Aboriginal Voice - 2015 by KamloopsThisWeek

FRIDAY, June 19, 2015

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ST’KEMLUPSEMC TE SECWEPEMC NATION COMMUNITY INFORMATION ARTICLE

Photo: Little Fawn Nursery students, parents and supervisors watch Ed and Nacoma cleaning Trout

Spring Trout Fishery Article by Sunny LeBourdais, SSN KGHM Project Specialist, May 2015 The big yellow school bus lumbers down the trail as the sun sparkles through the trees over Tkekyilstem (Heffley Creek). The doors crack open and bright green and red shirts pour out as students, parents and supervisors make their way out of the bus. Councillor Ed Jensen (T’kemlups te Secwepemc) is there waiting with his snare in hand and knowledge in heart. Everyone looks on in excitement as they see the trout darting in the creek. The trout have come up the creek to spawn and leave their legacy in the creek beds. Everyone gathers around while Ed explains how this area is an important trout fishery and that the trout fisheries are unique opportunities which only exists in select environmental conditions which are tailored to suit specific runs of fish.

He relays the importance of the trout fisheries as the first source of protein for Secwepemc after winter and how this protein would sustain us until the salmon begin to run. In his hand is a long, limber birch pole which he has carefully selected. He explains that the pole must be long enough to allow the fisher to remain unseen and carefully fastens a copper snare wire to the end. Once constructed the snare is used to “lasso” the trout out of the creek. This method allows for the least amount of damage or impact to the creek and the spawning beds. The long poles allow the fisher to stay farther back from the creek banks, while the snare wire does not disturb the creek bed in the same way a net might. “Before we take we must give”, he bestows on his audience. Prayers and tobacco offerings are given before anything is taken from the creek. Then the fun starts! The snare is dipped into the water and slowly worked downstream around the trout and then out the trout comes with a swift yank! The children shriek, clap and whoop as the trout flops about in protest. Ed and Nacoma George (Tk’emlups) each take a small group down sharing their knowledge and passing on a tradition that has lived for centuries. The children pack sticks filled with fish and Ed explains that now the real work will begin. These fish are all destined for smoking. They also have a special guest for this trip, Ugo Lapointe from Mining Watch. They hope that these ‘on the land’ experiences he witnesses over the day will give him an appreciation for the Secwepemc values associated with the trout fishery areas. In the afternoon the group is joined by Chief Ron Ignace (Skeetchestn) and Councillor Marshall Gonzales (Skeetchestn) for a special trip. The group travels to a historic trout fishery site at the creeks which enter (Jacko Creek) and exit (Peterson Creek) Jacko Lake (Pipsell). This site has been monitored for weeks in anticipation of the trout run. The group walks the creek and see that the run is beginning, the trout are just beginning to enter the creek through the spillway coming out of Jacko.

Snares are poised and technique is critical because with the run just starting the trout are wary. In preparation the trout splash and swim up and down the spillway into the creek where they wait to spawn. We all bear witness to the trout being snared out of the creek, providing essential proteins at a critical time. The group conveys to Ugo the importance of Pipsell and all its connections to the land, water and air. This area is included in the proposed Ajax Mine Project which is the reason Ugo is visiting Kamloops. The Ajax project proposes to alter and divert Peterson Creek and forever remove it as a trout fishery. This project’s proposal comes at a time when revitalization not eradication of our trout fisheries is needed. Preservation of the trout fishing sites and passing this knowledge to the generations to come will always be a top priority for Stk’emlupsemc in our responsibility as yecminme7.

“We do not have a mandate, we have a responsibility. We are yecminme7.”

