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Self Governing #200-355 Yellowhead Hwy.
Kamloops B.C. V2H 1H1
Culture
Phone: (250)828-9700

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Fax: (250)372-8833
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 Welcome
The Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc, formally known as the Kamloops Indian Band, was established in 1862
under the direction of Governor James Douglas. 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 word “Tk’emlúps” (tik-kumm-loops) means “where the rivers meet” and for centuries has been the
home of the Tk’emlupsemc --the ‘people of the confluence.

Tk’emlύps Reserve # 1 is the largest reserve in British Columbia and has traditionally held great
economic importance for our Secwepemc Nation as it is the hub of historical traffic and trade routes.
Approximately 1,100 members strong, it is one of 17 Secwepemc Nation Bands. Tk’emlύps is regarded
as one of the most progressive First Nations in Canada.

“Where the Rivers Meet”

Mission Statement

To provide leadership, services, and opportunities to our community by focusing on our

people, land, resources organizational structure and asserting jurisdiction.

TteS will accomplish this by ensuring all stakeholders accept individual and
collective responsibility and accountability with a focused, supportive approach to service
delivery.
Vision Statement

Guided by our ancestors, we, the Tk’emlupsemc ne Secwepemcul’ecw are proud caretakers
who strive to secure and protect our lands and exercise our rights for the greatest good for
our people, for future generations

Values Statement

With Teamwork we create action and pride

2 Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc
History
Chief Louis, born in 1828, was the
Tk’emlúps Indian Band Chief (Kukpi7)
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 the St. Joseph’s Church.

He was most recognized as one of the

most distinguished chiefs in the interior
having made several trips to Ottawa in
an attempt to negotiate more land for
his people. On one occasion, Chief Louis
traveled to England to plead his case in
front of Queen Victoria.

His remarkable leadship did much to

improve the oppressed condition of
his people during the critical period of
white settlement. A painted portrait of
Chief Louis hangs in the current Chief’s
office.

Secwepemctsin is the language of the Secwepemc people

Secwepemctsin contains the cultural, ecological, and

historical knowledge which includes: values, beliefs,
rituals, songs, stories, social & political structures and
spirituality of the people. The Secwepemc view all aspects of
their knowledge, including language, as vitally linked to the
land. This knowledge, passed down to the next generations
orally, contained the teachings necessary for maintenance of
Secwepemc culture and identity.

Homestead Interior Chiefs {1860}

Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc 3
 Chief and Council
In accordance with the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc custom election regulations, a general band meet-
ing is held every three years to select one Chief and a Council to guide the community’s direction
and interests. Members of the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc are nominated by community members
and then nominees choose whether or not to run for Chief and/or Council. Each elected official is
appointed to one primary portfolio, one secondary portfolio and a back-up. Currently, there is one
Chief and a Council of seven members. The Chief and Council work to ensure the best interests of
the band membership as well as provide leadership and decision making.

Tk’emlúps Indian Band Chief and Council: (From left to right) Rosanne Casimir, Connie Leonard, Fred Seymour, Chief
Shane Gottfriedson, George Casimir, Evelyn Camille, Jeanette Jules and Dolan Paul.

4 Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc
Chief and Council
Chief Shane Gottfriedson

Re-elected in December 2009, Chief Shane Gottfriedson is now serving

his 3rd term as Chief of the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc.

A former Ironworker with a strong entrepreneurial inclination, Shane

Gottfriedson is the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc’s 12th Chief.

He diligently seeks to create economic opportunities to

benefit Tk’emlúps people in a meaningful, sustainable economic
environment that creates jobs and partnerships that provide
economic growth for our region.

Councillor Evelyn Camille Councillor Fred Seymour

Housing, Education, IRSS, Planning and Engineering,
CRM Business Development,
Shared Services

Councillor Jeanette Jules Councillor Connie Leonard

Cultural Resource Shared Services, Lands,
Management, Shared Housing
Services, Lands

Councillor George Casimir Councillor Rosanne Casimir

Business Develpoment, Lands, Housing, Business
Planning and Engineering, Development
Shared Services

Councillor Dolan Paul

Education, CRM, Planning
and Engineering

Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc 5
 Departments and Services
The Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc Band employs approximately 125 people and up to 150 people in the summer
months. Of these, more than 70% are Band members -- a proud tribute to the community’s
concentrated effort to build capacity and provide training opportunities for our people. Each department is
commited to providing professional and effecient attention to the programs and services it is responsible for.

