Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

August 16, 2023 – The Province of BC announced Level 5 drought conditions on August 3rd, based on historically low river levels in the North and South Thompson River Basins. Drought Level 5 is the most severe level of drought and indicates that adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are almost certain.

As a way to help conserve water supply and protect the environment Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc will be implementing enhanced water use restrictions aimed at reducing community-wide water use by 25%, effective August 16, 2023.

Water Restrictions in effect include:

1. A ban on outdoor watering and irrigating, with the exception of hand-held, spring-loaded nozzles.
2. Irrigating by use of sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems is not permitted.
3. Washing of vehicles and boats will only be permitted at commercial wash locations unless washing for safety purposes.
4. Pressure washing for aesthetic purposes will not be permitted.

Do it for the Fish
The Secwépemc Fisheries Commission is urging water conservation measures to mitigate for mortality caused by extreme drought conditions that threaten salmon and other fish populations due to the reduced streamflow and increased temperature within rivers and streams.

Kukwstsetsemc,
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
TteS Drought Response Team

TteS Bylaws and water restriction are implemented by Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, not the provincial government.

All British Columbians are responsible for the sustainability of water and aquatic ecosystems. All water users in drought-affected areas are asked to cooperate and contribute to the goal of conservation.

Tkek Yeel Stem Day Camp runs August 5 – 25 for children between the ages of 7-15. Tkek Yeel Stem is run and overseen by the Language and Culture Department at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc. This year will be the second year that we will be running the Tkek Yeel Stem camp. The campers will be able to learn Secwépemctsin and learn cultural ways of being, as well as being able to be outside with plenty of activities and games.

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Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc Chief and Council are taking a strong stance that illicit drug dealers are NOT WELCOME on Tḱemlúps reserve.

Chief and Council and our entire membership are concerned about the illegal trafficking of drugs and how that is hurting our members and further traumatizing our families. We see drug traffickers as individuals who are criminally negligent.

Chief and Council will continue to work with the Tk’emlúps Rural Detachment to identify and remove illicit drug dealers on reserve. Anyone caught dealing drugs on Band lands will be immediately banished from reserve. Anyone caught selling drugs out of Band owned homes, will be evicted, as per the Housing Policy section and the Housing Rental Agreement.

Tḱemlúps Chief and Council’s highest priority is to ensure the health and safety of our membership and community. We continue to be committed to explore every avenue possible to address the opioid crisis in our community.

We urge you to join us in taking action. If you see any illegal or suspicious activity, please report it to the Tk’emlúps Rural Detachment at 250-314-1800. The anonymous Crime Stopper Tip line is 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit any information via the Kamloopscrimestoppers.ca website.

Chief and Council want to continue to support our members that may be struggling with addiction. Please reach out to our Community Services team member Rachel Kilback, TteS Mental Health and Addictions Navigator, at 250-320-4327 or Jay Roque, TteS Wellness Coordinator, at 250-571-3512.

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TK̓EMLÚPS te SECWÉPEMC – At the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Closing Ceremony in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the NAIG Council announced that the 2027 games were awarded to Calgary, Alberta.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Calgary were competing to host these games that are expected to attract over 6,000 athletes and attendees. The NAIG are held every four years and showcase the skills of indigenous youth athletes aged 13-19 years, competing in 16 sports, who represent over 750 nations across North America.

Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir said, “While we are disappointed that Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc was not successful in their bid to host the 2027 NAIG, we would like to very sincerely congratulate the City of Calgary on their success. We, at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, look forward to cheering on our members and other athletes from BC as they compete in the wonderful city of Calgary. I would also like to extend a huge Kukwstép-kucw (on behalf of all of us, we thank you all) to all those that supported Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc in the development of the bid: City of Kamloops leadership and staff, Premier Eby, Minister Popham, staff from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, I-SPARC and the many, many local organizations that participated in our community and provided letters of support. A special thank you to the Kamloops Sports Council, Kamloops Airport, Pacific Sport, TRU, Tourism Kamloops and Niki Remesz. We had an awesome team working with us and we should all be proud of the teamwork and what we accomplished.”

“I share with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops their disappointment at not being chosen to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games,” said Premier David Eby. “I know their heartfelt efforts will be rewarded in future. Congratulations to Calgary on a successful bid. We will be cheering competitors from B.C. at what we hope are a very memorable and successful Games.”

Mayor Reid Hamer Jackson commented that “the City of Kamloops is, of course, disappointed that Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc was not chosen to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games. The bid, site visit and final presentation were excellent. We worked together to showcase the incredible cultural opportunities and amenities we offer, but it was not our time to host. We congratulate Calgary on their successful bid and wish them an awesome Games in 2027”.

“Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc developed an outstanding bid for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games and I am proud of how the community and province was showcased. The leadership to bring this bid together with many partners was significant, impressive and unprecedented,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We look forward to future opportunities to support events and programs that develop the skills and talents of Indigenous athletes. Congratulations to Calgary for being chosen to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games and best of luck to the athletes who will be representing Team B.C.”