FRIDAY, June 19, 2015

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ABORIGINAL VOICE PHOTO: ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS AND NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT CANADA

National Aboriginal Day Celebrate on June 21

une 21 is National Aboriginal Day, a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. In co-operation with Aboriginal organizations, the Canadian government chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day. For generations, many Aboriginal peoples and communities have celebrated their cul-

Celebrations will include: • Live performances by Aboriginal talent. • Comedian Curtis Friesen. • Singer Jordan Frost. • Waylon Moar with a tribute to Hank Williams. • Music by Ritchie and the Fendermen. • MC host K.A.S.P. • Moccasin Mile. To register, contact Anne — Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Keith at 250-828-9801. • Father’s Day activities with prizes. Development Canada, aadnc-aandc.gc.ca Vendors, bouncy castles, face painting, door prizes, concession by the Painted Pony Cafe In Kamloops and fireworks. Celebrate Aboriginal culture on June 21 in Post your tweets with #KamNAD15 to win Kamloops at the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc prizes. arbour from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. ture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. National Aboriginal Day was announced in 1996 by then Governor General, Roméo LeBlanc, after consultations and statements of support for such a day were made by various Aboriginal groups.

The people of the confluence A history of the Secwepemc people The word Kamloops is the English translation of the Shuswap word Tk’emlúps, meaning ‘where the rivers meet,’ and for centuries has been the home of the Tk’emlupsemc, “people of the confluence.” At one time the Secwepemc people occupied one large traditional territory covering approximately 145,000 square kilometers. In 1811, after European contact, the colonial government divided the Secwepemc people into 17 distinct groups with specific parcels of land designated to each. The Kamloops reserve land base was established in 1862 under the direction of Governor James Douglas. It is located east of the

North Thompson River and north of the South Thompson River, adjacent to the City of Kamloops. Tk’emlúps has always occupied a place of great economic importance in the region. Traversed by two major waterways, traditional Tk’emlupsemc territory was the center of major traffic and trade routes. Due to the community’s great economic and military strength, as well as its ancestor’s pivotal role in the creation of peace accords, the Tk’emlupsemc were designated the Secwepemc7uwi, “the real Shuswap”. The Tk‘emlúpsemc, now known as the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc are members of the Interior-Salish

Secwepemc (Shuswap) speaking peoples of B.C. The Secwepemc people occupy a vast territory of the interior of the province, stretching from the Columbia River valley along the Rocky Mountains, west to the Fraser River, and south to the Arrow Lakes. The traditional Secwepemc lived as a selfgoverning nation grouped into bands. Although the bands were separate and independent, a common language and a similar culture and belief system united them. Before the smallpox epidemic of 1862 there were 32 Secwepemc bands with four Secwepemc dialects. Today, there are 17 remaining bands that make up the Secwepemc Nation

and three Secwepemc dialects. Traditionally, the Secwepemc depended on the natural resources of the land. Each band usually spent the winter in its own village of pit houses. During the rest of the year, most Secwepemc people lived a nomadic lifestyle. They moved from place to place, as foods became available in different areas. They developed a unique, self-sufficient culture. Two European fur trading posts were established in Kamloops in 1812, utilizing Aboriginal skills to harvest animal populations, such as beaver. By 1826 the effects of trapping on these popula-

tions were already noticeable. Population increased in the Kamloops area from the late 1850s with gold miners, followed by ranchers in the 1860s and railway workers in the 1880s. Chief Louis, born in 1828, was the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc chief from 1855 until his death in 1915. Petit Louis or Hli Kleh Kan, was a dominant figure in the development of the Kamloops region and the construction of St. Joseph’s Church. On several occasions he went to Ottawa in an attempt to negotiate for more land for his people and travelled to England to plead the case for the Band to Queen Victoria. His leadership did

much to improve conditions for the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc during white settlement. The seasonal round shows that the pre-contact Kamloops economy had three sectors: fishing, gathering (roots and berries) and hunting. The relative importance of these has been much discussed in the archaeological and anthropological literature. A reasonable guess for the ratio of the sectors in the diet of the people at the time of first contact with Europeans is in the region of one third fish (principally salmon), one third roots and berries and one third hunted meat. — tkemlups.ca

FRIDAY, June 19, 2015

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ABORIGINAL VOICE

A progressive First Nation, economic force

pon crossing the Highway 5 bridge over the South Thompson River and onto the land of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, a billboard proudly proclaims “open for business.” Not only is the band open for business, it is strongly encouraging it. The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is a progressive First Nation of approximately 1,200 members. The band has developed numerous opportunities in tourism, ranching, real estate and retail and was the 2008 recipient of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers Community Economic Developer of the Year Award. The Tk’emlúps Petro Canada was named Aboriginal Business of the Year at the 2014 Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence

Awards. “We pride ourselves on being visionary. “We pride ourselves on having leasing and development processes in place and we pride ourselves on being good business partners,” said Chief Shane Gottfriedson. The Tk’emlúps Indian Band (TIB) is focused on developing partnerships that emulate those that have seen Mt. Paul Centre, Spiyu7ullucw Ranch Corporation, the Kamloops Indian Band Development Corporation, Kamloops Indian Band Utility Corporation and Sun Rivers thrive. “When you think about our story, the strength in our community, we’re a huge economic force. “That comes with the idea of building these partnerships,” Gottfriedson said. The band has set its sights on redeveloping the Chief Louis Centre lands, south of Shuswap Road where the local school, administrative offices and

Chief Shane Gottfriedson said the Tk’emlúps Indian Band will see future opportunities in the natural resource sector in addition to developing the Chief Louis Centre lands.

All Nations Trust Company already sit. More than three hectares of serviced land is on the verge of development, with 99-year lease opportunities. With thousands of cars passing daily, the land has the potential to attract a diverse set of businesses and services, Gottfriedson said.

The development will consist of administration and professional business offices, as well as retail, a grocery store, restaurants and professional services such as a pharmacy and walk-in clinic. There is also opportunity for a hotel and convention centre. With the right investors, the TIB’s riverfront property would

be ideal for high-rise condominiums, Gottfriedson said. “We are rich in riverfront property. We’re looking at maximizing those opportunities,” he said. The band is looking at implementing a roundabout for the area, with road access into Sun Rivers. The architectural

design concepts for the Chief Louis Centre have already been set out with the Sk’elep School and All Nations Trust Company. Gottfriedson said they will partly focus on bringing in businesses from outside Kamloops. This year will also see the TIB focus on the naturalresource sector, working with government and industry to manage resources and enhance the regional economy. “I think our biggest opportunity is looking at the natural resource area as well,” Gottfriedson said. “Our number one priority is if we look after the land, the land will look after us, and creating those partnerships that look at long-term sustainability is key.” The 350-tenant Mt. Paul industrial park, where Horizon North has expanded its operation, is also being redeveloped. A number of industrial and commercial properties are open for immediate lease in the area.

QUALITY LIME & STONE PRODUCTS Q THAT IMPROVE YOUR WORLD GRAYMONT’S PAVILION LIME PLANT located 35 kms NW of Cache Creek on Hwy 99, has been in operation since 1974 and currently employs 40 people. The mine is situated on Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation land and has a lease agreement with them. The Pavilion Plant is proud of its strong and lasting relationship with Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation. Graymont looks forward to helping to improve our environment, contributing to communities as a good neighbor, and adding value as a responsible business partner. Graymont strives to continue to provide high quality products to our customers all across North America.

FRIDAY, June 19, 2015

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PROUD OF OUR ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY

ABORIGINAL VOICE

Shane Gottfriedson has been the Tk’emlups Indian Band chief for four terms, but will not seek re-election. He is running for the office of Assembly of First Nations regional chief of B.C. The vote takes place June 25.

New chapter for chief

Gottfriedson looking to make impact at provincial level

hane Gottfriedson had two announcements to make in early May at the Tk’emlups Indian Band’s Moccasin Square Gardens. Gottfriedson is running for the office of Assembly of First Nations regional chief of B.C. and Yukon and, regardless of the outcome of that vote on June 25, he will not seek re-election in November as chief of the TIB. Gottfriedson was the first candidate for regional chief as the 203 First Nations communities in B.C. prepared to decide which candidate will succeed Jody WilsonRaybould. Gottfriedson was first elected TIB chief in 2003 and has served four successive three-year terms. He told KTW he has decided to forgo a shot at a fifth term this November because it was time to focus on the next step in his career. “I think 12 years of community service is a good run,” Gottfriedson said. “I think it’s time for me to look at a new career path. I think I’ll always be a leader