Administration

The Administration department is one of the organizations largest

departments. The administration department is made up of
reception, executive assistants, secretaries, recording secrataries and
filing. This deparment makes sure that the organization runs as smoothly and
efficiently as possible.

Business Development

The Business Development department looks to develop new business/

economic developments on the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc Reserve. The
Tk’emlúps Indian Band is interested in forming joint venture investment
partnerships related to commercial, industrial and residential development
opportunities, as well as entertaining land lease tenant opportunities. They
look to establish employment and business opportunities for Band members
and are economically diversified. The department head is Niel Leonard and the
Ec. Dev. officer is Robert Corman. For more info call (250)828-9758.

Cultural Resource Management

The Cultural Resource Management department provides a range of services

aimed at developming the long-term stability and sustainability of the
natural resources within TteS traditional territiry. Forests, watersheds, fish, wild-
life, archeology and culturally-significant sites and language curriculum all fall
under the mandate of CRM., Department Head is Linda Thomas. For more info
call (250)314-1586.

Education

The Education department administers the education funding recieved each

year from Indian Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). They also develop policies
and guidelines for the Band so members recieve fair and equitable
treatment. They are guided by the philosophy that education is a
privelege gained through responsibility. The department head is Diena Jules.
For more information on education, funding or scholarships call
(250)828-9721.

Finanace

The Finance department manages the financial aspects of the band including:
budgeting, audits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, administration of
transfers, and payroll. The deparment head is financial controller (CFO) Andrina
Benazic and their is also a finance manager, two intermediate accountants,
accountants for accounts payable and receivable, payroll clerks and a
collections officer.

6 Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc
Departments and Services
Housing

The Housing department works to make sure that there is adequate on

reserve housing for Band members, an issue plagueing many First Nations
people. The deparment looks after elders homes, renovations, housing
development, first time infrastructure and works closely with INAC on
NORHA, RRAP and HASI projects. The housing department head is Dan
Rodgers. For more information call (250)828-9737.

Human Resources

The Human Resources department aspires to provide a comprehensive

human resource function to the TteS and its entities in support of the
organizational strategic plan. The HR department consists of an HR
manager, hr coordinator, hr assistant and the Occupational Health and
Satety Officer. Support is provided in areas of recruitment
and selection, employee relations, staff evalutation, wellness and
organizational strategic planning. The HR department head is David
Leroux. For more info call (250)372-9847.

Lands, Leasing and Taxation

The Lands, Leasing and Taxation department manages leasing, and land
administration under the bands delegation of authority, sections (53)1
and 60 of the Indian Act. The department is also responsible for property
taxation, building, and the development approval process. The department
head is lands administrator Freda Jules. For more information
call (250)314-1539.

Social Development

The Social Development department offers a broad range of services to

community members. The services range from income assistance,
homemaking for the elderly and disabled residents, community recreation,
counselling, and provides a community library. The department also runs
programs for youth, such as a youth group, counselling, and a variety of
personal growth workshops. This department also funds, coordinates and
delivers community events -- such as the community picnic, health fair and
woman’s retreat. Sandra Seymour is the S.D. department head.

Planning and Engineering

The Planning and Engineering department oversees the development of

new capital and infrustructure projects. It is responsible for the
management of the Tk’emlupsemc water treatment plant and all band
maintenance services which include road building and maintenance, snow
removal, garbage pick-up, grounds up-keep as well as security,
janitorial and by-law services. The department head is Jim Nastrom.
Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc 7
 Cultural Education
Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc Band members recognize that education is the fundamental key to continued survival
and success. We seek to empower our youth through education and social programs, and enhance young spirits
by encorporating our traditions and culture into every program. The Band has gone to great lengths to ensure
that proper education and training opportunities are available to Band members to help ensure prominant
futures for the people of Tk’emlúps.

Sk’elep School of Excellence-

The Sk’elep Elementary School is one of the

largest First Nations schools in B.C

The school offers elementary grades (full time)

kindergarten to grade seven, with a vision of
combining tradition with the tactics of modern
education in order to provide our children with
an encompassing future.

