From the Office of the Chief –
On behalf of Council, I wanted to provide membership an update. Chief and Council’s top priority is always for the health and safety of community members and for those who wish to visit our monument at the Kamloops Indian Residential School at TteS. We are asking all to uphold the integrity of Council and staff and follow the Secwépemc way of mutual respect.
Given the extreme heat dome ranging from 38-46 plus degrees Celsius throughout Secwépemcúl’ecw, TteS Chief and Council have passed a motion, to cancel any and all events from June 28 to July 5th.
The decision is based on recommendations from FNHA due to the health and safety concerns and the potential for heat related illness. Currently there are more risks from heat, than there are from COVID 19. This heat wave is potentially very dangerous, and we are asking all to be very careful.
If anyone wants to access TteS during any planned events between June 28th to July 5th, they will be doing so at their own risk.
Chief and Council have also decided to close the range due to the extreme fire risk.
We want to acknowledge there is a fire at Red Lake and pray for all those who are fighting that fire.
Due to the extreme heat, Sk’elep School has opened its gym as a community cooling centre from 10 am – 10pm. COVID 19 safety protocols are in place and no food is allowed in the gym. We encourage all to take advantage of this space as it is really important to stay cool in this extreme heat.
TteS community members are asked to please use water for essential needs only. Water conservation measures necessary due to extreme dry weather. Water conservation measures are necessary due to the extreme dry weather. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc water restrictions will be in effect until August 31. No sprinkling is allowed between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm on any day. Even numbered addresses may sprinkle only on even numbered days. Odd numbered addresses may sprinkle only on odd numbered days.
The province has prohibited campfires throughout B.C. as of Wednesday at noon. The ban will stay in effect until Oct. 15 at noon or until the order is rescinded.
Yecwestsútce and stay safe.
Yours truly,
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir (Chief)
On behalf of Council