Aboriginal Voice

TK’EMLUPS

BONAPARTE

ADAMS LAKE

SPLATSIN

WHISPERING PINES

SKEETCHESTN

NESKONLITH

SHUSWAP

SEMPCW

VOICE OUR MISSION:

To promote & ensure the physical, mental, emotional & spiritual well-being of our people and community.

tkemlups.ca

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FRIDAY, June 17, 2016

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

2016 National Aboriginal Day “New Gold and Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation (SSN), 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 Tuesday, 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.

New Afton welcomes your feedback. Call us at 250.377.2100 or email us at info@newgold.com Follow us on Twitter @NewAfton www.newgold.com

FRIDAY, June 17, 2016

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

VOICE

National Aboriginal Day

Celebrate on June 21 at Tk’emlups Powwow Grounds

J

une 21 is the 20th anniversary of 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.

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 culture 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.

— Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

In Kamloops

Celebrate aboriginal culture in Kamloops on June 21 at the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Powwow Grounds: • From noon to 5 p.m.: Museum and heritage park tours, Lahal tournament, Moccasin Mile, hand drumming and dancing

by Sage Hills, concessions, bouncy castles, face painting, games, volleyball, badminton, hula hoop, arts and crafts, Uncle Chris the Clown, watermelon-eating contest, 50/50 and more. Post photos to social media using #KamNAD16 for a chance to win a prize.

• From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Performances

by Oppi Oppenheim, Waylon Moar and Jeremy Kneeshaw. Fireworks at 10 p.m.

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 local First Nations and the Kamloops and area Metis.

We look forward to a day of celebration and recognition on June 21st.

Sincerely, Mayor Peter Milobar

6-275 Seymour Street Kamloops, BC V2C 2E7

cathy.mcleod.c1@parl.gc.ca www.cathymcleod.ca

PH: 250-851-4991 FX: 250-851-4994

Councillor Donovan Cavers Councillor Ken Christian Councillor Dieter Dudy Councillor Tina Lange www.kamloops.ca

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

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VOICE ‘Believe in your people’ Chief Fred Seymour still focused on membership, development

W Fred Seymour was elected chief of the Tk’emlups Indian Band in November after sitting on council for 15 years KTW FILE PHOTO

Celebrating unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of the Aboriginal peoples.

hen Fred Seymour ran for council 16 years ago, equality was his inspiration. He wanted to fight for fairness for himself and his people — a desire that held strong when he ran for chief last year.

The decision to enter his name didn’t come easily, but the council veteran came out on top, succeeding Shane Gottfriedson — now regional chief for Assembly Of First Nations.

Gottfriedson served as chief for more than 10 years. The role has been held by only three people since 1984.

“The main reason I ran for council back in the day was for fairness, equality and being paid the same rate as the people across the river,” Seymour said.

“Being a worker in my own band for how many years, going to town and sitting with my friends I graduated with and hearing what they were making and what I was making — it was night and day. So, kind of an uphill battle.”

Before making his foray into politics, Seymour worked in various positions with the band, collecting garbage, painting, farming, construction.

He spoke of helping carpenters through the Red Seal program and watching them graduate and move forward to make a better life for their young families.

His roots in the workforce still influence his political concerns for the Tk’emlups Indian Band and its 1,000 members.

“That’s one of my major concerns, education in the workforce,” Seymour said.

“We have the capacity in areas that I know in my heart we can do, like form our own construction company. You have to believe in your own people. They get certified and what do we do? We don’t use them.”

Seymour wants to see young members mentored within the band offices to facilitate their transition into the workforce, supported with a job and, ulti-

mately, a better life.

Interest in general band meetings is up.

Seymour believes the improved attendance is largely due to the 50 per cent turnover in council after the November election.

“It’s good for sustainability and teaching new leaders,” Seymour said.

“With this council, we considered ourselves to be open-minded and listen to the people. That’s what we’re here for. That’s what our oath is. They are the ones who put us in this position and there should be no rhyme or reason why we shouldn’t be listening and delivering the message they want.”

Seymour entered the current term with a focus on economic development and said creating new revenue for the band is a top priority in order to continue to sustain and grow its services.

The focus is on the Seven Mile lands surrounding the CN main yard along Highway 5 North, which calls for mix of industrial and commercial development. The challenge is stretching infrastructure into the lands, but Seymour said the band is making “baby steps” toward the goal.

The band continues to work towards redeveloping the Chief Louis Centre lands, south of Shuswap Road where the local school, administrative offices and All Nations Trust Company sit. There are six vacant, serviced lots, which could attract a diverse set of retail businesses.

The band is working on its independent review of the proposed Ajax mine in conjunction with the Skeetchestn Indian Band.

Seymour said the results of the panel review should be released in three months.

The band also continues to pursue its day scholar class-action lawsuit, launched in 2012, seeking compensation on behalf of aboriginal Canadians who attended residential school, but didn’t live there.

TIB council

COUN. ROSANNE CASMIR LANDS, LEASING, TAX

COUN. JEANETTE JULES NATURAL RESOURCES

COUN. KATY GOTTFRIEDSON SHARED SERVICES/ DAY SCHOLARS

COUN. HOWARD CAMPBELL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

COUN. NACOMA GEORGE HOUSING, PLANNING, ENGINEERING

COUN. VIOLA THOMAS EDUCATION

COUN. EAGLE CASMIR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

FRIDAY, June 17, 2016

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VOICE MARCHAND MEMORIAL Len Marchand Sr. was remembered Saturday as about 500 people attended his memorial service at the Tk’emlups Indian Band Powwow Grounds Arbour.

Under grey skies, family, friends and politicians gathered to share their memories of the former MP and senator from Kamloops.

“Len Marchand earned his place in history as a champion of democracy,” said Shane Gottfriedson (left), the current Assembly of First Nations B.C. regional chief and former TIB chief who was master of ceremonies for the service.

“In the face of great adversity, he persevered and was steadfast in championing the values that bind us in our common humanity.”

Marchand died on June 3 at age 82. He is survived by wife, Donna Parr, daughter Lori Marchand and son Len Marchand Jr. Both children spoke at the service.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

Little Fawn Nursery Quality Preschool for Children In Our Community

Our Children are Our Future Little Fawn Nursery supports individual and collective agency as given by Creator. We provide a dedicated educational Nursery service based on respect, caring and cultural significance. We encourage the children to practice independent decision making as a rehearsal for their future as active members and leaders in our community.

Established in 1967

Our Philosophy:

• To provide a quality preschool program based on individual progress and development • To respect each child as a unique individual with rights and responsibilities • To provide a safe, secure and loving learning environment • To educate based on the belief that parents are above all primary in all child life and learning

Secwepemc language immersion program, with traditional songs and dances.

250-828-9734 • jessica.arnouse@kib.ca • 360 Chief Alex Thomas Way

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VOICE LEARNING THE CULTURE

Students from several North Shore elementary schools took part in the fourth annual Aboriginal Day at Bert Edwards science and technology school on June 3. Students rotated through stations where local educators taught a wide range of lesson about aboriginal history and culture. To see more pictures, go online to kamloopsthisweek.com.

DAVE EAGLES/KTW

Secwepemc history archived at museum

T

he Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park is a place to learn the cultural history of the First Nations people of the Thompson Valley.

While history books chronicle historical information about aboriginal peoples, the Secwepemc museum provides a unique perspective into the local First Nations community that has called the banks of the Thompson River home for thousands of years.

The museum exhibits incorporate the oral history and legends of the Secwepemc people, along with historical photographs,

illustrations and artifacts.

The museum is used as a repository and has hundreds of artifacts discovered through archeological digs.

Artifacts displayed in the museum are up to 10,000 years old.

The collection is so large, archivist Carryl Armstrong said, space is very limited.

She is looking into different strategies to store artifacts, including partnering with other repositories throughout the province.

Additionally, a five-hectare park includes more than a kilometre of trails through the archeological remains of a Secwepemc winter village.

The trail leads visitors through the remains of the

2,000-year-old village site, four reconstructed winter pit houses and a summer village. The village features a tule mat lodge, hunting leanto, fish-drying rack, fish trap, smoke house and traditional plant foods.