in the community. “I think’s it’s time I let someone else lead our community.” Gottfriedson did muse about running for national chief last year after the sudden resignation of Shawn Atleo, but decided against a campaign. “I think I can make a greater impact at the provincial level,” Gottfriedson said. “My work in the community speaks for itself. I’ve got a proven track record.” Gottfriedson ran for regional chief in 2009 and came within nine votes of sitting in that office. “This time, I’m taking a different perspective into this campaign,” he said. In the past several weeks he has been visiting as many of the 203 First Nations communities in B.C. as possible. In his speech to TIB community members in May, Gottfriedson said there has been a lack of leadership in B.C. in the past six years. “Land claims scare the hell out of investors,” he said. “If you treat me and my people fairly, there is nothing to be afraid of. “We will not back down, but the door is always open

to a fair deal.” Arguing Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government has continued a policy of “extinguishing native peoples’ land rights,” Gottfriedson said it is time for a unified approach to aboriginal title rights and treaty. “Canada and B.C. have learned we can be their greatest ally or their darkest nightmare,” he said. “The choice is obvious.” As for issues like the controversial proposal Ajax mine in Kamloops, Gottfriedson pointed to the twice-denied Prosperity mine project in the Chilcotin as proof industry needs to start working with the communities. “I think we’ve worked hard at the idea of building relationships,” he said. “We have a proven record with New Gold.” If Gottfriedson does succeed in his quest for the regional chief’s position, it will come with a significant pay raise. Outgoing regional chief Wilson-Raybould, while opposing the First Nations Financial Transparency Act last summer, sent out a tweet, announcing her salary as being $107,645.92.

Celebrating

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FRIDAY, June 19, 2015

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ABORIGINAL VOICE SUPPORTING SERVICES

Joining together to mark the significant financial donation of $3,852.38 from White Buffalo Aboriginal and Metis Health Society to Interior Community Services are representatives from throughout the community. From left: White Buffalo Aboriginal and Metis Health Society executive director Jeanie Cardinal, Thompson Rivers University Human Services program practicum student Kelsey Arnouse, White Buffalo alcohol and drug counsellor Charles Campbell, A Way Home founder Katherine McParland, Phoenix Centre A Way Home committee chairperson Leanne Kopytko, Interior Community Services COO Shelly Bonnah and City of Kamloops housing and homeless project manager Claire Macleod.

Learning and moving forward together A new-found freedom, pursuit of harmony Weyt-kp xwexwéytep. Colleen Mosterd-McLean ren skwekwst. Te T’Kemlúps re stek-wen. This Aboriginal Day, I invite the reader to become educated in the history of the Tk’emlúp te Secwépemc people. This is a glimpse of my personal family history: My mother, Marlene Jensen, was born in the summer of 1947. She spent the first, and only, five years of her childhood being raised on the reserve by her parents Eddie and Matilda Jensen. Mom had five brothers and four sisters. She never had the opportunity to be in the family home with all of her siblings. She had the opportunity to know her parents as caregivers until age five. She was influenced and exposed to Secwepemc culture and

COLLEEN MOSTERDMCLEAN Aboriginal

VOICE

language until age five. She knew what family was only briefly. In September of 1952 everything she knew changed. Mom’s parents and older siblings knew first-hand what lay ahead for her at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, but were powerless to prevent it. I cannot imagine mom had any idea what lay ahead. What five-year-old could?

How could she know that the next 11 years of her life would involve hunger, fear, isolation, punishment and oppression? How could she know that this would all happen just five kilometres from her family home? How could she, at five years old, understand this was happening to her because she was First Nations? Did she know that children living across the river were allowed to live at home and grow up knowing their parents and siblings? How could she understand that a man, many provinces away, who prided himself in creating “Canada” thought this was what she needed in her life in order to be “civilized”? The Kamloops Indian Residential School founders and administrators pre-

vented thousands of children like mom from having the three necessities of life — biological needs, safety and love. As a result she, like many other residential school survivors, didn’t have the pleasure of longevity. Mom didn’t live to see her grandchildren graduate or marry. Mom never lived to hold a great grandbaby in her arms. Responsible Canadians need to educate themselves on what happened to the First Peoples of this country so we can move forward together. Please check out the Summary of the Final Report for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada at trc.ca. Colleen MosterdMcLean is a Tk’emlúps Indian Band councillor. Her portfolio is in social development.