We believe the union of Aboriginal tradition and

academic excellence can live in one house, in
harmony, for the betterment of all.
The future of holistic native education lives here
in this house, our house.

Little Fawn Nursary-

Little Fawn Nursary offers quality care for children ages 3-5.
Little Fawn helps prepare children for the transition to
kindergarten with programs that encourage early social
and cognitive development and cultural pride. For more
about Little Fawn Nursary call (250) 828-9734.

Little Fawn Daycare-

Established in 1980, Little Fawn Daycare is a fully licensed

facility providing a safe and confortable environment
for children aged three months to 12 years. Traditional
drumming, singing, crafts, outings, hiking adventures
and activities at the Pow-Wow grounds help the children
become familiar with Secwepemc language and culture.
Fore more information on the daycare contact Rosemary
Casimir at (250)828-9767.

8 Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc
Learning Opportunities
TteS is commited to supporting quality education programs for all of our students from pre-school
through adulthood. The following initiatives, combined with a growing awareness of the life-long
value of education, help to account for the significant increase in the number of students enrolled
in, and successfully completing, secondary and post-secondary programs. The Band is also currently
working on developing more educational opportunites for our people, specifically in the area of trades
and technology.

Grad Incentive Program -

The grad incentive program provides high school students with an incentive
to thrive during their high school careers through graduation. The program
offers graduating students an incentive of $250 for completing their studies,
whilst providing a copy of their high school transcripts. The program is a great
way to show the youth that the Band is supporting their education.

After School Tutoring Program -

The after school tutoring program runs weekly at the Full Circle Youth Cen-
tre. A private tutor works with the students if they need assistance with their
school work, and the Centre provides a comfortable place for
students to get their work done.

Youth Summer Employment Program-

The Summer Employment Program hires approximately 20 students a

summer who work in TIB departments job shadowing. There they learn how
to work in a realistic job setting and find an area of specific interest.

There are also training programs offered to the youth so that when they do
reach their designated job post they will have some work skills. The
training for the program starts in mid April and the working starts at the end
of June. The program was started in 2007 and will hopefully continue into
the future. It creates work ethic, confidence and skills that are a stepping
stone to success. Students leave at the end of the summer with a sense of
pride and accomplishment.

Early Childhood Education and Nutrition Course -

This is a three week course offered through NVIT which has been condensed
into six days put on through the Education Department and NVIT. This is to
provide training to those working in or who wish to work in early childhood
education. This is one of the core courses that is necessary to work in the
childcare facility. Individuals who complete the course receive a certificate.
The Education Dept. is looking to put on more courses like this one in the
future.

Summer Camps-

Summer camps are a great learning opportunity for both those attending
camp, and those working the camps. The Band offers Tkeel Stem Summer
Camp and the Mad Science Program, both are great programs that teach
kids that learning can be fun. Each summer the camps are filled with the
youth and instructed by camp councillors who are Band members. The
camps provide an exceptional platform for learning while also providing
summer employment to Band members.
Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc 9
 Services & Programs
The Tk’emlúps Social Development Department offers
a long list of services and programs available to their
members. Throughout the year they also put on a
number of community events, workshops and courses.

Recreation and Sponsorship - To encourage our mem-

bers to explore a variety of recreational opportunities,
TteS provides financial assistance to help provide op-
portunities to participate in local athletics and perform-
ing arts programs.

TteS recently hired a Recreation Coordinator to help

provide a greater variety of opportunities for
membership at little to no cost.

Opportunities available include - First Nations

snowboard team, cross country skiing, speed skating,
curling, First Nations Jr. golf academy, canoe camp, and
lacrosse while also sponsoring youth to participate in
everything from hockey to karate. The Social Develop-
ment Dept. is a large sponsor of the Tk’emlups Cup
hockey tournament, bringing First Nations youth from
across North America together.

TteS Youth Group - The Youth Group was formed with

the intention of helping young people better
understand and cope with the pressures faced by First
Nations youth today. The youth group meets to share in
a wide variety of leisure, life skills and social experienc-
es. The youth choose topics they are interested in and
help with the planning and fundraising. The Full Circle
Youth Centre was developed as a meeting place and a
spot for youth to come and feel comfortable.

