Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

From the OFFICE OF THE CHIEF –

On March 12, 2023, Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir of the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Colleen Erickson, Board Chair of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), announced that there was $12.5 million in federal funding towards the construction of a new healing centre at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc.

TteS wants to be clear that the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc “House of Healing” is there to meet the needs of everyone who have been impacted by the Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS). Anyone who attended KIRS or any other Indian Residential school as a student, day scholar, or is an intergenerational survivor, will be able to have access to healing programs at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc “House of Healing”.

The “House of Healing” located at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc will be a safe space that incorporates trauma informed programs to support individuals and their families in their spiritual, mental, emotional and physical healing journey.

Secwépemc cultural values and teachings will be shared through a lens that is land based and trauma informed.

Tk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc are yecwemínem (caretakers and stewards) of the sacred sites. Secwépemc Indigenous law determines the sustainable use of this land for the harmony and balance of all our relations.

The programs and services at the “House of Healing” located at Tḱemlúps te Secwepemc will help to create the healing foundation for many generations to come.

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Take care of one another — Calling all TteS Families!

A six week challenge to promote family fun! 20 spots available for families with children under 19 years old, living in the home.

The challenge weeks:

1. Draw a medicine wheel, talk about what the wheel represents to your family
2. Gather rocks to paint, write positive words, paint flowers, paint to use in a garden, animals, names
3. Purchase healthy snacks, “NO COOKING’, pepperoni, cheese, vegetables, crackers, fruit, enjoy quality time with no cooking, children set-up the buffet
4. Bird watching
5. Assemble a craft together — family fun
6. Enjoy out doors, potato sack race, three legged race, egg on spoon rate

Upload your family pictures from each weekly task to the Knucwtens Kwseltkten Facebook page with words #FAMChallenge by the end of each week! $50 gift card for participants that complete the six week challenge. Those who place in the grand prize challenge do not receive the $50 participant gift card. Starts May 9th! Last day for submission June 15th at 3:30pm.

Contact: Lisa, by messenger on their Facebook Page, by phone at 778-765-4120, or by email: lisa.machelle@ttes.ca

A Sign-up form MUST be filled in to take part in the challenge!

TK̓EMLÚPS TE SECWÉPEMC – KAMLOOPS, BC – Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (Tk̓emlúps) and the City of Kamloops hosted four delegates from the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) April 21-23. NAIG Delegates from eastern Canada and the United States came to assess and evaluate Tk̓emlúps sport and cultural facilities and hosting capacity. The NAIG would welcome over 6,000 participants, ages 13-19, to compete in 16 different sports during an 8-day period.

NAIG Delegates were welcomed by Tk̓emlúps Chief and Council, City of Kamloops Mayor and Councillors, and a delegation of over fifty bid committee and community members at the airport when they arrived. Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir toured with NAIG delegates on Friday and Saturday showcasing outstanding facilities and a wide depth and breadth of support from the provincial and local sport community, School Board 73, the Rocky Mountain Rangers, Saint John Ambulance, potential corporate partners and so many more.

“We at Tk̓emlúps appreciate the partnership and support of the City of Kamloops, the Province, the Chiefs of BC and our community”, says Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir on behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council. “It was our intention to showcase to our four NAIG representatives that we not only had the capacity to host an amazing sporting event, but we had the support of community, Indigenous leaders and government on every level to ensure we could bring about a cultural experience that would create a legacy for all participants for years to come.”

Tk̓emlúps is competing against the City of Calgary. As the only Indigenous led bid, Tk̓emlúps has forged relationships with all levels of community to create a bid that celebrates youth, sport and culture demonstrating reconciliation in action.

At the conclusion of the weekend Premier Eby, Minister Popham, Kukpi7 Casimir, and Council faced off in a game of basketball against Sk’elep School of Excellence basketball players. Sk’elep players took their time schooling their opponents on the court to cheers from a crowd of over 100 spectators.

The bid committee, led by Kukpi7 Casimir will present to a panel of 26 NAIG Council members in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia on May 17th. The successful proponent will be announced during the 2023 NAIG in Halifax in July this year.

The North American Indigenous Games is the largest international, multi sport, and cultural event for Indigenous youth in North America. If successful, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Kamloops will welcome up to 6,000 athletes, coaches, team staff, and cultural performers from over 756 Indigenous Nations in Canada and the United States. The North American Indigenous Games are held every four years and use a geographic rotation when choosing the next location. The next Games will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 2023.

For more information about the North American Indigenous Games: http://www.naigcouncil.com/

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TK̓EMLÚPS TE SECWÉPEMC – KAMLOOPS, BC – Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (Tk̓emlúps) and the City of Kamloops are getting ready to welcome four delegates from the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) who are coming from eastern Canada and the United States to tour sport and cultural facilities April 21-23. They will be evaluating local facilities and hosting capacity. Tk̓emlúps is the only Indigenous led bid competing against Calgary, AB to host the 2027 Games.