City of Kamloops Office of the Mayor

National Aboriginal Day On behalf of my colleagues on City Council, we join you in celebrating National Aborginal Day. We are proud of our long-standing relationships with both the local First Nations bands and the Kamloops and area Metis. We look forward to a day of celebration and recognition on June 21st. Sincerely, Mayor Peter Milobar Councillor Donovan Cavers Councillor Ken Christian Councillor Dieter Dudy Councillor Tina Lange

Councillor Arjun Singh Councillor Marg Spina Councillor Patricia Wallace Councillor Denis Walsh

www.kamloops.ca

Since the Chilcotin decision, the TteS (Kamloops Indian Band) has been very busy entertaining prospective business in our reserve and surroundings traditional territory. There is a mixture of leasing and joint ventures. The new found freedom that we are experiencing is uplifting and instills the feeling of independence, a feeling that I want to get used to. When our chiefs in 1910 wrote the Sir Wilfred Laurier Memorial, they offered to share everything equal on a 50/50 basis with the province. Today our chiefs say the same thing. We are not against development, but there

By working “ together, court

RICHARD JULES

Aboriginal

VOICE

is a better way to do development and protect our environment. By working together, court costs and time can be saved as well as endangered species, fish habitat, forests, waters, etc. As was stated in the Memorial to the settlers, “Keep your land, you bought it in good faith, our fights is with

costs and time can be saved as well as endangered species, fish habitat, forests, waters, etc.

”

the government, who claims all lands.” I look forward to working together in the pursuit of harmony and good will, in our traditional lands. Richard Jules is a Tk’emlúps Indian Band councillor. His portfolio is in lands, leasing and taxation.

FRIDAY, June 19, 2015

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ABORIGINAL VOICE

Powwow in its 36th year

amloopa Powwow has grown into one of the largest celebrations of First Nations culture in Western Canada. The powwow represents many years of stories and events of Aboriginal culture, celebrated over three days at the Secwepemc Powwow grounds alongside the South Thompson River, running this year from July 31 to Aug. 2. The Shuswap Brothers and Sisters Society held the first Kamloopa Powwow in 1979. In 1993, in conjuction with the Canada Summer Games, the Tk’emlups Arbour was built. Upon the retirement of the Shuswap Brothers and Sisters Society in 2000, the Kamloopa Powwow Society was created. The first powwow orga-

nized by the new non-profit organization was held in 2001 and Delyla Daniels became president of the Society in 2002. The society is organizing its 15th powwow this year but the 36th Kamloopa Powwow since the event’s inception. Daniels, who is still president of the Society, began her involvement with Kamloopa Powwow at the age of 11 in the early 1990s. Beginning with concession work, she later learned about the legwork behind the powwow at age 14. “The powwow is literally organized by a handful of people and it’s all done by volunteers,” Daniels said. At the first powwow in 1979, there was one drum and maybe 20 dancers. Today, the powwow plays host to around 20 drums, hundreds of dancers, awards over $77,000 in prize payout and attracts upwards

KTW FILE PHOTO

The 36th annual Kamloopa Powwow is set for July 31 to Aug. 2, 2015.

of 20,000 attendees from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Washington and Idaho. “Our people historically have always travelled and shared song and dance,” Daniels said. “In our eyes, we are welcoming the visitors to our territory.” This will be the sixth year for the drumming contest, which pays out $30,000 in prize money to five drumming groups. This year’s host drum hails from North

