Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

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

Ten band and community members recently completed a 4 month construction trade sampler. Thank you to Brennen Joseph, the instructor who created this video to highlight the renovation project the students undertook. Commendations to Guy Gottfriedson at Spiyu7ullucw Ranch for allowing us to renovate one of the old ranch houses. This was a community effort!!

YUCWEMINEM NE TSETSITCWS-KUCW SOCIETY
Call for Board of Directors (Voluntary Positions)

 

Application deadline: Friday, August 1, 2025 at 2:00 pm.

Are you looking for a unique leadership opportunity? Have you been yearning to put your talent in strategic thinking, financial forecasting, organization behavior, project management or policy advocacy in the service of a great cause?

Well, look no further! If you are committed to improving Housing options for Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, we are looking for you!

Yucwemínem ne Tsetsítcws-kucw Society (also referred to as “the YneT Society”) is the not-for-profit organization mandated to lead the development and management of non-profit housing for the Tk̓emlúpsemc, and raise the standard of housing for the community. The organization is mandated to build on strong cultural practices and traditions of the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.  This is an exciting opportunity for skilled and dynamic individuals to contribute to and help shape the Yucwemínem ne Tsetsítcws-kucw Society.

Term length for the Board of Directors is 3 years. The structure of the Board of Directors will include a minimum of 3 Directors, or such other number as may be determined from time to time by the Board, up to a maximum of 9 Directors. The majority of the Directors will be TteS Members.

 

ROLE PURPOSE:

The members of the YneT Society will be the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Council, and the Board of Directors shall be appointed by Council.

The Board of Directors will receive overall direction from Council and will be responsible for operation of the YneT Society. The Board will be a policy board and will provide input in areas such as governing structure, finance, human resources, tenant relations, operations and maintenance, housing development, and infrastructure.

The Board will report to the Members of the Society and will provide strategic direction to the YneT 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. There will be a minimum of one annual general meeting per year with the option for additional extraordinary general meetings as the need arises, and Directors will be required to read all documents and materials provided in advance and participate fully in the meetings.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Preference will be given to candidates who possess a professional qualification or experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Indigenous governance and administration
• Housing development
• Construction
• Non-profit management
• Accounting, banking, or financial management
• Project management
• Social Work
• Government relations

In selecting the Board of Directors, the Council will utilize a matrix selection process to ensure a broad range and diversity of skills, knowledge, experience, and expertise.

Directors will not be remunerated in any capacity as a Director or Officer. However, Directors may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred while acting on behalf of the Society.

 

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit the following for consideration for the position:

• Resume with relevant experience & qualifications.
• Cover letter
• Three references

Please submit your application to Trevor Cameron, Chief Administrative Officer at trevor.cameron@ttes.ca

Be sure to include “Board of Directors Application” in the subject line of your email.

Deadline for applications is Friday, August 1, 2025, at 2:00 pm.

If you have questions, please email Trevor Cameron, Chief Administrative Officer at trevor.cameron@ttes.ca

DOWNLOAD NOTICE ►

We are pleased to share that, as part of its commitment to reconciliation and to supporting the future of aviation and aerospace, the BC Aviation Council, in partnership with Kamloops Airport, has announced the establishment of the Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship.

This significant initiative honours Kúkpi7 Rosanne and highlights her leadership and ongoing dedication to the advancement of Indigenous peoples in various sectors, including aviation and aerospace.

MEDIA RELEASE ►

We are making arrangements for backyard landscaping services for the rental units, which the Housing Department is coordinating with P&E Landscapers. To ensure efficient and effective service, we kindly request your cooperation in preparing your back lawn for mowing. Please note that if, on the day of service, the landscaping team finds that a lawn does not meet the necessary standards for mowing, that service will unfortunately need to be skipped, and the responsibility for maintaining that area will remain with the resident.

• Every other Friday – Tyee Park
• Every other  Wednesday: Rental Units: 1230, 1232 and 1236 Kamloopa

For inquires please contact Adam at (236) 597-8070

Additionally, we would like to remind you that only the back lawns will be serviced at this time. Therefore, we kindly ask that you also keep the front area of your unit clear of clutter and weeds. Please ensure there is no clutter on the front of your unit, as landscaping services are not scheduled for the front at this time.

