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Tk̓emlúps Members Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medals

Posted on: February 3, 2025

On Tuesday, January 21, 29 Kamloops residents were presented with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medals. These medals were created to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III and are awarded to individuals across the Commonwealth who have made significant contributions to their communities or beyond.

Among the honorees were two members of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc: Diena Jules and Dr. Muriel Sasakamoose.

  • Diena Jules: Since 1975, Diena has held leadership roles with the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc band. She is an Elder, Traditional Knowledge Keeper, and currently serves as the Language and Culture Department Manager for Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. She also works with the Sewépemc Museum and Heritage Park.
  • Dr. Muriel Sasakamoose: Dr. Sasakamoose has been an educator and advocate for justice and equality for over 60 years. A member of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, she is one of the founding members of the BC Native Women’s Association and was the first Indigenous person appointed to the BC Parole Board.

Photos from archive files.

Diena Jules
Diena Jules
Dr. Muriel Sasakamoose
Dr. Muriel Sasakamoose

Courtenay Campbell Excels

Posted on: January 23, 2025

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc band member Courtenay Campbell is currently in her fourth year of the Natural Resource Sciences program at Thompson Rivers University and has had incredible opportunities to lead independent research projects in fire ecology. Courtenay’s dedication and achievements have earned her several prestigious awards, including:

  • The Chief Roy Mussell Bursary supporting young Indigenous leaders advancing sustainability and reconciliation in BC.
  • The NSERC Canadian Forest Workforce Diversity Undergraduate Supplement providing opportunities to underrepresented groups pursuing forest sector research.
  • The Undergraduate Research Experience Award Program (UREAP) funded Courtenay’s infographic research on wildfire impacts in the Ulkatcho territory.
  • The New Gold – New Afton SSN Scholarship Fund encourages academic excellence among students from Skeetchestn and Tk̓emlúps.
  • The Faculty of Science Dean’s Award recognizes exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and professionalism.
  • The NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Experience Award Program (USRA) supported Courtenay’s fire ecology and culturally significant plant research in Glacier National Park and the Ulkatcho territory.

Courtenay’s academic journey and commitment to advancing knowledge in natural resource sciences continue to inspire all of us!