Dakota. Categories include traditional, chicken, jingle, grass, fancy feather and fancy shawl for adult, teen and junior. In addition to the regular dances, there is a selection of specials, which are hosted by families. This year Shane Gottfriedson will host a men’s fancy special to honour his three terms as chief. Chief and council host specials each year, which

signifies council recognizing visitors, and Miss Kamloopa presents a special. This year, Julian Brave NoiseCat from Canim Lake will host a men’s traditional special honouring his recently awarded degree. A grand entry takes place everyday, at 7 p.m. on the opening night and then at 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Powwow also welcomes non-First Nations people to partake, learn and

enjoy. Kamloopa Powwow is known for its special competition which invites nonAboriginal people to try the traditional dances. Daniels called it one of the highlights of the powwow. “We are open to having all people come and attend and witness this celebration,” Daniels said. “We do encourage nonAboriginal people to attend and ask questions.”

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FRIDAY, June 19, 2015

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ABORIGINAL VOICE

Honouring the last hereditary chief 100th anniversary of beloved Chief Louis’ death

his year Tk’emlups te Secwepemc honors the 100th anniversary of the passing of Chief Louis Xle xleh xken, the last hereditary chief of Kamloops. The role of hereditary chief is an inherited position through kinship. However, if the elders saw the delegate as unfit for the role, they could pass over the delegate and appoint another. Chief Louis was born in 1828, and became chief in the 1850s. He held his position as chief for over 60 years, a testament to the faith the community had in his leadership. During Chief Louis’ life he saw many changes to his land and his people. At the beginning of his career as chief he witnessed the gold rush and, with that, the

He was generally recognized as one of the “ ablest chiefs in the Interior. He was a man of keen intelligence, very diplomatic in all business connected with the interests of his people and he will be missed by them.

”

— KAMLOOPS SENTINEL, APRIL 16, 1915

small pox epidemic that brought devastation to the Secwepemc population. He witnessed the introduction of churches and schools, the building of the railroad and highway and the influx of colonial settlement. Chief Louis worked tirelessly to guide his people through these changes. In 1862, the Kamloops Reserve was established by Governor James Douglas. This original reserve was later reduced significantly by Douglas’ successor Joseph Trutch. Chief Louis, and other chiefs, objected to this

reduction and he spent the rest of his life working towards an agreement with the provincial and federal governments, as well as the Crown, to return the original reserve allotments. He is best remembered for this work, as well as the Laurier Memorial, presented to Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier by the chiefs in Kamloops in 1910. Chief Louis also had a great love for horses and, according to Hudson’s Bay Company records, owned several. He also had a fondness for horse racing

and attended races in Kamloops and the surrounding area, sometimes with his daughter Victoria as rider. The late Tk’emlups te Secwepemc elder Tessie Dillabough described Chief Louis as well loved by the people, especially children. “He was a wonderful man. “All the children loved him and we all called him grandpa,” she says. Chief Louis passed away April 12, 1915. His funeral was attended by more than 1,000 aboriginal and nonaboriginal mourners.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SECWEPEMC MUSEUM ARCHIVES Chief Louis is known for negotiating for more land for his people, even travelling to England to plead his case, and presenting the Laurier Memorial to Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier.

The Kamloops Sentinel reported on April 16, 1915, “He was generally recognized as one of the ablest chiefs in the Interior. “He was a man of keen intelligence, very diplo-

matic in all business connected with the interests of his people and he will be missed by them.” — Submitted by Carryl Armstrong, Secwepemc Museum and Archives

The Village of Chase is proud to celebrate National Aboriginal Day in the South Thompson, honouring the heritage, culture and values of the many Secwepemc communities. Sunday, June 21, 2015

Honoured oured d to to Support Supportt tthe he SSafety affetty and d Wellbeing Wellb of MéƟss Children Ch hildren and d Families Families in Kamloops Kamlo oops and MerriƩ MerrriƩ

Our Vision Our vision is that all Metis children, youth and families live with love, honour, dignity and respect knowing they belong to a strong, proud People with a unique heritage and cultural identity. Our Mission As Metis people we have the right and responsibility to care for and support the safety and wellbeing of Metis children, youth and families. As a Metis child and family services agency, we aspire to continue our Nation’s legacy of being self-sufficient and resilient by: • Working respectfully with all levels of government to promote strong, healthy Metis children, youth and families; • Offering family programming and child safety services that are embedded in and delivered with love, compassion, respect; • Ensuring these services are consistent with Metis traditions, values and ways of caring for and honouring one another; • Cultivating and nurturing a sense of belonging to one’s Metis community and cultural identity; • Promoting and demonstrating reconciliation in Metis child and family services.