The heritage park also features the Secwepemc Ethnobotanical Gardens, 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 is located at 200-330 Chief Alex Thomas Way.

The Sewepemc Museum also acts as a repository for archeological artifacts.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SECWEPEMC MUSEUM AND HERITAGE PARK

Learn from the elders at Eagle Eye Gifts 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.

We join you in celebrating National Aboriginal Day on Tuesday, June 21.

Mayor Robin Smith Councillor Claire Newman Councillor Jim Noble Councillor Al Smith

Councillor June Waddell Councillor Charlie Weir Councillor Garry Youd

Eagle Eye First Nations Gifts at 442 Victoria St. hosts several cultural and crafting events. Here are some it has coming up: • Saturday, June 18: Learn how to make pine needle baskets with Elder Minnie Kenoras of the Neskonlith Indian Band. This is a hands-on, interactive workshop with many stories to be shared. All supplies and materials will be provided. Cost is $35 per person. Class will start at 10:30 a.m. Call 250372-1114 to reserve a spot.

• Saturday, June 25: Genealogy Workshop with Christie Wong. Learn how to start researching your family history and how to record and create your own family tree. Wong will share skills she learned while tracking her family history. Cost is $10 per person.

Workshop will start at 10:30 a.m. Call 250372-1114 to reserve a spot.

• Saturday, July 2: Join Laurie and learn how to create from your soul during this interactive and healing workshop. With 10 years experience in creating soul path portraits, Laurie will guide you to connect with your intuition and find a consistent way to get intuitive messages through art. Cost is $45 per person. Bring your own sketch pad and pencil. Workshop starts at 2:30 p.m. There will also be four appointments available in the morning. Call 250-372-1114 to reserve a spot.

• Saturday, July 9 Medicine workshop with June Kelly, a certified herbal practitioner who will share her knowledge with the class. Workshop will start at 10:30 a.m. More details coming.

For more information on events at Eagle Eye Gifts, visit the Facebook page.

FRIDAY, June 17, 2016

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VOICE

Celebrating First Nations culture

K

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 29 to July 31.

Organized by a handful of volunteers, Kamloopa Powwow attracts people from throughout B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Washington and Idaho.

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 organized by the new non-prof-

it organization was held in 2001.

At the original powwow held 37 years ago, there was one drum and maybe 20 dancers.

Today, the powwow plays host to around 20 drums, hundreds of dancers, awards almost $80,000 in prize payout and attracts upwards of 20,000 attendees.

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.

Chief and council host specials each year, which signifies council recognizing visitors. 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 nonFirst Nations people to partake, learn and enjoy.

Kamloopa Powwow is known for its special competition which invites non-Aboriginal people to try the traditional dances.

The 37th annual Kamloopa Powwow is set for July 29 to July 31, 2016.

KTW FILE PHOTOS

34th Annual Shuswap Gathering August 19, 20 & 21, 2016

Hosted by Skeetchestn Indian Band

Tuesday, June 21, 2016 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.

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.

A Weekend Packed With Activities!

Canoe Journey • Unity Ride • Motorcycle Run Softball Tournament • Ball Hockey Tournament Kids Fun Zone • Youth & Adult Dance Live Entertainment • Pow Wow • Cultural Workshops

FREE EVENT!

Campground Centrally Located Ph: 250-373-2493 • Fax: 250-373-2494 www.skeetchestn.ca

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FRIDAY, June 17, 2016

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

Come and celebrate the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day

Everyone Welcome to join in celebrating 2016 National Aboriginal Day

When:

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Where:

Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Pow Wow Grounds 100–345 Powow Trail Kamloops, B.C.

12PM – 10PM

for more information please feel free to contact:

Lyle Paul

Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Marketing Coordinator W:250.828.9775 C: 250.318.7493 lyle.paul@kib.ca

Nikki Fraser

Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Chief & Council Secretary W: 250.314.1557 nickole.fraser@kib.ca

Monica Parker

Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Communications Coordinator W: 250.828.9736 C: 250.319.0043 monica.parker@kib.ca

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Thank you to all of our sponsors

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Spectacular Fireworks display at 10PM

by: NightLights Fireworks Inc.