Events - The Social Development Department puts on

numerous events throughout the year including but
not limited to -- The annual women’s retreat, the elders
retreat, monthly elders luncheons, elders trips, a health
and wellness conference, community picnic, Sun Run
training group, family fun days at various locations and
numerous workshops - such as meat canning, bannock
making, drinking and driving awareness and more...

10 Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc
Cultural Heritage
Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park

The Tk’emlups Indian Band owns and operates its very own Museum and
Heritage Park showcasing attractive museum exhibits which offer
insight into the lifestyle and culture of the Secwepemc people. Museum
displays incorporate the oral history and legends of the Secwepemc people,
along with historical photographs, illustrations and artifacts.

Cultural displays extend in a 5 hectare Heritage Park located on the banks

of the South Thompson River. More than a km of trails lead visitors through
the archeological remains of a 2000 year old Shuswap winter village site and
unique ethnobotanical gardens featuring important markers about
traditional plant use. The village features four reconstructed winter pit
houses, summer tule mat lodges and various other structures.

Summer Hours
June 15th. to Labour Day Weekend
Seven days per week 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Closed Statutory Holidays.

Winter Hours
Labour Day to June 15th.
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Closed weekends and Statutory Holidays.

Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc 11
 Self Governing Initiatives
Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc has established a number of initiatives aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and
independence. Bylaws to regulate the management of resources and the administration of operations direct
legislation at the community level serve as important cornerstones to self-government. Ttes is one of the most
self reliant Bands in all of Canada and has worked hard to take the steps necessary to achieve this.

Taxation Bylaws -

When the TteS established the Mt. Paul Industrial Park in the 60’s the land was
conditionally surrendered under section 37 of the Indian Act. Further, the province had the right to collect
taxes from third party interests. In 1986, through the Kamloops Amendment, the Indian Act was amended
allowing First Nations to implement bylaws, assert jurisdiction, and levy taxes and other fees on designated
lands. In 1991, the Band collected property taxes from leasehold interests for the first time.

In addition to property taxation, the Band implemented the Kamloops Indian Band Sales Tax (KIBST) on liquor,
toboacco, and fuel purchases on our reserve lands. The KIBST is applicible to the goods and services tax
portion, and to both status and non-status persons.

Douglas Reserve Initiative (DRI) -

The Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc is one of 17 Bands within the Secwepemc

Nation. The Specific Claim of the TteS rises from the facts that our
Secwepemc people occupied and controlled these lands prior to
European contact. After contact, the settlers created their own form of Gov-
ernment and one of the things they did was to create the Band system and
a reserve system for our people. The peoples occupying the Kamloops area
were placed onto a list and an area of land was set aside for their use and
benefit. The original TteS reserve was 136,200 acres in size.

Several years later, our reserve lands were reduced without the consent of
the people or without compensation. The TteS never accepted this
reduction and in fact vigorously protested it until 1927 when the
government adopted laws to prevent the band and other First Nations from
actively pursuing land claims. More than 140 years have passed since our
reserve was cut-off. Our band members have never given up hope that one
day the provincial and federal governments would return these lands to the reserve as originally intended.

We have followed the process and policies that the government has developed to try and resolve our specific land claim. Not
surprisingly, these processes have not been successful or productive. Our Band feels that it’s time to start thinking outside the box,
that is, take the initiative to put forward a proposal, from our own people, that will show/illuminate the path that will need to be
taken in order for this matter to be put to rest.

The Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc has filed a claim in British Columbia Supreme Court to lands that were set apart as a reserve for them
under the administration of Governor James Douglas in 1862. The land, referred to as the “Douglas Reserve”, is adjacent to the
Tk’emlúps Band’s current main reserve located along the North and South Thompson Rivers.

In the Statement of Claim, filed December 17, 2009, the Tk’emlúps are asking the Court to declare that crown lands within the claim
area are lawfully reserve lands belonging to the Tk’emlúps. They are not asking the court to return privately held lands within the
Douglas Reserve but instead are asking for a declaration that Canada and the Province have a duty to make reasonable
efforts to acquire those lands for the Tk’emlúps from willing sellers. The Tk’emlúps also seek damages from the Crown for the
loss of these lands.The Tk’emlúps have been seeking to resolve this long-standing claim through negotiation in Canada’s Specific
Claims process for over two decades but Canada will not negotiate the claim and the Province is not part of the Specific Claims pro-
cess. They have therefore decided to take the claim to court.The claim has no effect on the existing Tk’emlúps reserve or any lease-
hold interests held by others in the existing reserve. Nor will the case have any effect on the business operations of the Tk’emlúps.
This is a long process that our people hope to see resolved in the near future.