We urge you to join in the many gathering events happening throughout the region to make new friends and learn about the significance of the Secwepemc culture in the beautiful Shuswap.

THE THE

FRIDAY, June 19, 2015

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ABORIGINAL VOICE

Exhibits up to 10,000 years old share Secwepemc history

he Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park is a place to experience the cultural history of the First Nations people of this area. “If you don’t know your history and your culture, you don’t know where you’re from,” said museum manager Dan Saul. The museum exhibits incorporate the oral history and legends of the Secwepemc people, along with historical photographs, illustrations and artifacts. Also on display are birch canoes, a summer mat lodge and exhibits on hunting, fishing, clothing, games, food gathering and cooking. Saul said artifacts in the museum are up to almost 10,000 years old. The museum is also used as a repository and has hundreds of artifacts discovered through archeological digs. Saul said they are plan-

ning to rearrange areas to include more contemporary ways of life, to contrast the past to the present. “It’s just to introduce people and to educate people on the culture of the First Nations people in this area,” Saul said, adding many history books include historical information on nations in other areas, such as in the east or in the south, but the Secwepemc Museum tells the story of the local First Nations community. He said it’s important for the history to be portrayed by the Secwepemc people. “It’s representing how we see it and that way people learn things they didn’t realize before,” he said. The heritage park is located on the banks of the South Thompson River on a 12-acre property and is a complement to the museum. A one-kilometre stretch of trail leads visitors through the remains of a 2,000-year-old Shuswap winter village site, four reconstructed winter pit

houses and a summer village. The village features a tule mat lodge, hunting lean-to, fish-drying rack, fish trap, smoke house and traditional plant foods. The heritage park also features the Secwepemc Ethnobotanical Gardens. The gardens are divided into five zones, each representing a different ecosystem found within the Secwepemc territory. Interpretive signs located at each garden describe the ecosystem in which the plants grow naturally. The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park welcomes visitors from across the globe, including Europe, Australia and the U.S. The museum has a contract with the KamloopsThompson School district, with each school visiting the museum for tours and cultural presentations. Secwepemc Museum educator Jackie Jules does cultural presentations in the museum and at schools on traditional foods, plants,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SECWEPEMC MUSEUM AND HERITAGE PARK

fishing, homes, residentialschool history, transportation, tools, technology and more. The Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park is located at 200-330 Chief Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops.

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FRIDAY, June 19, 2015

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ABORIGINAL VOICE

Remembrance with each ring

Church bells toll for missing and murdered aboriginal women

ith each pull of the bell rope at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mary Garmin remembered her sister, Rosemarie Roper. “I think she’s probably smiling up there somewhere, my sister,” Garmin said through tears. Roper was killed in 1967, found dead in a dump after leaving home to attend a school dance. It was for women like Roper that the bells atop St. Paul’s Cathedral rang 1,181 times on June 10. They joined the bells of Anglican churches across the country, as witness to the need for a royal commission to investigate the deaths and disappearances of as many aboriginal women across Canada since 1980. The event was a part of the Anglican Church’s

DAVE EAGLES/KTW Mary Garmin is a residential school survivor. She was the first to ring the church bell on June 10 at St. Paul’s Anglican church.

