REPORT BY TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 VICKI
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Welcoming Ceremony was held on August 9, 2025, at Moccasin Square Gardens. The intent of the welcoming ceremony was to acknowledge and welcome individuals that have become TteS bands members through TteS Membership Code.
The Membership Committee comprised of the 13 Grassroots families have been diligently volunteering their time to work in collaboration with Denise Thomas, TteS Indian Registry Administrator and Dayton Page, TteS Membership Worker to develop processes to administer and enforce the Membership Code. This process was completed in 2023 and since then 90 individuals have received their TteS membership under the new TteS Membership Code.
The ceremony planned by the membership committee and supported by Community Services Staff included: opening prayer, welcoming remarks by leadership, calling individuals up based on their 13 grassroots lineages, blanketing them and brushing them off by our knowledge keepers. Then two lines were formed so that handshakes and hugs could be given to our new band member while many of our traditional songs were led by Language and Culture and supported by members. The day finished off with a wonderful and tasty meal and closing comments by witness Elder Charlotte Manuel.
New members were encouraged to get to know their language, culture, our people and participate in community events. The Ceremony was a truly beautiful, uplifting, and spiritual ceremony where new members, young and old were welcomed with open arms.
A HUGE AMOUNT OF GRATITUDE TO:
- Denise Thomas (Indian Registry Administrator and Dayton Page (Membership worker) for the in-depth research and technical work to process all the applications.
- The Membership Committe Chair, Jo-Anne Gottfriedson, the Vice Chair, Freda Jules and Secretary, Davona Collins-Turner, for their time, expertise and moving applications forward in a professional and timely manner.
- The Membership committee comprised of the 13 grassroots families who volunteer their time to review each application and enforce the membership code.
- The Arbitration committee also band members that play a vital role in application process.
- The TteS Knowledge Keepers and Language and Culture for ensuring we follow our Secwépemc protocols
- Elder Charlotte Manuel – for being “Witness” to the ceremony and speaking on her observations.
- Community Services Staff supporting the event for set-up/clean up – beautifully done
- To past leadership for their diligence and work on the membership code.
COUNCILLOR VICKI MANUEL
Primary Portfolios:
Community Service and Membership
Secondary Portfolio:
Education and Four Pillars
Vicki W. Manuel, from Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, is a mother of 3 adult daughters, grandmother to Aveah and living with her partner Peter in beautiful Tk̓emlúps. Previously Vicki managed Le Estcwicwéy̓ (the Missing – 215+) and was a project developer and planner for the First Nation Health Authority (FNHA). From 2003 to 2009, Vicki served two terms on Tk̓emlúps Chief and Council. Vicki also had her own consulting business and has supported Indigenous organizations in Planning and Project Management. Vicki earned a Master’s degree in Community Development from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of General Studies in First Nation Administration and Leadership, with a minor in First Nations Studies, from Simon Fraser University. Passionate about culture, education, health and family. Vicki is excited and passionate about supporting her community through community led initiatives.