Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

Statement from Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir
August 25, 2025

115 years ago – on August 25, 1910—Sir Wilfrid Laurier visited Kamloops.

That day, Secwépemc, Syilx, and Nlaka’pamux leaders gathered at the Odd Fellows’ Hall to deliver what is now called the 1910 Laurier Memorial. It was a declaration of our title, rights, and responsibilities to our lands and waters. While Laurier listened, no meaningful action followed. Yet our ancestors’ words marked the first time a Canadian Prime Minister heard directly from our leaders, on our own lands.

Today, the plaque in downtown Kamloops reminds us of that meeting, our responsibilities to our territories, and the vision our ancestors held. Our ancestors practiced yiri7 re stsq’ey’s-kucw, our Secwépemc law, by welcoming and sharing with those who came into our territories. They offered an equal relationship, sharing “half and half, in land, water, timber, and so on,” supporting one another to “be great and good.”

As you all know, this is not the relationship that developed historically, nor the one many of us have lived through. Our territories have been exploited, decisions made without consent, and reciprocal responsibilities ignored. That is the past.

Today reminds us that we remake history together, walking and working together. Through partnerships like our government-to-government relationship with the City of Kamloops, we are taking real steps toward the vision of our ancestors, Chief Louis Clexiclehen, and all who came before us. This plaque is a symbol of hope and a reminder of a more just today and a more prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc embraces our government-to-government relationship with the City of Kamloops. Unveiling the Sir Wilfrid Laurier plaque together is both symbolic and monumental. I am proud of what we have accomplished, what lies ahead, and how this moment carries forward the vision our ancestors held in 1910.

We want our future generations to look back on the last 115 years of progress and see that, moving forward, we chose the path of real economic reconciliation with all levels of government. Together, we will continue to make strides that reflect the significant changes of the path we walk – side by side.

For more information, visit: 1910 Laurier Memorial

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.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2025 at 2:00 pm

The LtMHS is seeking passionate individuals who would like to represent Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc on the LtMHS Board (Yecwemínem) as Kúkwpi7 (Director) or Tqwlútmens re S7elkst (Board Chair).

The Le7 te Melámen Society (LtMHS) is a not-for-profit Society committed to enhancing the well-being of the Secwépemc Nation and its 16 communities through a culturally focused approach to health, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Indigenous families. Your commitment can make a significant impact on the Nation.

The Yecwemínem are the fiduciaries who will oversee the organization by adopting sound, ethical, legal governance, and financial management policies and ensuring the Society has sufficient resources to advance its Vision and Mission. Each director should desire to see the organization succeed short and long term and ensure the organization is operating in its best interest, not in self-interest or the interest of any single group.

The Role: The Directors must uphold the Xtsep (constitution) and must comply with:

1. The Act
2. The Stk’wemiiplem (By-laws)
3. Any rules, regulations and policies made by the Society
4. Any rules of order governing the conduct of general meetings and of meetings of the Yecweminem
5. Must not hinder the purpose, aims and objects of the Society
6. The board will report to members of the society and provide strategic direction to the Society

Commitment:

Board members will be required to attend regularly scheduled meetings as well as being expected to attend the Annual General meeting, special events, and fulfilling other commitments of the role. Directors will be required to read all documents and material provided in advance and participate fully in the meetings.

Term: Terms are staggered with other nation board members and can be 1-2 years in length.

Qualifications:

The Kúkwpi7 (Director) must:

• Be a Kectém e squqwlút.s nSqw7el (Authorized Representative) on the date on which that person becomes a Kúkwpi7,
• Except for the Tqwlútmens re S7elkst, reside in the Region that the Kúkwpi7 represents
• Have knowledge of the language, culture, and history of the Secwépemc Nation, or that of another Indigenous People
• Have demonstrated life or work experience relevant to the purposes of the Society
• Be qualified to be a Kúkwpi7 pursuant to section 44 of the Act
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Not be an elected Chief or Councillor of a Community, and
• Consent to being a Kúkwpi7, in writing or in person.
• Have knowledge / experience in mental health, wellness, cultural teachings for healing/health

The Tqwlútmens re S7elkst (Board Chair) must:

• Be a Kectém e squqwlút.s nSqw7el on the date on which that person becomes Tqwlútmens re S7elkst
• Be elected at the AGM, and has a normal term of office of one year
• With the exception of the first two persons to be Tqwlútmens re S7elkst, must have been a Kúkwpi7 for not less than one year prior to becoming Tqwlútmens re S7elkst
• Must be qualified to be a Kúkwpi7 pursuant to section 44 of the Act
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must not be an elected Chief or Councillor of a Community
• Must consent to being a Kúkwpi7, in writing or in person, and
• Have knowledge/experience in mental health, wellness, on the cultural teachings for healing/health

Directors may not be remunerated in any capacity for being or acting as such but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in relation to that person’s role in the Society, as set by Society policy.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following for consideration for the position:

• Resume with relevant experience and qualifications
• Cover Letter
• Three References

Please submit your applications to Trevor Cameron – Chief Operating Officer to Trevor.cameron@ttes.ca

Be sure to include in subject line: Board of Directors Application

Deadline for applications is August 15, 2025 at 2:00pm

DOWNLOAD NOTICE ►

The University of Alberta’s Secwépemc History Field School publishes a weekly newsletter highlighting student learning, community engagement, and fieldwork experiences. Browse current issues below.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Sarah Nickel (she/her)
📧 snickel1@ualberta.ca

• Week 1 Field School Update
• Week 2 Field School Newsletter
• Week 3 Field School Newsletter

The Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Education Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Kacey Seymour as our new Youth Coordinator.