22 days of prayer and renewal, an initiative marking the end of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which

addressed the troubled legacy of Indian Residential Schools in Canada. It was also another step in an attempt to reconcile

Celebrating National Aboriginal Day Today, and everyday, the Liberal Party of Canada recognizes and celebrates all Aboriginal peoples in this country. I acknowledge that the Kamloops-ThompsonCariboo electoral riding is within the traditional territory of the Secwepemc peoples and thank you for allowing us to celebrate this day with you, on your ancestral lands.

on behalf of the church, which worked with the federal government for almost a century in residential schools. According to bishop Barbara Andrews, the event had two goals. “One, that we let the public know an important story and our role to be a part of finding out about the history of our First Nations people and the need for us to stand with them,” she said. The event had special significance for Andrews, whose father attended residential school in Hobema, Alta., for six years. Her three older brothers also spent time in the schools. “But, for us as a church, it’s very important to us — especially for us who were a part of the damage

that was done to survivors through St. George’s Lytton — it’s very important for us to never forget our past and our role in it and to constantly be reminded that we need to do better.” Garmin, who is also a survivor of the residential school system, having attended St. Joseph’s Mission school for eight years, was the first bell ringer at St. Paul’s Cathedral. For more than an hour the bells rang, giving voice to women who no longer had theirs. The 550th ring may have been for Tamara Lynn Chipman, last seen in Prince Rupert in 2005, hitchhiking along Highway 16, the infamous Highway of Tears. The 890th could have been for Maureen Mosie of Kamloops, last seen alive in Salmon Arm in May of 1981 and found dead in a runaway-truck lane a day later. The 1,181st sounding, the last, might well have been for the Tk’emlups Indian Band’s Samantha Paul, whose skull was found south of Barnhartvale in June of 2014, after she was missing for nearly a year. While Garmin focused on her sister during her rings, she also thought of all the others. “All the ones that died,” she said. “There’s some we don’t know where they’re at and there are still some that are wandering around.” On a paper heart at the front of the church, the words “For those who never came home again”

summed up the thoughts of the more than 50 people filtering in and out of the church throughout the day. Parishioners joined with others impacted by Canadian residential schools in the event. “I’m just so happy to see everybody come out to acknowledge it and take ownership of it, that these things have happened and that they’re willing to change,” said Shirley Henderson. Henderson, of Dawson City, Yukon, had aunts and uncles enrolled in the residential school system. And, while he didn’t have any direct connection to the school system, parishioner Duncan MacRae had rung the St. Paul’s bell about 40 times when he spoke to KTW. “I recall, as a youth on the prairies, the role of the aboriginal schools was still very much a part of our every day life there,” said MacRae, who grew up in Regina. “Nobody thought too much about it, but then, we didn’t understand what the schools were about at the time.” Every April 6 — the day Rosemarie was killed — Mary remembers her sister. Sometimes, she goes to the Thompson River and says a prayer for her. She includes a prayer for all the other missing and murdered women out there. “I don’t think I’d change anything because I think, the way the world’s going, I think my sister’s in a better place,” Garmin said. “It’s like April 6 all over again. “It’s an emotional day.”

Wishing everyone a wonderful day, STEVE POWRIE

National Aboriginal Day

The District of Logan Lake is proud of their successful partnership with the Lower Nicola Indian Band in the Ironstone Ridge Residential Development in Logan Lake.

Kamloops Thompson Cariboo www.StevePowrie.ca

We join you in celebrating National Aboriginal Day on Sunday, June 21. Mayor Robin Smith Councillor Claire Newman Councillor Jim Noble Councillor Al Smith

Councillor June Waddell Councillor Charlie Weir Councillor Garry Youd

FRIDAY, June 19, 2015

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

2015 Aboriginal Day “New Gold and Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc, as represented by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and the Skeetchestn Indian Bands “Working together for a Stronger Future”

New Gold ell Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc, ell Tk’emlúpsemc ell Skeetchestnemc te Secwépemc, “Me7 élkstwecw-kt es p’7ecws yegwyégwt-kt” New Afton recognizes National Aboriginal Day on Saturday June 21, a date chosen for the symbolic nature of the Summer solstice, and an opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal peoples. We hope the day’s events are filled with sunshine and celebration. New Gold continues to be proud of its relationship with the Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation (SSN). With 23% Aboriginal employment, New Afton celebrates our joint success in sustainability initiatives and will continue to work towards a stronger relationship.

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FRIDAY, June 19, 2015