Your attention to this matter will help maintain the overall appearance of our community and promote FireSmart practices.
To help ensure a smooth service, we would like to remind you of the following:

• Please remove any clutter from your back lawn, including toys, hoses, and lawn ornaments.
• Please ensure there is no dog excrement present.
• For the safety of our landscaping team and your pets, please have all pets inside at the time of service.
• Please remove any debris from the back lawn area.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain the grounds.

GARBAGE BEST PRACTICES FOR RENTALS

The designated garbage collection day will be every Thursday. To ensure efficient and timely collection, we kindly request your cooperation with the following guidelines:

• Placement Time: Please ensure your garbage is placed outside before 7:00 AM on Thursday.
• Bagging Requirements: All trash must be securely contained in bags. Loose trash cannot be collected.
• Appropriate Sorting: Please ensure you are disposing of items correctly. Recyclable materials should be placed in a clear plastic sealed bag and placed one meter away from the garbage.
• Temporary Bin Labels: All garbage cans will be labelled in due course by Housing and P&E. We appreciate your patience during this transition. In the interim, please utilize the garbage cans located in your area.
• Special Item Pick-Up Service: You are free to haul items to the dump. If unable for the disposal of large items such as bed frames, P&E offers an additional on-call pick-up service. To arrange a random pick-up for these items, please call Public Work at 250-319-7803.

 

GARBAGE BEST PRACTICES FOR HOMEOWNERS

The designated garbage collection day depends on address. If you have questions, please call Public Works 250-319-7803. To ensure efficient and timely collection, we kindly request your cooperation with the following guidelines:

• Placement Time: Please ensure your garbage is placed outside before 7:00 AM on your scheduled day.
• Bagging Requirements: All trash must be securely contained in bags. Loose trash cannot be collected.
• Appropriate Sorting: Please ensure you are disposing of items correctly. Recyclable materials should be placed in a clear plastic sealed bag and placed one meter away from the garbage.
• Quantity Bin: One bin per unit or household.
• Special Item Pick-Up Service: You are free to haul items to the dump. If unable for the disposal of large items such as bed frames, P&E offers an additional on-call pick-up service. To arrange a random pick-up for these items, please call Public Work at 250-319-7803.

 

Kamloops RCMP Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2025

Police Presence in Tk̓emlúps

Residents may notice more police activity than usual in Tk̓emlúps this morning, as officers execute warrants at three locations.

This morning, Tuesday May 13, 2025, around 9 a.m., members of the Kamloops RCMP Detachment, in partnership with other agencies, are executing search warrants on Ricardo Road, Chief Louis Way, and the 600-block of Shuswap Road, at two commercial locations and a residence.

The public is asked to please avoid the areas until police officers have cleared. Details related to the presence will be released when available.

REPORT BY TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 NIKKI FRASER

Our Natural Resources and Language & Culture teams came together for a trout fishing outing at Armour Creek. This day on the land was filled with traditional teachings, hands-on learning, and connecting to Secwepemcúl̓ecw. It is extremely important to continue using these areas, resources, and passing on the knowledge in order to expand use by our community. Opportunities for spring time trout fisheries is now, at multiple locations in our Territory.

In addition to harvesting trout, the team also took time to clear out parts of the creek at Tkek Yeel Stem to ensure the trout have a clear and safe path to return and spawn, as well as provide an opportunity to harvest. This restoration effort reflects our responsibility to care for the waterways and ensure healthy fish populations for future generations. Greg and Aaron shared teachings about trout habitat, sustainability, and Secwépemc protocols. Secwépemctsín language and cultural stories were woven throughout the day, bringing our traditions to life in real time.

All trout caught were carefully smoked by the Natural Resources and Language & Culture team. The smoked fish has been packaged and will be distributed to Elders at a later date – honouring the Secwépemc value of caring for and providing for our elders

We’re proud of this collaborative effort and grateful for everyone who took part. These experiences help keep our culture strong and ensure our land and water continue to teach, nourish, and sustain us for generations to come. Moments like these strengthen our connection to Secwepemcúl̓ecw, and remind us that our land is not just a resource—it is a teacher, a provider, and a relative. We are grateful to everyone who participated and made this outing possible. Continuing to centre language, culture, and land-based learning in our work is vital for the health of our people, our identity, and our future.

