Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

REPORT BY KÚKPI7 ROSANNE

On February 1, 2025, Secwépemc Child and Family Services Agency (SCFSA) offered the 6th annual Winter Gathering Powwow. This was a special event for families and communities to connect, celebrate, and share in our traditions. It was great to see everyone enjoying the dancing, drumming, and time spent together. The turnout was excellent, and the energy was positive throughout the day. Events like this remind us of the importance of gathering; when we do so, we get to connect through our culture and traditions, and it truly is a beautiful thing. Thank you to SCFSA for their hard work and dedication for serving and supporting our families. We appreciate the work you are doing to ensure our relationships in the community are well tended to and full of love.

Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and helped make this powwow a success. Your presence and good energy made it a meaningful gathering. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

KÚKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR

Primary Portfolio:
Public Relations & External Affairs/Legal (DS, DRI)

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, is strong and confident leader who leads by example for future generations; she also serves as Tribal Chief for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and as a Board Director for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. With 14+ years of service, she is committed to advancing community-driven initiatives that support self-determination, sustainable growth, and economic sovereignty. Kukpi7 Rosanne holds her hands up and acknowledges past and current leadership.

TAKING CARE: We recognize our efforts to show solidarity with Indigenous peoples and honour Survivors and families may become a painful reminder to those who have suffered hardships through generations of government policies that have been harmful to Indigenous peoples. A National Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support to former residential school students where you can access emotional crisis referral services._

Please call the Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 if you or someone you know is triggered while reading this. We encourage all those who need some support to reach out and know that support is always there for you through the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also find information on how to obtain other health supports from the Government of Canada website.

News Release
For Immediate Release

Survivors of the Former Kamloops Indian Residential School, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the Government of Canada mark the national historic significance of the Kamloops Indian Residential School

Located on the north bank of the South Thompson River at the foot of Sqeq7é7em (Mounts Peter and Paul), the former Kamloops Indian Residential School opened in 1890 as the Kamloops Industrial School and closed in 1978.

February 12, 2025
Secwepemcúl̓ecw (Kamloops, BC)
Parks Canada

Today, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the designation of the Former Kamloops Indian Residential School as a national historic site under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration.

The Former Kamloops Indian Residential School is located on Kamloops Indian Reserve #1 of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. This building was nominated for designation by Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, and a collaborative process was undertaken between Parks Canada and the First Nation to identify the historical importance of this former school. Run by the Roman Catholic congregations of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of St. Ann, the Kamloops Indian Residential School was the largest institution in a system designed to carry out what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada described as cultural genocide. Many, including Pope Francis and the Canadian House of Commons, have referred to it as genocide. The traumas experienced by Survivors have had profound, lifelong, and intergenerational consequences that continue today.

Among the students who attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School were children between the ages of four and 18 from over 108 communities and at least 38 Indigenous nations from across British Columbia and beyond, including the Secwépemc, Stó:lō, St’át’imc, Nłeʔkepmxc, and Syilx. Forcibly removed from their homes, these children experienced physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual abuse, forced labour, malnutrition, inadequate and overcrowded living conditions, poor healthcare, and high rates of infectious diseases and death.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc members chose to preserve several of its buildings to commemorate and teach about the impacts of residential schools on children and families and to serve as a place for teaching Secwépemc language and culture as an act of reclamation.

The school was part of a system of residential schools instituted by governments for Indigenous Peoples, working with Christian churches in the 19th and 20th centuries. As part of the government policy of forced assimilation, these institutions separated Indigenous children from their families and communities in order to eradicate their cultures, spiritualities, languages, and traditions. Born of colonial policies in Canadian history, the residential school system is a tragedy that has adversely affected generations of Indigenous peoples, with lasting repercussions on First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, cultures, economies, traditional knowledge and ways of life, languages, family structures and ties to the land. The Government of Canada is committed to raising the voices of Indigenous peoples to ensure this history is never forgotten.

The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Parks Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that have shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada’s past and present.

