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