Tk̓emlúps Kamloops was chosen by I·SPARC, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council in November 2022 to serve as British Columbia’s official host candidate community for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games. As a result, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops submitted their Letter of Intent to bid in December 2022 and a bid book in March 2023 fulfilling guidelines required in the bidding process.

“We are extremely proud and excited to welcome NAIG Delegates,” says Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir on behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council. “Tk̓emlúps and Kamloops are known internationally for our warm hospitality and well executed sport competitions, that exceed expectations of sport enthusiasts. We believe our community is the right size for youth to foster a great sense of belonging and Indigenous pride and to showcase our beautiful land and Secwépemc culture.”

As an indigenous led bid, Tk̓emlúps and the City of Kamloops are committed to working together and they have been nationally recognized for their combined commitment to reconciliation. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action 87-91 specifically address reconciliation tied to Sport.

The final stage in the overall evaluation is an in-person presentation to all 26 members of NAIG Council in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia on May 17th. The successful location will be announced during the 2023 NAIG in Halifax in July this year.

The North American Indigenous Games is the largest international, multi sport, and cultural event for Indigenous youth in North America. If successful, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Kamloops will welcome up to 6,000 athletes, coaches, team staff, and cultural performers from over 756 Indigenous Nations in Canada and the United States. The North American Indigenous Games are held every four years and use a geographic rotation when choosing the next location. The next Games will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 2023. The Western region is responsible for hosting the 2027 games and the next opportunity for this region to host after the 2027 Games will not be until 2039.

For more information about the North American Indigenous Games: http://www.naigcouncil.com/

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March 23, 2023 — Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc — Traditional Territory of the Secwépemc, British Columbia

We honour the experiences of Survivors of the Kamloops Indian Residential School and acknowledge the continued impacts on the intergenerational Survivors.

Today, Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir of the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Colleen Erickson, Board Chair of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), are pleased to jointly announce $12.5 million in federal funding towards the construction of a new healing centre at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.

This funding follows a commitment made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau affirming the Government of Canada’s support to establish a healing centre at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc during his October 2021 visit to the community. This safe space will provide trauma-informed programs to support individuals and their families in their spiritual, mental, emotional and physical healing. Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc has selected an architect to lead the construction process and will be working with the membership to create a welcoming design.

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Update to Membership on this historical day, March 9, 2023 regarding the Gottfriedson Reparations Class Action. The lawsuit says that the Government of Canada is responsible for the collective damages to First Nations caused by the IRS system that includes the collective loss of language and culture.

CHIEF SHANE GOTTFRIEDSON, on behalf of the TK’EMLUPS TE SECWEPEMC INDIAN BAND and the TK’EMLUPS TE SECWEPEMC INDIAN BAND, and CHIEF GARRY FESCHUK, on behalf of the SECHELT INDIAN BAND and the SECHELT INDIAN BAND and HIS MAJESTY THE KING IN RIGHT OF CANADA as represented by THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CANADA has reached an agreement, that has been approved by the Federal Court as being fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the 325 First Nation band class members who have opted in.

In Justice McDonald’s concluding statement, she stated the following:

This has been a long-standing class proceeding, since 2012. Justice McDonald also stated that, “The Settlement Agreement provides certainty, recovery, and closure for the Band Class members. These results could not be guaranteed if the litigation were to proceed to trial.” For that we are grateful and for the outcome of the proposed settlement.

The Band Class Reparations settlement is significant for a number of reasons:

• The $2.8 billion dollar settlement is one of the very largest class action settlements in Canadian – history;
• It is the first successful lawsuit that addresses the harms caused by residential schools to First – Nations as collectives.
• It is the first settlement to address damages for the destruction of language and culture.
• The settlement involves a unique structure that involves a 20 year trust for the benefit of each of the – 325 First Nation class members. Each First Nation class member will receive funds from the trust in the – form of planning funds, kick-start funds, annual income and a final payment after 20 years.

The settlement is based on Four Pillars which aim to reverse the collective harms caused by Residential Schools:

• Revival and protection of Indigenous languages;
• Revival and protection of Indigenous cultures;
• Protection and promotion of heritage; and
• Wellness for Indigenous communities and their members.

This settlement gives us the tools necessary to take control of revitalizing our languages and culture. It will leave a generational legacy and puts us in charge of our own healing.

We look forward to in-depth dialogue and working together for real change and creating a lasting legacy with our people and for our future generations.

On behalf of council, we want to acknowledge and honor all those who have been on this journey for our people, our survivors, and express much gratitude and look forward to honoring and working with all of you.

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Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc is excited to announce the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP). We are seeking proposals from professional firms to assist in developing a Comprehensive Community Plan to help our community grow, evolve and to be in a stronger position to assert our jurisdiction in key areas of governance. The CCP will be developed by the community for the community, to provide guidance on the key issues facing our community.

In order to complete this scope of work, we envision engaging the services of a professional services firm that has experience in working with Indigenous communities to develop Comprehensive Community Plans while also having experience working with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. We encourage companies with relevant experience and expertise to submit their proposals. The full RFP document can be downloaded below.

