Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, TNRD sign agreement and raise the Ttes flag

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday.

During the ceremony, the Ttes flag was raised at the TNRD Civic Building in downtown Kamloops, joining the flags of the TNRD, City of Kamloops, BC and Canada.

The agreement and flag raising are meant to represent each party's commitment to working together.

“On behalf of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, we are pleased to have made history with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District by taking steps toward reconciliation,” said TteS Kukpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir.

“The greatest impact will be felt by our people and our respective communities, and we can take pride in these steps forward together.”

When the TNRD Board of Directors adopted their 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, engaging with local First Nations was a major priority.

Other priorities include relationship building and reconciliation with First Nation communities.

“We have been acknowledging Tk̓emlúps territory at the start of our Board and Committee meetings for several years, and we are proud to now raise their flag,” said TNRD board chair Barbara Roden.

The TNRD covers more than 44,000 square kilometres which includes more than 65 unincorporated communities within 10 electoral districts, 11 member municipalities and 25 First Nations.