For more information on the North American Indigenous Games visit www.naigcouncil.com

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Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Media Contact:

Rosanne Casimir, Kúkpi7
250-819-2255
kukpi7.rosanne@ttes.ca

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From the OFFICE OF THE CHIEF –

On March 12, 2023, Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir of the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Colleen Erickson, Board Chair of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), announced that there was $12.5 million in federal funding towards the construction of a new healing centre at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc.

TteS wants to be clear that the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc “House of Healing” is there to meet the needs of everyone who have been impacted by the Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS). Anyone who attended KIRS or any other Indian Residential school as a student, day scholar, or is an intergenerational survivor, will be able to have access to healing programs at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc “House of Healing”.

The “House of Healing” located at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc will be a safe space that incorporates trauma informed programs to support individuals and their families in their spiritual, mental, emotional and physical healing journey.

Secwépemc cultural values and teachings will be shared through a lens that is land based and trauma informed.

Tk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc are yecwemínem (caretakers and stewards) of the sacred sites. Secwépemc Indigenous law determines the sustainable use of this land for the harmony and balance of all our relations.

The programs and services at the “House of Healing” located at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc will help to create the healing foundation for many generations to come.

Me7 Yecwmentwecw-jt

Take care of one another — Calling all TteS Families!

A six week challenge to promote family fun! 20 spots available for families with children under 19 years old, living in the home.

The challenge weeks:

1. Draw a medicine wheel, talk about what the wheel represents to your family
2. Gather rocks to paint, write positive words, paint flowers, paint to use in a garden, animals, names
3. Purchase healthy snacks, “NO COOKING’, pepperoni, cheese, vegetables, crackers, fruit, enjoy quality time with no cooking, children set-up the buffet
4. Bird watching
5. Assemble a craft together — family fun
6. Enjoy out doors, potato sack race, three legged race, egg on spoon rate

Upload your family pictures from each weekly task to the Knucwtens Kwseltkten Facebook page with words #FAMChallenge by the end of each week! $50 gift card for participants that complete the six week challenge. Those who place in the grand prize challenge do not receive the $50 participant gift card. Starts May 9th! Last day for submission June 15th at 3:30pm.

Contact: Lisa, by messenger on their Facebook Page, by phone at 778-765-4120, or by email: lisa.machelle@ttes.ca

A Sign-up form MUST be filled in to take part in the challenge!

TK̓EMLÚPS TE SECWÉPEMC – KAMLOOPS, BC – Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (Tk̓emlúps) and the City of Kamloops hosted four delegates from the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) April 21-23. NAIG Delegates from eastern Canada and the United States came to assess and evaluate Tk̓emlúps sport and cultural facilities and hosting capacity. The NAIG would welcome over 6,000 participants, ages 13-19, to compete in 16 different sports during an 8-day period.

NAIG Delegates were welcomed by Tk̓emlúps Chief and Council, City of Kamloops Mayor and Councillors, and a delegation of over fifty bid committee and community members at the airport when they arrived. Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir toured with NAIG delegates on Friday and Saturday showcasing outstanding facilities and a wide depth and breadth of support from the provincial and local sport community, School Board 73, the Rocky Mountain Rangers, Saint John Ambulance, potential corporate partners and so many more.

“We at Tk̓emlúps appreciate the partnership and support of the City of Kamloops, the Province, the Chiefs of BC and our community”, says Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir on behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council. “It was our intention to showcase to our four NAIG representatives that we not only had the capacity to host an amazing sporting event, but we had the support of community, Indigenous leaders and government on every level to ensure we could bring about a cultural experience that would create a legacy for all participants for years to come.”

Tk̓emlúps is competing against the City of Calgary. As the only Indigenous led bid, Tk̓emlúps has forged relationships with all levels of community to create a bid that celebrates youth, sport and culture demonstrating reconciliation in action.

At the conclusion of the weekend Premier Eby, Minister Popham, Kukpi7 Casimir, and Council faced off in a game of basketball against Sk’elep School of Excellence basketball players. Sk’elep players took their time schooling their opponents on the court to cheers from a crowd of over 100 spectators.

The bid committee, led by Kukpi7 Casimir will present to a panel of 26 NAIG Council members in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia on May 17th. The successful proponent will be announced during the 2023 NAIG in Halifax in July this year.

The North American Indigenous Games is the largest international, multi sport, and cultural event for Indigenous youth in North America. If successful, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Kamloops will welcome up to 6,000 athletes, coaches, team staff, and cultural performers from over 756 Indigenous Nations in Canada and the United States. The North American Indigenous Games are held every four years and use a geographic rotation when choosing the next location. The next Games will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 2023.

