Kúkwpi7 Chief Rosanne Casimir, O.B.C.
Tkwelésq̓t te Núxwenxw, “Golden Day Woman”
Neepulutulth, “Pillar of her Community”
Tk̓emlúps te Secwepemc (TteS)

Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir, O.B.C. is a strong Secwépemc woman leading by example. She has been involved in the leadership of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) for 15+ years and is in her third term carrying and honoring the role as Kúkwpi7 (Chief). She is the third woman to represent Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc as Chief.

Furthermore, Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir is a British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) Board Member supporting and overseeing the BCAFN’s initiatives as set by the Regional Chief on behalf of BCAFN and as directed by resolutions of the member First Nation Communities.

Her extensive political experience at the community, municipal, provincial, and the federal level has supported her drive to advance community driven initiatives that support rights to self-determination while building friendships to support meaningful steps in inspiring change.

She is a powerful advocate for her community of TteS effectively working towards meaningful steps to reconciliation and the voice for giving honor, respect, and recognition to those who never made it home. She released the horrific truths of residential schools of 215 and amplified the need for Canada to reflect our true collective history and the importance of us healing together as a nation. She participated in the historical and transformative journey to the Vatican in 2022 where she met with the Holy See, Pope Francis.

As Chief, Rosanne is committed to building a strong and supportive Council that develops respectful and professional relationships. As a team, Chief and Council are focused on a wide range of issues including creating opportunities and programs that meet the needs of membership, supporting the development of much needed community infrastructures, creating more economic development opportunities and other issues that contribute to the overall well-being of the membership.

As a leader the implementation of a strategic plan will align our TteS business arm with our political vision while upholding our self-determination that puts economic sovereignty and parity at the forefront. We have a responsibility to ensure that economic opportunities enhance sustainable growth, supported, and guided by a development strategy and action plan that will bring value to the community for generations to come that will lead to many opportunities to promote, advertise, and profile locations that are open for business as we forge forward while maintaining our ways of being.

Professional and Academic Achievements:

• Served 3 years as the Shuswap Nation Tribal Chief representing the nine First Nation Secwépemc communities.
• 2022 recipient of the Order of BC, in recognition of persons who have served with the greatest distinction and excelled in any field of endeavour benefiting the people of British Columbia and beyond.
• Currently, serving as Board of Director for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations
• On behalf of TteS, a recipient of the 2022 BC Reconciliation Award in partnership with the City of Kamloops from the Province of BC.
• 2022 CAMA Collaboration Award in partnership with the City of Kamloops for Building Relationships Towards Reconciliation from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators.
• 2022 recipient of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) President’s Award for Outstanding Public Relations and Communications Management.
• 2022 Platinum Jubilee Recipient in recognition of contributions to the communities.
• 2022, Rosanne Casimir, Indigenous Affairs #6 in the Power List of Maclean’s Magazine, one of “50 Canadians forging paths, leading debates, and shaping how we think and live”.
• 2022 on behalf of BCAFN I was one of 13 delegate representatives to address his Holiness Pope Francis on the impacts of Indian Residential Schools and invitation to TteS.
• Elected three (3) terms as Councillor for Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc bringing nine (9) years experience as a political advocate for membership, and currently serving a second term as Chief.
• Former volunteer to UBCIC Credential Committee.
• Former Thompson Rivers University Foundation Board Member, volunteer two (2) years
• Diploma in Business Administration, Okanagan University
• Certificate in Negotiation Skills Training, Banff Leadership Development Center
• Certificate of Completion for the AANDC Capital Projects Process
• Certificate for First Nations and Taxation, A Pragmatic Approach
• Certificate for On-Reserve Matrimonial Real Property Training
• Received three (3) Business Excellence and First Nations Women in Business Awards as a Wrap Artist and Female Entrepreneur of the former WrapZone
• Choices Leadership Training Certificate
• Housing Manager, The Kekuli Center for Youth at Risk, Vernon Friendship Center
• Seven Generations Institute Certificate for Training and Development
• “Fashion Speaks” Model for TteS 2017, Families of Sisters in Spirit, MMIW
• 2001 International Year of Volunteers Certificate from Canada Revenue Agency as a
• Canadian Volunteer from Jean Chretien, Prime Minister of Canada

My world view with the acknowledgments of our truths, comes responsibility for all of us. Real action and change are needed to support healing. Meaningful apologies must lead to institutional and widespread change.

Family:
Kúkwpi7 Casimir is a wife, mother, godmother, grandmother (Key7e), and a proud owner of a Jack Russell.

Values:
I live my life grounded in cultural and personal integrity and practice these values both in my personal and my professional life.
“Know your Passion, Visualize your Plan, Collect your Resources, and be Determined to Succeed!”

Beliefs:
I believe that personal wellness will lead to community wellness. To be a good leader, one must be able to effectively communicate with all others in a positive and respectful manner.