Quotes

“The commemoration and designation of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School to a site of national historic significance reflects how arrangements made collaboratively will benefit all people, indigenous and non-indigenous. It will serve as a place that will contribute to greater understanding of Secwépemc history and traditional knowledge. The designation symbolizes hope and the vision of our ancestors for a prosperous future for our children, and those not yet born. We collectively know all too well the often-impoverished view of reciprocal obligations and how it has dominated our people. Today, at Tk̓emlúps we take great pride in this path we walk together to commemorate that real collective history. Proud and honored to be in my ancestor’s vision of Clexléxqen or Petit Louis (1828-1915), who advocated for schooling that would benefit the Secwépemc people, together we will educate and share for a prosperous future with pride, the designation is a confirmation of our shared commitment and the hope for change.”
Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir

“Today’s designation acknowledges the harms suffered by the Survivors of the Former Kamloops Indian Residential School who fought so long and so tirelessly to have their stories heard. Their strength and grace in retelling their stories ensures that we can learn from them and enables us to advance the journey of truth-telling, reconciliation, and healing. The designation of the Former Kamloops Indian Residential School as a site of national historic significance will serve as a testament and memorial to the children who were forced to live there and who died there. The legacy of their stories will resonate throughout future generations.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Quick Facts

• The former Kamloops residential school is one of the few remaining residential school sites in Canada with a large group of original buildings and landscapes. It bears witness in physical form to the experiences of generations of children who lived and died there, as well as to the broader history of the residential school system in all its phases.
• Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc renamed the former residential school site the Chief Louis Centre in honour of the visionary leader, also known as Clexléxqen or Petit Louis (1828-1915), who advocated for schooling that would benefit the Secwépemc people.
• The designation process under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,260 designations have been made nationwide. To nominate a person, place or historic event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: https://parks.canada.ca/culture/designation/proposer-nominate.
• Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national significance of persons, places, and events that have marked Canada’s history. Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognized under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration and that these important stories are shared with Canadians.
• Parks Canada is committed to working with Canadians in our efforts to tell broader, more inclusive stories in the places that it manages. In support of this goal, the Framework for History and Commemoration outlines a new, comprehensive, and engaging approach to sharing Canada’s history through diverse perspectives, including shedding light on tragic and difficult periods of Canada’s past.

Related Documents

Backgrounder: Former Kamloops Indian Residential School

Related Links

• Parks Canada website
• National Historic Designations
• Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
• Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

READ FULL RELEASE ►

Former Kamloops Indian Residential School, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, British Columbia, circa 1930
© Archives Deschâtelets-NDC / Fonds Deschâtelets

REPORT BY KÚKPI7 ROSANNE

TteS Chief & Council held a strategic planning session that took place over two days led by Four Directions, Dan George. We were grateful to be joined by senior staff and managers; their input and perspectives supported teamwork and collaboration. Strategic Planning also served Council an opportunity for orientation into TteS’s organizational goals. We want a sturdy and promising foundation for the term ahead.

The two-day planning session included key areas with governance, pain points, a Comprehensive Community Plan update, and, of course, shared key organizational goals that will shape our strategic plan.

It was productive and appreciated to have departmental management, executive staff, key administrative staff, and leadership sharing perspectives that shed light on the commonalities we share in our hopes and goals for TteS while breaking down silos. A reminder that we all contribute to the success of community priorities that is for the long-term benefit of community and the people we all serve.

Internally, organizational priorities included: language and culture revitalization, land use, stewardship, title and rights, infrastructure, economic self-sovereignty, education, health, and wellness. We have also identified and highlighted a commonality around communication and ways to improve customer service and communicating effectively with all membership.

We believe in our people and the TteS organization team that will continue working to provide and enhance services and opportunities that benefit our community as we move forward. We look forward to sharing our overarching strategic plan with all of you in the late spring.

KÚKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR

Primary Portfolio:
Public Relations & External Affairs/Legal (DS, DRI)

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, is strong and confident leader who leads by example for future generations; she also serves as Tribal Chief for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and as a Board Director for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. With 14+ years of service, she is committed to advancing community-driven initiatives that support self-determination, sustainable growth, and economic sovereignty. Kukpi7 Rosanne holds her hands up and acknowledges past and current leadership.

REPORT BY KÚKPI7 ROSANNE

January 29, 2025 marks Indigenous Blazers night. This event brought our people together to enjoy the hockey game with everyone to cheer, laugh, and connect. Garrett G. Gottfriedson designed the jerseys that the Blazers wore. He is an incredibly talented artist that created the design which reflects Secwépemc culture and ways. Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development Corporation sponsored the jerseys which is the beginning of an exciting relationship between the Blazers and Sc.wén̓wen. The Blazers played the game in the jerseys and wore them with pride.

Sun Ridge Contracting and TteS sponsored the game in collaboration to highlight Indigenous Night. It was a pleasure to drop the puck and start the game off in a good way. We were joined by Council, TteS Members, Elders, and staff to cheer on the Blazers, and enjoy a night together.

Thank you to the Blazers, Sc.wén̓wen, Sun Ridge Contracting, and our dedicated community for making this night a memorable experience that we were all able to enjoy together and cheer for our favourite hockey team!

KÚKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR

Primary Portfolio:
Public Relations & External Affairs/Legal (DS, DRI)

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, is strong and confident leader who leads by example for future generations; she also serves as Tribal Chief for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and as a Board Director for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. With 14+ years of service, she is committed to advancing community-driven initiatives that support self-determination, sustainable growth, and economic sovereignty. Kukpi7 Rosanne holds her hands up and acknowledges past and current leadership.

On Tuesday, January 21, 29 Kamloops residents were presented with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medals. These medals were created to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III and are awarded to individuals across the Commonwealth who have made significant contributions to their communities or beyond.

Among the honorees were two members of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc: Diena Jules and Dr. Muriel Sasakamoose.

• Diena Jules: Since 1975, Diena has held leadership roles with the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc band. She is an Elder, Traditional Knowledge Keeper, and currently serves as the Language and Culture Department Manager for Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. She also works with the Sewépemc Museum and Heritage Park.
• Dr. Muriel Sasakamoose: Dr. Sasakamoose has been an educator and advocate for justice and equality for over 60 years. A member of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, she is one of the founding members of the BC Native Women’s Association and was the first Indigenous person appointed to the BC Parole Board.

Photos from archive files.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc is currently seeking outstanding and accomplished individuals to join the Stsmémelt Board of Directors. We are looking for two (2) Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc band members who are motivated to contribute, to the vision of Stsmémelt. These Board of Director appointments would be for a Primary (1) and a Secondary Board member (1).

Application
To apply for the Stsmémelt Board of Directors, please submit a cover letter and resume to comms@ttes.ca. The deadline for submission will be February 14, 2025 at 4pm.

Preamble
Our children are the future of our Nation. The Secwépemc have supreme authority to govern our lands and resources, including making decisions using our laws for the benefit of our children and families.
The foundation of this law is our four pillars: language, culture, connection to land and laws, and healing.

Background Information:
In 2009, the 17 Secwépemc Chiefs committed to a nation-based approach for children and families, and in October 2018 Secwépemc Chiefs entered a MOU with the Federal and Provincial government where all parties agreed to work together to advance Indigenous child welfare jurisdiction. In June of 2021 Bill C-92 was enacted which creates space for Indigenous nations to occupy the jurisdiction over child welfare. The Secwépemc Nation is in the process of finalizing a Secwépemc Child Welfare Law that is based on principles in stories and oral traditions/Secwépemc laws. The Secwépemc Law of Stsmémelt and Kw’séltken reflect the nation’s vision, values and mission and the four pillars: language, culture, connection to the land and laws and healing.

Principles of Stsmémelt
Administration of this law shall be in accordance with Secwépemc traditions and values. These traditions and values are guided by the oral laws as contained within our Secwépemc stories handed down through generations of Secwépemc with the primary objective to facilitate healing and community support for children and their families in their journeys.

Honorarium
Board members will receive an honorarium in recognition of their time and contributions. The honorarium is intended to acknowledge the commitment and expertise provided in fulfilling board responsibilities. Details regarding the amount and payment schedule will be discussed upon interview.

Qualification Requirements

• Must be 19 years of age or older and be a registered band member of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.
• Possess an in-depth knowledge of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc laws.
• A strong moral compass and the utmost commitment to upholding confidentiality.
• A genuine commitment to the children and families of our nation.
• A collaborative mindset, work well with others, value diverse perspectives and contribute to collective decision-making.
• The capacity to make impartial decisions, free from conflicts of interest, and providing independent judgement.
• Willingness to adapt to new information, changing circumstances, and evolving needs.
• Commitment to attend meetings as scheduled. Directors may be removed from the Board if they miss more than three (3) duly called meetings during a calendar year.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc band member Courtenay Campbell is currently in her fourth year of the Natural Resource Sciences program at Thompson Rivers University and has had incredible opportunities to lead independent research projects in fire ecology. Courtenay’s dedication and achievements have earned her several prestigious awards, including:

• The Chief Roy Mussell Bursary supporting young Indigenous leaders advancing sustainability and reconciliation in BC.
• The NSERC Canadian Forest Workforce Diversity Undergraduate Supplement providing opportunities to underrepresented groups pursuing forest sector research.
• The Undergraduate Research Experience Award Program (UREAP) funded Courtenay’s infographic research on wildfire impacts in the Ulkatcho territory.
• The New Gold – New Afton SSN Scholarship Fund encourages academic excellence among students from Skeetchestn and Tk̓emlúps.
• The Faculty of Science Dean’s Award recognizes exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and professionalism.
• The NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Experience Award Program (USRA) supported Courtenay’s fire ecology and culturally significant plant research in Glacier National Park and the Ulkatcho territory.

