Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

REPORT BY TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 NIKKI

Monday July 29, 2024 TTES welcomed New Gold CEO, New Afton General Manager and New Gold Board of Directors. This is the first time the full board has sat down with SSN and TteS. We held a ceremony with Knowledge Keeper Ed Jensen a smudge and brushing off. Kúkpi7 Rosanne, Tk̓wenem7íple7 Dave, Thomas, and I were in attendance, as right holders we shared the knowledge of being Yecminme7.

Happy to share that Archeology is now their own department, I would like to uplift manager Leslie LeBourdais and her crew for the hard work when it comes to protecting our cultural heritage resources.

Kukpi7 Rosanne, Archeology Portfolio holder, Archeology Department Manager has done a media release for membership and the public updating everyone on the ancestral remains that were found fall 2023,the remains were of Indigenous descent and estimated burial date was approx. 1670. TTES has designated the area, where our ancestor was found, as a sacred site & is now registered as an archaeological site under the BC Heritage Conservation Act.

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Kukwstsetselp to Language & Culture Department for supporting the Archeology Department with this important responsibility.

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 TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 DAVE

On Friday June 14 TteS Community Services hosted the official opening of C7i7elcmenten re Stsillen (a Place To Share Food). This event brought together community members to celebrate and uphold the traditional Secwépemc values of generosity and sharing.

The event began with a moving prayer by Elder Charlotte Manuel, setting a respectful and spiritual tone for the day. Following the prayer, Manager Priscilla Johnstone and I had the honor of delivering a few opening remarks. We were joined by community member Vicki Manuel, who shared the significance of generosity in Secwépemc culture, emphasizing the importance of sharing food and resources with our people.

After the opening remarks, attendees enjoyed a delicious BBQ, followed by a beautifully decorated cake. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, conversation, and a true sense of togetherness.

The celebration concluded with draws for some wonderful door prizes, adding an element of excitement and fun to the event. The joy on the faces of the winners was a testament to the community spirit of the day.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Community Services staff for their hard work and dedication in hosting this wonderful event. It was inspiring to see the team come together, demonstrating a shared commitment to making tC7i7elcmenten re Stsillen a huge success.

Here’s to many more gatherings at C7i7elcmenten re Stsillen, where we will continue to share food, stories, and our enduring spirit of generosity.

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.