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On Friday, January 20th, 2023, eight TESLA supercharger stalls were officially opened at the Tk̓emlúps Petro Canada Station at 560 Pow Wow Trail. The ribbon was cut by Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir, Tkwenem7íple7 (Councillor) Joshua Gottfriedson, Tk̓emlúps Business and Economic Development Manager, Devin Gambler, Petro Canada Manager, Calvin Bagshaw, and TESLA Project Developer, Kyle Lockhart, followed by cheers of celebration. The first charge at the superchargers was performed before Christmas by Sun Rivers resident and TESLA owner, Dave Retzer.

Kyle Lockhart entertained the crowd by asking skill-testing TESLA questions for prizes of miniature model 3 TESLA cars. The Kamloops TESLA Club was well represented and officially welcomed by Tk̓emlúps to utilize the superchargers and engage with the community.

Tk̓emlúps Petro Canada Manager, Calvin Bagshaw, is encouraged by this new addition to operations. The time needed to charge vehicles allows for a visit into the Petro Canada convenience store or to the neighbouring rest area that has information about the local Indigenous culture, language, and history.

The City of Kamloops and staff showed support for this milestone of the Tk̓emlúps Clean Energy and Emissions Plan by attending including Glen Cheetham, City of Kamloops Climate and Sustainability Manager, Indigenous and External Relations Manager, Tammy Robertson and External Relations Liaison, Sarah Candido.

More TESLA superchargers are planned for across the highway where Tk̓emlúps is currently constructing a grocery store, Sweláps Market.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc is honoured to be sharing that Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir will be receiving the Order of British Columbia (O.B.C) on Thursday, December 1, 2022.

BC recognizes outstanding citizens with the O.B.C for their achievement, excellence, and distinction that benefits the people of BC and elsewhere. The Order represents the highest form of recognition the province can bestow to its citizens and appointees become members for the rest of their lives.

Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir extends her deep appreciation for all those who nominated her for this prestigious recognition as well as those who made the final selection, and she is honoured to be the second TteS member to receive this highest provincial honour. She endeavors are to make her people proud, build positive relationships, and she vows to continue carrying the truths of our elders and survivors on this journey redefining a true collective history of those impacted by Indian Residential Schools, and those who did not make it home.

To witness and share in the ceremony, live streaming is available for all to join at 5:00 pm on Thursday December 1, 2022:
https://youtu.be/QAdxRsXAkbg

For Immediate Release

Bid Application for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games Approved to Compete for Western Canada

TK̓EMLÚPS TE SECWÉPEMC – KAMLOOPS, BC – Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops are pleased to announce that Kamloops has been selected by the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) to serve as British Columbia’s official host candidate community for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games (2027 NAIG). As a result, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops have submitted their Letter of Intent to bid on the 2027 Games to the North American Indigenous Games Council.

Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir on behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council said “We are extremely proud and excited to be selected to represent British Columbia as we compete against western provinces and territories to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games. This is a historic opportunity for our people and our Nation, to host Indigenous athletes from across North America, and to showcase our beautiful land and Secwépemc culture.”

“The opportunity to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games would continue to expand on our long-standing relationship with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and other surrounding indigenous communities,” said Reid Hamer-Jackson, Mayor of Kamloops. “It would be a notable event which will again bring our communities together in celebration of sport and reconciliation.”

The 2027 North American Indigenous Games is the largest international, multi sport, and cultural event for Indigenous youth in North America. If successful, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Kamloops will welcome up to 6,000 athletes, coaches, team staff, and cultural performers from over 756 Indigenous Nations in Canada and the United States.

“We are incredibly impressed with the partnership formed between Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and City of Kamloops and their vision for hosting the 2027 NAIG in the traditional territories of the Secwépemc peoples,” said Rick Brant, I·SPARC CEO. “A welcoming community, strong leadership, world-class facilities, and the impressive resume of hosting provincial, national, and international sport events make Kamloops the ideal location for the NAIG. We are excited with the opportunity to support Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and City of Kamloops through the bid process.”

“The Province is pleased to support Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops, and their bid to host the North American Indigenous Games in 2027,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “It would be an honour to welcome the Games in British Columbia, and I look forward to the next steps in the selection process.”

Next steps in the bid process will be a competition within western Canada. The North American Indigenous Games Council utilizes a scoring system that assists the bid committee and Council with awarding the games to the best prepared and most qualified host candidate city.

The right to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games will be awarded to the Host Candidate City that has the highest overall score of their bid book, site evaluation tour, and final in-person presentation. The North American Indigenous Games Council will award the 2027 Games by mid July 2023.

The North American Indigenous Games are held every four years and use a geographic rotation when choosing the next location. The next Games will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 2023. The 2027 bid is for the western region, and the next opportunity for this region to host is in 2039.

For more information about the North American Indigenous Games: http://www.naigcouncil.com

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Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Media Contact:
Rosanne Casimir, Kúkpi7/Chief
250-819-2255
kukpi7.rosanne@ttes.ca

City of Kamloops Media Contact:
Sean Smith, Business Operations and Events Supervisor
250-828-3552
ssmith@kamloops.ca

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