12 Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc
Self Governing Initiatives

Cultural Bylaws-

Several bylaws are in effect to address environmental, eco-

logical and cultural concerns. One of these is the Heritage
Protection bylaw. This bylaw safeguards the Band’s tradition-
al use areas, its sacred spiritual and
culturally-significant sites and other areas of historical
importace.

Wildlife Conservation Ordinance-

To ensure that members manage wildlife

within their territory in a responsible
manner, TteS enacted the Wildlife Conser-
vation Ordinance. This document states
that hunting, fishing, trapping and tak-
ing of wildlife is permitted soley for the
purpose of food, clothing, ceremonial or
religious purposes. If wildlife is killed, it is
an offence to leave edible parts.

Currently-significant species are also

protected under this ordinance. It is strictly
prohibited to hunt, except as specifically
identified and with permission of Chief and
Council, black bears, grizzly bears, golden
eagle, bald eagle, burrowing owl, white
pelican, big horn sheep, elk, swan, blue
heron, wolf and badger. In the interest of
public safety the ordinance also states that
no person shall hunt in a manner or
vacinity that will endanger the public.

RCMP Tk’emlúps Detachment-

In 1999, the Federal and Provincial

governments and three Secwepemc
communities signed a tripartite agreement
with the RCMP. The agreement recognizes
the need for aboriginal involvement and
culturally-responsive policing services on
reserve.

Policing services are provided to TteS,

Wispering Pines, Clinton and Skeetchestn.
As part of the agreement the datchment
was built on TteS land. The RCMP First
Nations community’s individual bylaws
established for prevention of crime and the
maintanence of peace and order.

Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc 13
 Economic Development
The TteS was honoured with the CANDO (Council for the Advancement of Native
Development Officers) Award as the 2008 Community Economic Developer of the Year.

Since 1995, the CANDO Economic Developer of the Year was created to recognize
and promote recent or long-standing Aboriginal economic development initiatives
throughout Canada.

The Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc has been recognized as one of the most economically
progressive bands in Canada, taking on large economic undertakings, lease
agreements and partnerships.

MINING - New Gold Partnership

The Tk’emlύps Indian Band, along with the Skeetchetsn Indian

Band, signed a historic Mining and Minerals Agreement with the
Province of British Columbia.
In 2008, New Gold Inc. and this Kamloops Division of the
Secwepemc Nation, jointly signed a Participation Agreement
relating to New Gold’s Afton Mine Project.
This agreement represents a first step towards co-management of an
The Agreement will provide the Kamloops Division
important resource on our Territory. Mining and Minerals have always
played an important role in our economy so we want to continue to be a with more diverse economic opportunities along
major player in the management of the resource and to be a major player in with other meaningful social and spin off benefits,
the industry.” including employment, education, training and business
- Chief Shane Gottfriedson opportunities.
“We believe that the agreement we have signed with the Kamloops
The purpose of the Participation Agreement is to establish a
Division is a milestone...to ensure that the Project is developed in an
co-operative and mutually beneficial relationship between the environmentally and culturally sustainable manner, recognizing the
participating First Nations and New Gold with respect to the value that the First Nations place on the cultural, spiritual and historic
Project and will provide a long-term framework for on-going heritage of the land.”
communication, collaboration and cooperation. Mr. Cliff Davis, President and CEO of New Gold

FORESTRY

Tk’emlύps Forestry Development Corporation is working to generate higher

and better value added returns from the Band’s timber resources through
strategic processing and marketing of timber.
FORESTRY EXPERIENCE
* Successful management of a woodlot in the Kamloops Forest District

* Successful management of a fire salvage license from “Firestorm 2003”

* Jointly managed small wood license specific to commercial thinning of

suppressed Douglas Fir stands

* Currently hold a non-replaceable forest license (54,540 m3 annually for 5

years) for Mountain Pine Beetle Salvage operations in the Interior

* An additional license in process for approximately 42,000 m3 of beetle

uplift volume
14 Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc
Economic Development
REAL ESTATE

Sun Rivers Golf Resort Community - In 1995, the Tk’emlύps

Indian Band made an important economic development
decision and approved the 460 acre lease to Sun Rivers
Development Corporation

Today, this prime parcel of real estate overlooks the City of

Kamloops and South Thompson River and is Canada’s first all
geo-thermal golf\residential community.