Courtenay’s academic journey and commitment to advancing knowledge in natural resource sciences continue to inspire all of us!

JOINT REPORT BY TK̓WENEM7ÍPLE7 VICKI AND KUKPI7 ROSANNE

On January 15, 2025, Chief & Council toured the new AgeCare Sun Rivers facility. This visit allowed us to connect with the addition to the Sun River’s Community, offering insights into daily life for residents and staff. We were delighted to share a meal of salmon and break Bannock together allowing ample time to get to know our new neighbour in the community, Salimah Walji-Shivji, CEO of AgeCare. We have learned of many opportunities of mutual benefit.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, providing meaningful insight that highlighted the importance of Elder care. It’s reassuring to know that residents are being well cared for in a supportive environment that welcomes family, tours, and opportunities for cultural and educational experiences all while providing care and support for Elders to live their best lives. A highlight of this day was getting to connect with our Elder, Delores Jules.

Tk̓wenem7íple7 Vicki looks forward to sharing many upcoming opportunities and your TteS Chief and Council team look forward to building relationships with them to learn and utilize some best practices as we move forward to building our own Elder’s Lodge.

KÚKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR

Primary Portfolio:
Public Relations & External Affairs/Legal (DS, DRI)

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, is strong and confident leader who leads by example for future generations; she also serves as Tribal Chief for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and as a Board Director for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. With 14+ years of service, she is committed to advancing community-driven initiatives that support self-determination, sustainable growth, and economic sovereignty. Kukpi7 Rosanne holds her hands up and acknowledges past and current leadership.

REPORT BY KÚKPI7 ROSANNE

On January 10, 2025, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) leadership met with senior representatives of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) in our Council Chambers. The purpose of this meeting was to facilitate introductions and provide orientation for the newly elected Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir and Tkwenem7íple7 (councillors). It also served as a platform to strengthen the relationship between TteS and BCLC by reviewing past progress and outlining future collaborative opportunities.

The meeting agenda included a short presentation by BCLC covering its role, key facts, social purpose, and commitment to Indigenous reconciliation. Special emphasis was placed on BCLC’s ongoing reconciliation efforts and the progress achieved through its partnership with TteS. Both parties engaged in a roundtable discussion, focusing on next steps and potential future meetings to further their partnership. This gathering marked an important step in fostering continued mutual respect and collaboration.

KÚKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR

Primary Portfolio:
Public Relations & External Affairs/Legal (DS, DRI)

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, is strong and confident leader who leads by example for future generations; she also serves as Tribal Chief for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and as a Board Director for the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. With 14+ years of service, she is committed to advancing community-driven initiatives that support self-determination, sustainable growth, and economic sovereignty. Kukpi7 Rosanne holds her hands up and acknowledges past and current leadership.

A meeting was held on December 13, 2024, with the Four Pillars Society. Attendees included Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓wenem7íple7 Dave Manuel, Tk̓wenem7íple7 Vicki Manuel, Jeanette Jules (Manager, Le Estcwicwéy̓ – The Missing), Fred Seymour (Grassroots – C&C Liaison, Manager, Le Estcwicwéy̓ – The Missing), Shane Gottfriedson (Board Member), and Travis Anderson (Chief Financial Officer, TteS).

HISTORY

In 2012, members of the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and shíshálh Nation led by Shane Gottfriedson and Garry Feschuk launched a national class action lawsuit for day scholars who were left out of the original Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement from 2006. After 9 years, a $2.8-billion-dollar settlement was awarded in 2021 for the class action lawsuit concerning Day School Scholars. Initially filed by the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and shíshálh Nation in British Columbia, plaintiffs in the case have developed a disbursement plan for the funds. There are 325 Indigenous Nations across Canada that are represented in this class action lawsuit. This plan initially combined the band reparations claim (referred to as the band class) and the residential school day scholars claim. Day scholars, survivors who were compelled to attend institutions during the day but returned home at night, were excluded from the 2006 residential school settlement.

PURPOSE OF THE FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY

Each of the 325 First Nations that joined the lawsuit will receive an initial one-time payment of $200,000 for the purposes of developing a plan to carry out a 10-year plan for the revitalization of their language and culture, structured around the four pillars. The fund will operate for a period of 20 years.

The Four Pillars:

1. The revival and protections of Indigenous language
2. The revival and protection of Indigenous culture
3. The protections and promotion of heritage
4. The wellness of Indigenous communities and their members.