For more information about the North American Indigenous Games: http://www.naigcouncil.com/

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TK̓EMLÚPS TE SECWÉPEMC – KAMLOOPS, BC – Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (Tk̓emlúps) and the City of Kamloops are getting ready to welcome four delegates from the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) who are coming from eastern Canada and the United States to tour sport and cultural facilities April 21-23. They will be evaluating local facilities and hosting capacity. Tk̓emlúps is the only Indigenous led bid competing against Calgary, AB to host the 2027 Games.

Tk̓emlúps Kamloops was chosen by I·SPARC, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council in November 2022 to serve as British Columbia’s official host candidate community for the 2027 North American Indigenous Games. As a result, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops submitted their Letter of Intent to bid in December 2022 and a bid book in March 2023 fulfilling guidelines required in the bidding process.

“We are extremely proud and excited to welcome NAIG Delegates,” says Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir on behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council. “Tk̓emlúps and Kamloops are known internationally for our warm hospitality and well executed sport competitions, that exceed expectations of sport enthusiasts. We believe our community is the right size for youth to foster a great sense of belonging and Indigenous pride and to showcase our beautiful land and Secwépemc culture.”

As an indigenous led bid, Tk̓emlúps and the City of Kamloops are committed to working together and they have been nationally recognized for their combined commitment to reconciliation. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action 87-91 specifically address reconciliation tied to Sport.

The final stage in the overall evaluation is an in-person presentation to all 26 members of NAIG Council in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia on May 17th. The successful location will be announced during the 2023 NAIG in Halifax in July this year.

The North American Indigenous Games is the largest international, multi sport, and cultural event for Indigenous youth in North America. If successful, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Kamloops will welcome up to 6,000 athletes, coaches, team staff, and cultural performers from over 756 Indigenous Nations in Canada and the United States. The North American Indigenous Games are held every four years and use a geographic rotation when choosing the next location. The next Games will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 2023. The Western region is responsible for hosting the 2027 games and the next opportunity for this region to host after the 2027 Games will not be until 2039.

For more information about the North American Indigenous Games: http://www.naigcouncil.com/

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March 23, 2023 — Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc — Traditional Territory of the Secwépemc, British Columbia

We honour the experiences of Survivors of the Kamloops Indian Residential School and acknowledge the continued impacts on the intergenerational Survivors.

Today, Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir of the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Colleen Erickson, Board Chair of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), are pleased to jointly announce $12.5 million in federal funding towards the construction of a new healing centre at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.

This funding follows a commitment made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau affirming the Government of Canada’s support to establish a healing centre at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc during his October 2021 visit to the community. This safe space will provide trauma-informed programs to support individuals and their families in their spiritual, mental, emotional and physical healing. Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc has selected an architect to lead the construction process and will be working with the membership to create a welcoming design.

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Update to Membership on this historical day, March 9, 2023 regarding the Gottfriedson Reparations Class Action. The lawsuit says that the Government of Canada is responsible for the collective damages to First Nations caused by the IRS system that includes the collective loss of language and culture.

CHIEF SHANE GOTTFRIEDSON, on behalf of the TK’EMLUPS TE SECWEPEMC INDIAN BAND and the TK’EMLUPS TE SECWEPEMC INDIAN BAND, and CHIEF GARRY FESCHUK, on behalf of the SECHELT INDIAN BAND and the SECHELT INDIAN BAND and HIS MAJESTY THE KING IN RIGHT OF CANADA as represented by THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CANADA has reached an agreement, that has been approved by the Federal Court as being fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the 325 First Nation band class members who have opted in.

In Justice McDonald’s concluding statement, she stated the following:

This has been a long-standing class proceeding, since 2012. Justice McDonald also stated that, “The Settlement Agreement provides certainty, recovery, and closure for the Band Class members. These results could not be guaranteed if the litigation were to proceed to trial.” For that we are grateful and for the outcome of the proposed settlement.

The Band Class Reparations settlement is significant for a number of reasons:

• The $2.8 billion dollar settlement is one of the very largest class action settlements in Canadian – history;
• It is the first successful lawsuit that addresses the harms caused by residential schools to First – Nations as collectives.
• It is the first settlement to address damages for the destruction of language and culture.
• The settlement involves a unique structure that involves a 20 year trust for the benefit of each of the – 325 First Nation class members. Each First Nation class member will receive funds from the trust in the – form of planning funds, kick-start funds, annual income and a final payment after 20 years.

The settlement is based on Four Pillars which aim to reverse the collective harms caused by Residential Schools:

• Revival and protection of Indigenous languages;
• Revival and protection of Indigenous cultures;
• Protection and promotion of heritage; and
• Wellness for Indigenous communities and their members.

This settlement gives us the tools necessary to take control of revitalizing our languages and culture. It will leave a generational legacy and puts us in charge of our own healing.

We look forward to in-depth dialogue and working together for real change and creating a lasting legacy with our people and for our future generations.

On behalf of council, we want to acknowledge and honor all those who have been on this journey for our people, our survivors, and express much gratitude and look forward to honoring and working with all of you.

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