Experts consider the head lease agreement to be one of the

most comprehensive and most secure of its time.

RETAIL & SERVICES

Tk’emlύps Petroleum Gas Bar

Enjoy a full-service gas station and convenience store at the corner of East
Shuswap Rd and Highway No. 5. TIB completed this project as one of the
first successful economic revenue development strategies in 2004.

Tk’emlύps Car Wash

Proud to be “Beyond Green” certified through Ecolab’s Blue Coral program,
the Tk’emlύps Car Wash features 1 touchless automatic and 6 self-serve
wash bays.

Water Treatment Plant

Since 1999, the Water Treatment Plant has provided our community
members with the best quality, portable water that far exceeds the Canadian
water standards.

The plant’s capacity more than meets the needs of our growing residential
community, as well as those of Mount Paul Industrial Park, the development
along the Halston Road Connector, and the Sun Rivers Golf Resort
Community.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

As the owner of over 33,000 acres of multi-use and developable land, the Tk’emlύps Indian Band is the largest reserve
in British Columbia. From highway commercial sites to high density residential neighbourhoods, manufacturing to
agriculture to tourism, the potential opportunities with the Tk’emlύps Indian Band are unlimited.

The Band is currently developing the 90 acre Chief Louie Landing site into a mixed use business and residential
park. Other large projects include a Waste Water Treatment Plant and a contract with Rocky Mountain Rail Tours as a
cultural stop on their cross B.C. bus tours. The Wastewater treatment plant broke ground in 2010 and will hopefully be
completed and operational by 2012.

Other Band developments currently in planning: Seven Mile Industrial Park - a 220 acre warehouse and light industrial
park and a 20 acre high-density residential waterfront development.

Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc 15
 Our Elders
The Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc has more than 70 Elders over the age of 60 living on and off the Reserve. Our
Elders and their wisdom, advice and guidance -- play an integral part in the administration, policies and
direction of the Band. We make sure to honour our elders with the utmost respect and pay tribute to them
through a number of programs and services.

Programs and Services -

Supporting our Elders is a priority among our

people. There are many programs available to
help assist Elders living on-reserve. Services such
as yard and lawn maintenance, seed dollors for
gardens, housing renovations and a heating
allowance.

On the first Friday of every month the

membership department, which is part of our
Social Development department, holds a
luncheon for the elders.

As a group, our Elders are given the opportunity

to take one trip per year to a destination of their
choice. In the past couple of years the Elders have
visited Las Vegas and Hawaii. Pictures seen here
were taken on the Elders trip to Hawaii.

Many of the Elders also take part in the annual

Elders Gathering, held on a different reserve each
year. This is an enjoyable event where they get
the opportunity to have fun with Elders from all
over the province and take part in traditional
activities.

The Chief and Council also hold an annual

Christmas celebration to honour the Elders with
a meal and Christmas gifts. Gifts are also sent to
those Elders living off reserve.

Aboriginal Heroes Book -

To commemorate the lives and memories of our

Elders the Cultural Resource Department
published the Aboriginal Heroes Book. It
recognizes the outstanding life achievements of
our most senior members ensuring their
legacies will not be forgotten.

Featured is Mildred Gottfriedson, honoured as B.C.

and Canadian mother of the year in 1963 and 64’
respectively. In 77’, Mildred was also the first
Aboriginal person in Canada to be awarded the
order of Canada medal. Other heroes include
Robert LeCamp, the first Band member to
graduate from a post secondary institution and
George Leonard, a founding member of the Indian
Friendship Society.

16 Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc
Events and Attractions
Kamloopa Pow Wow -

The Kamloopa Pow Wow attracts more than 1,200

dancers, drummers and artists -- and up to 20,000
spectators through the enormous three day event
in August. Its considered to be the largest little Pow
Wow in the west and has been running more than
30 years.