We are honoured to share that Meste’si Llucmetkwe Colleen Seymour has been named one of the 2025 Community Award recipients by the BC Achievement Foundation. A respected teacher, spiritual helper, and knowledge holder, Colleen’s lifelong work in Indigenous education, health, and cultural revitalization continues to uplift and inspire across generations.

As a member of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, Colleen’s leadership reflects deep love for the people, the land, and Secwepemctsín—the language she is reclaiming through the First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s Language Revitalization program. She plays a vital role in programs such as the BC Indigenous Health Nursing Research Chair, Rainbow Healing Society, and the I-GEN Initiative, and is known for offering transformative, land-based learning rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems.

Colleen was honoured at the 2025 Community Award presentation ceremony on May 7 at 2:00 p.m. in Victoria, BC.

Learn more about Colleen’s remarkable work: https://bcachievement.com/awardee/mestesi-llucmetkwe-colleen-seymour/

Kukwstsétsemc, Colleen, for your unwavering dedication to community, healing, and cultural resurgence.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc – April 21, 2025

On behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc we extend heartfelt condolences and collective prayers for the soul of Pope Francis. We honour his journey to be welcomed by the Creator. I offer prayers of comfort and much condolences to all those grieving at this time.

Pope Francis was the first Pope to formally recognize and apologize for the atrocities committed through the Indian Residential School system in Canada. I hold my hands up to him for his humility, courage, and commitment to reconciliation.

In 2022, I had the honour of joining a national delegation coordinated by the Assembly of First Nations to travel to the Vatican. Survivors, Elders, youth, leaders, and spiritual advisors came together to speak directly to the Holy See. We presented on four key areas: Residential Schools and unmarked graves, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Papal apology and visit to Canada, and the urgent need for healing and reconciliation.

We shared the deep and lasting impact of the Residential School system, our languages and cultures were taken, our children were lost. We called attention to the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action, including #58, which called for the Pope to apologize on Canadian soil. We also addressed the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

A key request we made was for Pope Francis to travel to Canada and offer a meaningful apology to survivors and their families. His apology delivered during his visit acknowledged the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse inflicted by the Church. He also denounced the Doctrine of Discovery and Terra Nullius. These steps, while symbolic, had profound emotional and spiritual impact for many.

Healing is an ongoing process. We made clear that apology must be followed by concrete actions: full disclosure of residential school records, funding for cultural revitalization, and direct collaboration between dioceses and First Nations to support community healing.

Here in Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, we have taken further steps. On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, we signed a Sacred Covenant with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Diocese of Kamloops at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School site. This historic agreement, publicly released on June 21, 2024 National Indigenous Peoples Day commits us to:

• Memorialization and honouring the lives of the children who never came home through ceremonies and permanent memorials.

• Truth Seeking while working together to identify missing children and bring answers to their families.

• Support Services and providing mental health and healing support to our community members.

• The Covenant also acknowledges the Church’s role in the residential school system and outlines a shared path forward based on reconciliation, transparency, and long-term healing.

Yesterday, on April 20, 2025, we marked the one-year anniversary of this Covenant, and for the first time, I shared a message from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to His Holiness Pope Francis. In his words, the Pope sent “cordial greetings” and prayers for all present. He reflected on his 2022 visit and reminded us of the need to “walk together, pray together, and work together.” Those words carry the power of unity and responsibility.

As we look to the future, we also reflect on the transition now underway within the Catholic Church. We are grateful for Pope Francis’ leadership and example. We now look to the next Pope to continue this journey with humility and action.

Needed is creating a clear mandate for all dioceses to work with First Nations, supporting reparations not only through words but through meaningful investment in language and cultural revitalization.  Addressing colonial structures such as the Papal Bulls and working toward true Land Back.  Working with us to repatriating sacred items and ensuring transparency in the acquisition. Continuing to support the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) with active commitment to revitalization.

We must also stand firmly against denialism and from the highest level as well as the deliberate distortion of truth meant to discredit survivors and perpetuate harm. It is our collective responsibility, including that of the Catholic Church, to call out and confront these harmful narratives.

This moment is not just about a single leader it is about the journey of all people and the shared responsibility of institutions, nations, and communities. I am proud to have walked this path alongside so many brave survivors, youth, and leaders.

Together, we have made history. And together, we will continue walking the path toward truth, justice, and healing.

Kukwstsetsemc,
Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir

On behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc