Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

From the Office of the Chief –

On behalf of Council, I just wanted to take the time to say Kukwstép-kucw to all those that honoured the first official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Here at Tk̓emlúps, our membership and ḱwséltkten came together to support each other as we remember our collective experiences at residential school and to honour the missing children.  We also celebrated the beauty of the Secwépemc people, language, lands, and culture.  There was such great power and unity in having our community, Nation and country drumming the honour song for all the children of residential schools across Canada.  We drummed together for the healing of ourselves and Mother Earth so that our future generations will never have to suffer the painful injustices of genocide.

We were honoured to have National Chief Roseanne Archibald, BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee, Kukpi7 Wayne Christian, Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Minister Murray Rankin, Minister Mike Farnworth, and Mayor Ken Christian join us to recognize the day and honour our survivors, intergenerational survivors, and the “Le Estcwéý,” the missing.  Your presence and words were truly appreciated. We also want to acknowledge the many other dignitaries that also joined us at our arbor.

Thank you, George Casimir, Josh Gottfriedson for hosting, Kyle Kreutzer, Julie John and FNHA for helping to organize the event and for all those who were there to support our people.

Let us all be the hope and change in making a difference to ensure that every child matters. Reconciliation can only happen when we work together and take time understand each other.  We extend our deep appreciation to all for standing in solidarity with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.   It is our time to stand up and celebrate our pride as indigenous people of the land.   Kukwstép-kucw (on behalf of all of us, we thank you all) for the outpouring of love, prayers for our community and the missing children in our care. Thank you for being with us on a historical day – the very first National Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir

On behalf of Council

We are absolutely thrilled to premiere the video, me7 w7ec-kt wel me7 yews (We Will Always be Here) for the very first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It bears witness to the beauty of Secwépemc people, language, lands, and cultural expression. Kukwstsétsemc to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation for helping us bring this project to light.

Our vision to create a video where we could honour Kamloops Indian Residential School Survivors, the missing children in our care, and intergenerational survivors. We chose to honour them by demonstrating how, despite the concerted efforts of the federally mandated Indian Residential Schools to eradicate our culture, language, and ways of being, we are reclaiming, and revitalizing our Secwépemc language, traditions, and ways of knowing. We get to share our cultural treasures with the world!

September 30, 2021, Kamloops – In the buildup to the very first National Day For Truth and Reconciliation, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Chief and Council reflected on both words and actions offered to them since the confirmation of the Kamloops Indian Residential School missing children in unmarked burial sites on the former residential school grounds.

→ DOWNLOAD MEDIA RELEASE

We have received 20 tickets to BC Lions Game for Friday, September 24, 2021 7:30pm for IRS Survivors of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

Check list of what is required:

• Must have email to receive the tickets and ticket master account https://www.bclions.com/mobiletickets
• Must have a smart phone to log into Mobile Tickets at the Gate Entrance, No screenshots or printouts (Free Wi-Fi available)
• Must have Proof of Vaccination with valid Provincial/Federal Identification
• Must have own transportation to/from and organize your own accommodation

Note: NO honoraria or travel will be paid for those in attendance

Please contact Alicia John, Executive Secretary to Chief and Council alicia.john@kib.ca if you can have all the required checks complete by Friday, September 24, 2021 at 12:00pm. Alicia will transfer the tickets via email.

Thank you to BC Lions & Kids Up Front for the generous donation.

Here is some GAME DAY Info:

If you would like to receive a complimentary BC Lions Every Child Matters Shirt Suzette Amaya will be on site at GATE E at a Tent giving out T-Shirts ONLY TO THOSE WHO RECEIVED TICKETS FROM IRSSS.

Each IRSSS Guest will receive: 1 T-Shirt + 1 Food Voucher (Hot Dog, Chip & Pop) both kindly provided by the BC Lions.

THIS IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED! NO HOLDS and ONLY FROM 6:30-7:30pm SO COME EARLY!

We cannot accommodate to people who miss out as this is first come first served and T-shirts have been set aside for IRSSS Ticket Holders though once the Game starts T-shirts are Not Available.

PLEASE NOTE: NO PURSES OR BAGS IN THE STADIUM. BRING PROOF OF VAX + PHOTO ID

For Mobile Ticket Info please go to  https://www.bclions.com/mobiletickets

 

From the Office of the Chief –

Today is Aug 20^th and on behalf of Council, I wanted to provide you a COVID update.

The number of COVID cases around Kamloops have doubled in the last week to levels that we have not seen since Feb., and they have then on a constant rise since mid July.

By far, the greatest risk of infection is individuals who are not vaccinated.

The Delta virus is the virus that is circulating and is roughly twice as infectious as the earlier COVID 19 variants.  It is twice as transmissible and far more young people, low risk individuals and children can develop severe symptoms.

People who are not vaccinated are much more likely to catch the virus and will make others sick.

For fully vaccinated people, you still need to be vigilant, as you may also catch and spread the Delta variant.   Vaccinated people can still be asymptomatic and infect and transfer the virus to others.  You don’t want to me the reason a loved one, who may be high risk, becomes infected.

Wearing a mask can save someone else’s life!  Please to do your part against the spread of COVID.  We want to continue to keep ourselves, and our community as safe as possible around COVID.

If you plan on hitting the pow wow trail, or travelling outside the region, check the COVID travel restrictions before you go. Continue to protect our loved ones here.

