 19, 2024, Kamloops and Tk̓emlúps Rural Detachment assisted Kamloops Fire and Rescue at the Red Bridge; the bridge was completely engulfed by flames. That morning, Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir released a joint statement with the City of Kamloops. Later that morning TteS Natural Resource Department (NRD) Manager, Aaron Gillespie supported Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) with the TteS NRD boat to take a MOTI team out on to the river to assess, they were the first out on the river to asses the site.

TteS Archaeology Department Manger Leslie LeBourdais team was on site during all ground disturbing activities since Thursday September 19. There has been some ground disturbance, one artifact was recovered from the surface of the beach before rig matting was laid down. They will be continuing to monitor and provide support during ongoing decommissioning activities.

TteS NRD, Arch, Emergency Management, P&E and I participated in the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMRC) Calls – from September 19-27, 2024

MOTI put up Debris Booms and Barriers to ensure debris was contained. There has been water monitoring, our NRD Manager is apart of this discussion, and ensuring the salmon have a path to get through to their spawning grounds, there are no significant concerns at this time.

Kamloops Fire and Rescue had full command of the site until the fire was fully suppressed, this took four days. MOTI is now leading, currently in Environmental Response phase.

Environmental response phase:

• MOTI have confirmed that following inspection the remaining sections of the Red Bridge will need to be removed due to structural and safety concerns and to support clean up of the debris from the Thompson River.
• This work is underway in close collaboration with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and City of Kamloops (CoK).
• Due to the complex nature of the removal, utilizing cranes, barges and heavy equipment, it is critical we minimize environmental impacts to the Thompson River, as such, this work is expected to continue throughout the winter. TteS Arch will be onsite during this phase.

MOTI is currently monitoring traffic volumes. The monitors on TteS side included HIGHWAY 5 AND MT PAUL WAY INTERSECTION & HIGHWAY 5 AND SHUSWAP ROAD (RD.) INTERSECTION

Another joint statement from TteS and COK is being worked on, please review the first joint statement here: https://www.kamloops.ca/our-community/news-events/news-releases/kamloops-tkemlups-mourn-loss-historic-red-bridge

TteS will be advancing conversations with CN, to address the safety concerns of pedestrians using the CN bridge and will be advancing conversations with BC transit to expedite the expansion of Mount Paul Bus route to accommodate the loss of the red bridge for pedestrian traffic.

In closing, the fire that destroyed the Red Bridge is being investigated as arson. The investigation is ongoing with the support of the General Investigations Support Team, Forensic Identification Unit, fire investigators, KFR, and frontline officers from both the Kamloops city and Tk̓emlúps Rural detachments. Anyone who witnessed, has video, or information related is asked to please contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 or Tk̓emlúps Rural RCMP Detachment at 250-314-1800 and reference file 2024-31206.

Tk̓emlúps Rural RCMP Media Release ►

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

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.