Secwepemc Territory, BC — On March 9, 2022, the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, (“SNTC”), Kukpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir, Kukpi7 of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc was the only nominee for the position of Tribal Chief, therefore elected by acclamation.
Kukpi7 Casimir is of Secwépemc ancestry with strong Secwépemc lineage to hereditary Chief Louis Clexlixqen. She is a proud mother of three with one grandchild. Her community of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc has elected her to a political role for the past nine years.
According to Macleans, on February 10, 2022, the le estcwéý. (The missing), the children who never came home are leading the top fifty power list, giving the necessary honor, respect, and recognition to those who never made it home, while attending Residential School. Kukpi7 Casimir is listed as #6 on this same list, known for her leading voice and advocacy for the children when her community of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc released the horrific truths of Canada’s history with residential schools and attained an apology from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She continues to pave the way for other residential schools, advocating for survivors and their families and further ensuring supports are in place for their truths.
Kukpi7 Casimir would like to acknowledge former Tribal Chief Wayne Christian for his forty years of contributions at a community level and twelve years as former Tribal Chief of Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, where he was and continues to be a trailblazer leading with exercising enhanced jurisdiction for children and families.
Kukpi7 Casimir says, “It is an honor to be acclaimed in the role of the Tribal Chair and spokesperson for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council. I am committed to the challenge of continuing the inspiring work of the Secwépemc Nation along with the Kukwkukpi7, and I uphold and honor the work of my predecessor Kukpi7 Wayne Christian who served all our member communities with much dedication for many years.”
The Shuswap Nation Tribal Council (“SNTC”) was formed in 1980 as an effort of the Secwépemc Chiefs to advance the issues of aboriginal rights. It is an organization that works on common-concern matters, including the development of self-government and the settlement of the aboriginal land title question. SNTC provides technical support to member communities to improve services in fisheries, health, child welfare, employment and training, and research on diverse topics of interest to the Secwépemc Nation.
SNTC carries out activities, wherever possible, in cooperation with non-member Secwepemc Bands and, in all circumstances, without prejudice to their rights and interests.
Media Contact:
Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Tribal Chief, Shuswap Nation Tribal Council
P: 778-471-8200
E: tribalchief@shuswapnation.org.