 

Yecwests’utce – Look after yourselves

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir

On behalf of Council

Carrie Leonard is a proud business woman who will stand for First Nations Rights and Titles along with supporting First Nations Businesses. Carrie and her husband Cliff Loucks, own the award winning first nations business, Sun Ridge Contracting. They have been known to win the Chamber of Commerce First Nations Business of the Year Award, along with B.C. Aboriginal Business of the Year Award. SRC has provided trucks, heavy equipment, and expert staff in the mining, civil, earthworks and forestry sectors. SRC currently works at New Gold New Afton, multiple Trans Mountain Expansion Project sites and has some new up and coming contracts for other companies! The company is busier than ever and growing to meet the demands of many diverse clients who respect the strong leadership work. SRC is proud to be a COR certified company that strives to “Work Safe, Home Safe” which has built their reputation within the Tk̓emlúps te Secwepmec territory.

Carrie understands the challenges of being an Indigenous business owner, and particularly a woman in her industry. “My mother taught me to be strong and proud, to not take handouts, and to work hard” she also says “make every day count and do the best you can each and every day.” Carrie wears many hats in her company and is 100% involved in every aspect of their business. She fights to stay positive and take the high road.

Giving back is very important to both Carrie and Cliff. The company, which is 100% Indigenous owned, is proud to maintain between 60% – 75% indigenous employment. SRC is strong supporters of their community, donating and giving back to their community by ways of education bursaries, sponsoring the Kamloopa Pow Wow, Variety Club Children’s Hospital, funds, Kamloops Food Bank, and most recently supporting the health care sector by donating air purifiers and helping the home-care areas within the Q’wemtsin Health Society. These are just a few things that SRC does to give back to their community.

 

YUCWEMINEM NE TSETSITCWS-KUCW SOCIETY
Call for Board of Directors (Voluntary Positions)

 

Application deadline: Friday, September 3, 3021 at 2:00 pm.

Are you looking for a unique leadership opportunity? Have you been yearning to put your talent in strategic thinking, financial forecasting, organization behavior, project management or policy advocacy in the service of a great cause?

Well, look no further! If you are committed to improving Housing options for Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, we are looking for you!

Yucwemínem ne Tsetsítcws-kucw Society (also referred to as “the YneT Society”) is the new not-for-profit organization mandated to lead the development and management of non-profit housing for the Tk’emlúpsemc and raise the standard of housing for the community. The organization is mandated to build on strong cultural practices and traditions of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. The YneT Society is currently developing their strategic plan to identify their deliverables for housing in the next five years.

This is an exciting opportunity for skilled and dynamic individuals to contribute to and help shape the new Yucwemínem ne Tsetsítcws-kucw Society.

Term lengths for the Board of Directors is for 3 years. The structure of the Board of Directors will include a minimum of 3 Directors, or such other number as may be determined from time to time by the Board, up to a maximum of 9 Directors. A majority of the Directors will be TteS Members.

 

ROLE PURPOSE:

The members of the YneT Society will be the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Council, and the Board of Directors shall be appointed by Council.

The Board of Directors will receive overall direction from Council and will be responsible for operation of the YneT Society. The Board will be a policy board and will provide input in areas such as governing structure, finance, human resources, tenant relations, operations and maintenance, housing development, and infrastructure.

The Board will report to the Members of the Society and will provide strategic direction to the YneT Society’s CEO.

 

COMMITMENT:

Board members will be required to attend regularly scheduled meetings as well as being expected to attend the Annual General Meeting, special events, and fulfilling other commitments of the role. There will be a minimum of one annual general meeting per year with the option for additional extraordinary general meetings as the need arises, and Directors will be required to read all documents and materials provided in advance and participate fully in the meetings.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Preference will be given to candidates who possess a professional qualification or experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Indigenous governance and administration
• Housing development
• Construction
• Non-profit management
• Accounting, banking, or financial management
• Project management
• Social Work
• Government relations

In selecting the Board of Directors, the Council will utilize a matrix selection process to ensure a broad range and diversity of skills, knowledge, experience, and expertise.

Directors may not be remunerated in any capacity as a Director or Officer, however, Directors may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred while acting on behalf of the Society.

 

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit the following for consideration for the position:

• Resume with relevant experience & qualifications
• Cover letter
•  Three references

 

Please submit your application to Kyle Kreutzer, Executive Director Member Services at kyle.kreutzer@kib.ca. Be sure to include the phrase “Board of Directors Application” in the subject line of your email.

Deadline for applications is Friday, September 3, 3021 at 2:00 pm.

If you have questions, please call 250-819-1561 and ask to speak with Kyle Kreutzer, Executive Director Member Services or email kyle.kreutzer@kib.ca.

The Language and Cultural department have been carefully planning the Sacred 13 Grassroots Family Ceremony which will run from August 3-29 on select dates. This time is for TTeS families to visit, pay their respects and to mourn the 215+ children and to honor the survivors who held firm to the truth of the unmarked graves.

 

The Tk̓emlúps Education Department Summer 2021 Newsletter is out!  Highlights include program updates, student achievements, and more. We’d like to thank you for taking the time to keep up to date with our programs and services as well as celebrating the accomplishments of our hard-working students and program participants.

Click image to download the newsletter.

 

FNHA has identified TteS as a First Nations community that qualifies for the FNHA Air Purifier Support Program.
Due to limited quantities, priority and distribution of the purifiers will be based on the following FNHA eligibility:

• must be a TteS member living on-reserve
• live in a home without a ventilation system that can recirculate air
• have limited transportation / mobility and are unable to access a community clean air shelter
• have asthma
• are pregnant and/or live with babies or young children
• have heart disease or diabetes
• have respiratory symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or a positive COVID-19 test, or are a close contact of someone with a positive COVID test

Currently we are generating a list of names of TteS members who are interested in this program. Please note that eligible members will only receive one air purifier per home.

To put your name onto the waitlist, please contact:

Alysha Sigsworth, TteS Reception
(250) 828-9810
alysha.sigsworth@@kib.ca