Although the Kamloopa Pow Wow was initiated by

the TteS, more than 30 North American Bands take
part each year. The celebration fills the valley from
morning to midnight and beyond with the sounds
of drums, songs, dancing and laughter.

TteS displayed respect to the revival of First

Nations culture, heritage, traditions and language
by building the finest outdoor Pow Wow facility
in North America. The Kamloopa Pow Wow Arbor,
designed by a Kamloops Band member, is the
largest free standing log structure in North America.
It incorporates Shuswap design and has deep
spiritual meaning for the Secwepemc people. The
Kamloopa Pow Wow is the biggest event of the year
for the TteS and is the main attraction of the
summer.

St. Josephs Church -

St. Josephs Church, an idea put foward and

brought to fruition by Tk’emlups’ first
Kukpi7, Chief Louis, is the oldest church in
the Kamloops area. It has served as a regional
landmark for more than one and a half
centuries. St. Josephs was built in the mid-
1840’s and was later restored and expanded
in 1985 with the aid of the B.C. Heritage Trust
Fund award. The church plays a huge role in
the history of the Tk’emlups Indian Band and
is a place many go to remember. TteS holds its
standing-room-only Remembrance Day
Ceremony at St. Josephs Church every year.

Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc 17
 HIstoric Information
The Eagle Staff
The physical aspects of the eagle staff includes a long, red, felt-like rectangular cloth attached typically to
a cedar or white pine pole four to seven feet in length (other wood is used depending on location). Some
are made from trees struck by lightning. Often they will contain 13 eagle feathers, one representing each
calendar moon. The TteS staff has an eagle head at the top of it; no two staffs are the same and each
carries different teachings and colors. There are many types of eagle staffs: veteran’s staffs, community
staffs, personal staffs, clan staffs, healing staffs and language staffs. Someone makes eagle staff when they
have a vision or dream.

Spiritual aspects of eagle staff includes the eagle feathers, which contain the spirits of eagles. Eagles can
communicate with the Creator. There is a teaching that the eagle feather was given to us to help us pray
to the creator. People make tobacco offerings to eagle staffs to help answer their prayers. Staff carriers
have to think positive and be strong, the spirits of the staffs listen. One must always carry these living
spirits with honor and respect

When carrying an eagle staff, any vision or instinct an eagle staff carrier may have should be followed.
This means a person must be in a good frame of mind. No mind altering substances should be in an eagle
staff carrier’s body in order to have true thoughts. Woman on their moon should not touch the staff or the
eagle staff carrier as their body is cleansing. An eagle staff carrier should not be political when carrying
the staff. An eagle staff carrier at a tribal council meeting stomped his eagle staff several times when he
disagreed with something that was being said and later said the creator made him do it. Was it the creator
or his own personal opinion? Carriers must maintain a neutral position when carrying the staff as they
carry the staff for their people and our people have different opinions.

Eagle feathers are found or may be given to the eagle staff carrier. Eagle staff carriers are responsible for
praying for their staff and offerings. They are also taught not to leave their staff unattended. If they must
go somewhere they need to give tobacco to a veteran to watch over their staff. The time of day the eagle
staffs should be out is only when the eagle comes (daytime not night).

The TteS Flag

This flag is the “Flag of the People” which displays the Tk’emlúps te
Secwepemc code of arms. In the traditional fashion of heredity, this flag,
proportioned in the same units as the Flag of the Chief, uses the entire
design on the circular shield and rebalances the flag to fill the horizontal
rectangular shape.
The dominant white and red colors are the traditional colors of the
Kamloops people.
The red and black arms of the cross represent the red path of the spirit
and the black path of men. It also is symbolic of the two rivers which flow
through the Kamloops lands. The name Tk’emlups means where the rivers
meet.
The copper circle in the flag represents the collective wealth of the people
and the gifts of Chiefs and elders over generations.
The hundreds of generations of settlement by the Kamloops people on
the great heritage site at the river’s edge is symbolized by the winter
lodge set on the gold circle.
In the quadrants the fawn and the salmon in red symbolize the traditional
foods of the people and the bounty of the earth and the obligation of
people to be good stewards of this bounty.

This flag is a great symbol of the Tk’emlups nation.

18 Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc
Changes over time

Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc 19
TK’Emlups te Secwepemc
“With Teamwork we create action and Pride”