Kacey is a proud Secwépemc woman and TteS member whose personal, academic, and professional journey reflects deep commitment to community, cultural connection, and youth empowerment. She brings a wealth of experience working with young people in a variety of roles, including her recent leadership as the Tkek Yeel Stem Camp Coordinator, where she successfully planned and delivered land-based, culturally relevant programming for Secwépemc youth aged 7 to 14.

With strong roots in our community and a sincere passion for uplifting youth through education, wellness, and cultural revitalization, Kacey embodies the vision we hold for this role. Her collaborative spirit, intuitive leadership, and creative approach to youth engagement position her as a powerful role model for our young people. Through her involvement with national initiatives like Indspire’s Indigenous Student Wellness Advisory Group, she continues to advocate for the voices and experiences of Indigenous youth on broader platforms.

In addition to her hands-on programming experience, Kacey is known for her warmth, dependability, and energetic presence. As Youth Coordinator, Kacey will lead the planning and implementation of education, training, and employment readiness programs for TteS youth. She is excited to help create more opportunities for connection between youth and Elders, foster spaces that honour Secwépemc ways of knowing and being, and support our young people as they pursue their goals.

Please join us in welcoming Kacey Seymour to our Education team. We look forward to the contributions she will make as she supports and uplifts the next generation of Secwépemc leaders.

Kukwstsétselp,
TteS Education Department

Construction crews are completing a multi-use path extension along the 500 – 600 block of East Shuswap Road starting in July through September 2025. Construction activities will be focused between Sun Rivers Drive and the Sienna Ridge development. Local residential traffic will be impacted.

Temporary closures of the eastbound lane will result in managed single lane alternating traffic around the construction site. Some delays are expected.

Construction signage and flaggers will maintain traffic through the site.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation with traffic management measures to ensure the safety of both residents and construction crews.

A reminder that Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) does not permit public hiking or trail use on Band lands including non leased reserve lands, and Band owned properties such as Spiyu7ullucw Ranch. These areas are reserved for the exclusive use of TteS membership and are not open to recreational use by the general public; those illegally accessing these lands are trespassing and enforceable under a Band bylaw.

We understand that signs or maps aren’t always clear — but areas such as the grasslands and mountains, property surrounding industrial zones, ranching areas, or residential Band lands are not open for public access beyond road right of ways. These spaces are often mistaken for public land, but they are private and hold cultural, environmental, and safety considerations. If you are unsure, do your own due diligence and research reserve land boundary maps which are readily available. Many of the main access points to reserve lands have no trespassing signage installed.

Please note: while places like the Sun Rivers golf course have public access agreements, that doesn’t apply to surrounding lands or hills off of their lease boundaries.

Please respect “No Trespassing” signage and avoid hiking on band lands. There are dozens of trails in Kamloops area that are open for hiking, please use those. Your respect helps us protect Secwépemc land and ways of life.

A powerful symbol of remembrance and healing—the ceremonial chair first placed at the 2022 National Gathering on Unmarked Burials—has been formally entrusted to Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. Over the past two and a half years, it has gathered sacred offerings from communities across Turtle Island. The chair will now remain with Tk̓emlúps, who have committed to sharing it with other communities in honour of the missing children.

READ STORY ►

A fire that broke out Sunday night at the Stswékstem Engineered Waste Management Facility was quickly extinguished thanks to a coordinated effort by Kamloops Fire Rescue, Grassland Organics staff, and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc security. No injuries or equipment damage were reported. The cause is still unknown, and an internal review is underway. Stswékstem Engineered Waste Management Facility remains open for business.

READ STORY ►

June 13, 2025 – Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc is working to protect a site on the North Shore where ancestral remains were located on Thursday, June 12, 2025.Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc requests that the site be respected, as it is now considered a sacred site. The site is protected under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the BC Heritage Conservation Act. Any alteration or disturbance to the sacred site is illegal and punishable under provincial law.

Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir states, “Cultural heritage is an important value for TteS and we have a responsibility to ensure that our TteS cultural and traditional practices are being respected. Our people have been here since time immemorial and travelled extensively throughout Secwepemcúl̓ecw.”

Kúkpi7 Rosanne would like to acknowledge the support of the RCMP, who continue to be a great partner and friend. RCMP were quick to communicate with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and work with us to uphold our mutual commitment to respectful cultural heritage management.

The area is currently under 24-hour security, and we request that the public and media avoid the area to allow Tk̓emlúps to complete important work. We would like to thank and encourage the public to always report potential remains and/or artifacts to the nearest RCMP detachment and Tk̓emlúps. For more information, to report artifacts other than remains, or to seek further guidance concerning archaeological sites you can consult the City of Kamloops Archaeological Sites Bulletin or contact the B.C. Archaeology Branch.

Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir
~ on behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Council