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Orange Shirt Day/ National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024: An Inspirational Young Artist Shares about Her Fundraising Journey with Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir

Posted on: September 27, 2024

In the lead up to the 11th annual Orange Shirt Day and the 4th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir interviewed Keely Chow, a Tahltan-Tlingit Artist about turning an orange shirt day fundraising idea into reality, and then donating the proceeds to

Kamloops Indian Residential School commemorative activities. Keely worked on the design for the orange shirt with her grandfather Dempsey Bob, a Tahltan-Tlingit artist and master carver of world renown. Although Keely and her grandfather have wrapped up the fundraiser — their decisions serves as a good reminder as to what to look for when you purchase an orange shirt. Keely’s frank discussion as to why she loves working with her Grandfather Dempsey Bob may cause you to feel like there is someone chopping onions next to you in the best possible way!

An invitation to learn about history through Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Catholic Church’s Sacred Covenant

Posted on: June 21, 2024

On this National Indigenous Day 2024 and during Indigenous History Month, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, the Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Diocese of Kamloops, chose this date to share with you the Sacred Covenant they signed on Easter Sunday. The bilingual document is written in English and Chinook. Chinook was chosen as it is a trade language that was spoken from Northern California to Alaska and promoted by Fr. Jean-Marie Raphael Le Jeune, OMI and Tk̓emlúps and other Elders. Chinook became an important common language among First People and settlers arriving from many countries.

Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir stated that with the goal of fostering healing and reconciliation and countering targeted skepticism and denial, Tk̓emlúps chose to work with Catholics and allow Church leaders to publicly acknowledge past wrongs, particularly arising from the Catholic Church’s role in administering many of the Residential Schools. Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc remains steadfast in their sacred duty as guardians to and advocates for the children who died and were harmed while they were students at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. With dedicated staff focused on the multidisciplinary investigation as well as construction of a Healing House for Survivors, Kúkpi7 Rosanne is committed to ensuring Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors are supported on their healing path.

Archbishop Michael Miller, CSB, of Vancouver and Bishop Joseph Ngyuen of Kamloops, entered into a Sacred Covenant that conveys a deep commitment to truth and a desire to accompany the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc people on their journey. Archbishop Miller stated that Catholics should strive to understand the real and continued hardships faced by Indigenous people. As Canada was being colonized, there is no doubt that the First People lost land and livelihood and experienced systems that gravely damaged their family cohesion, language and customs. Acknowledging the deep hurt caused by government officials, corporate representatives and faith leaders is a critical first step towards building a mutually beneficial relationship that leads to lasting healing and reconciliation.

Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Archbishop Miller and Bishop Ngyuen encourage all Canadians to work towards deepening relationships between communities and finding ways to help Indigenous individuals and families negatively impacted by destructive policies, both current and historical. The Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Catholics in the region look forward to continuing the meaningful steps of walking together.

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Congratulations 2024 Graduates

Posted on: June 14, 2024

Weyt-kp xwexwéytep Le7 te sitq̓t, Hello Everyone and Good Day to the Graduates of 2024. On behalf of Tk̓emlúps Council, we are excited to extend and say Yerí7 re sxexé7 (congratulations) to all the TteS Graduates of 2024. We honour your hard work and dedication that you have demonstrated to get you to this very important milestone – GRADUATION. High school presents its ups and downs, and we all can relate. Anything worth accomplishing in life is never easy. But as long as you let your passion lead the way and your inner courage light the path, you will always end up exactly where you were meant to be. The young people of our generations hold so much knowledge and power of the next direction we should be going in. Never be afraid to speak up for what you love and what you believe in. As you move through this world, know that at times it can be scary, but remember, its is a beautiful and precious opportunity to live life to the fullest and we do not do this alone.

Today and everyday, we must hold our hands up to the major supports that helped you get her today: Elders, kíke7ce (Moms), qéqtse7 (Dads), Aunties, Uncles, and len xpé7e lu7 (Grandpas) , kyé7e (Grandmas) Teachers, Counsellors, and Coaches, mentors and your fellow grads have all played a role in your journey, and I encourage you to take a moment to connect with those that have guided and supported you and make your gratitude known. Going through school we all learned the value of creating friendships; know that as you go to university and the workplace and make your marks in this world know that we all lift you up and carry these relationships with you wherever you go.

As you move forward in life, we also want you to carry with great pride your identity as Tk̓emlúpsemc. Never forget your roots and the importance of culture, language, and traditions. These values are what links generations to generations. The recognition of the interconnectedness of all, and respect for our lands, water, medicines, plants, and each other, will help guide you towards a successful future. Try to maintain balance in your life to create health and happiness. Here are the words I live by: “Know your Passion, Visualize your Plans, Collect your Resources, and always be Determined to Succeed!” I practice those values in both my personal and professional life and share that with all of you as you continue with your journey, whatever that may be.

Again, on behalf of Council and all of us at TteS, we truly wish you so much success today and in the future!! You are our future and leaders. Congratulations to all the Grads of 2024!! You did it and we wish you success in all your endeavors. Le7es ke7s w7ec wel me7 yews (we wish you the best forever/always).

Yours truly,
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir (Chief)

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